Appointments: Knowles takes QC; Key role for MC2’s Jones and more

NORTH West barrister Graham Knowles, a member of Exchange Chambers, has been sworn in as a QC.

Mr Knowles, who was called to the Bar in 1990, specialises in murder including gangland cases, fraud, money laundering, drug importation and distribution and serious sexual offences.

Tom Handley, director of chambers, said: “This appointment is richly deserved. Graham is a first rate criminal barrister and an integral part of Chambers’ criminal practice. We are delighted for him.”

Meanwhile seven barristers, also from Exchange Chambers, have been appointed as recorders.

Mark Ainsworth, Neil Cadwallader, Ian Harris, Catherine Howells, Tina Landale, Mark Rhind and Amanda Yip will sit for between four to six weeks a year.

Tom Handley, director of chambers, said: “These appointments are a positive reflection on both the individuals themselves and Chambers as a whole. We are delighted.”

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LAUREN Jones, an account director at marketing consultancy MC2, has been appointed regional director of the Professional Marketing Forum in the North West.

Ms Jones, who currently leads the professional and financial services team at MC2, will in her role as North West regional director be responsible for raising the profile of the marketing profession and promote best practice in the region.

Ms Jones said: “I am looking forward to working closely with the other members of the committee to drive forward the organisation’s objectives even further over the coming months.”

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ASSET based financier Venture Structured Finance has appointed Peadar O’Reilly as a regional director for Manchester.

Mr O’ Reilly was previously a director in the mid-corporate team at the Bank of Ireland, specialising in asset based lending and structured debt.

He will work alongside existing regional director Neil Topping and will share responsibility for delivering ABL packages including provisions for cashflow term loans to support businesses in the Manchester area.

Steve Websdale, managing director at Venture Structured Finance, said: “Despite the economic downturn, Venture is very much open for business. We are glad to be in a position to recruit top industry talent to bolster our commitment to businesses in Manchester, during these challenging times.”

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MANCHESTER-based property consultants Edwards & Co has appointed Stephen Hamer as a partner to its investment team.

Mr Hamer, who joins from Lambert Smith Hampton, will be responsible for developing the investment department and will advise Edwards’ client base on acquisitions and disposals.

Alun Jones, partner of Edwards & Co, said: “Whilst many firms are reducing staffing levels my partners and I feel that the time is ripe to strengthen our current offer and in Stephen we have secured a powerful addition to our team as we look to extend our market share.”

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STOCKPORT-based retail field marketing and training company Beyond The Box has appointed Michael Marks as field marketing manager.

Mr Marks will be responsible for managing the field marketing, field training, merchandising and promotional teams, as well as progressing the company’s business development strategy.

Christine Knott, managing director of Beyond The Box, said:“Michael’s appointment is pivotal to the future direction of the business. He brings with him a wealth of experience and we are very much looking forward to welcoming him into the team.”

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NORTH West law firm Mace and Jones has appointed Sheila Whitton to its real estate department.

Ms Whitton, who joins from Freeth Cartwright, will advise registered landlords on social housing across the North West.

Karl Jackson, head of real estate at Mace & Jones, said: “Sheila’s considerable experience in this field will further strengthen our offering to the Social Housing Sector.  We see Sheila’s experience and client base as being compatible with the work we are already engaged upon in the urban regeneration field.”