On the Move: RWK Goodman; Cornish Metals; WSP Solicitors; Acquirz; Lester Aldridge
RWK Goodman has continued to strengthen its capabilities in the South West with the appointment of Mike Ahyow as a new commercial partner in the firm’s Bristol office.
Ahyow joins the firm from Osborne Clarke and for more than a decade has advised clients across a range of sectors including Retail, Leisure and Hospitality, Digital Media, Fintech, and Energy and Infrastructure.
He has particular expertise in technology matters, such as IT outsourcing, and software and IP licensing. He is also highly experienced in data protection, advising on matters such as data protection audits and the use and exploitation of data.
He said: “I’m really excited to be joining a growing and ambitious RWK Goodman team in Bristol. The team is building a strong and successful practice and I look forward to supporting our clients with the expertise they need to achieve their business objectives and goals.”
The appointment is the latest senior lateral hire into the firm’s Bristol office, following on from the addition of venture capital partner Scott Preece and planning partner Stephen Jefferson in September 2024, Real Estate partner Rhodri Glyn in October 2024, and dispute resolution partner Simon Price in April 2025.
James Worrall, head of RWK Goodman’s corporate team, said: “I’m thrilled to be able to welcome Mike to our growing team at RWK Goodman in Bristol, with his extensive experience and background advising clients on technology and data protection matters folding in perfectly and complementing many of our existing capabilities and offerings for clients.
“His arrival at the firm is another strong step in the development of our team and in particular our Bristol office, highlighting our commitment to ensuring clients not just in the South West but wider can have access to leading practitioners who know their markets inside and out.”
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Cornish Metals, the mineral exploration and development company focused on advancing its South Crofty tin project in Cornwall, has announced its chief operating officer has left the business.
The company said that Owen Mihalop left the role on April 25 in order to pursue new opportunities.
Don Turvey, CEO of Cornish Metals, said: “On behalf of the company I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Owen for his contribution to South Crofty. We are grateful to Owen for his dedication to the project and his many achievements. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
Meanwhile, the company also announced additions to its senior leadership team.
David Howe has been appointed to the role of general manager, South Crofty, where he will lead the operational activities of the South Crofty mine.
Turvey, CEO of Cornish Metals, added: “We welcome Dave and Guillermo to the Cornish Metals team at an important point as the project transitions into the construction and development stage. Their wealth of project development and operating experience will be key to
leading the project through successful construction and to full production to realise our corporate vision to become the chosen supplier of secure and responsible tin in Europe and to bring tin mining back to Cornwall.”
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Gloucestershire law firm, WSP Solicitors has announced the appointments of two new solicitors, Nafeesa Hussain and Destiny Keville.
WSP Solicitors, which has been present in the county for over 260 years, now employs 64 legal professionals and team members. To support its long-term progression the firm opened a new Gloucester office at Elmbridge East Business Park in January this year and has a second office in Stroud.
Joining the corporate team, solicitor Nafeesa Hussain previously held roles at Harrison Clark Rickerbys, Bradley Haynes Law, and Davies and Partners. She advises on all aspects of corporate law including the buying and selling of businesses, restructuring, shareholders’ agreements, share buybacks, as well as providing general corporate advice to clients.
Keville is a solicitor in WSP Solicitors’ Child Law team, within the Family Law Department. Previously of Tanners Solicitors, Destiny’s expertise includes private children arrangements, non-molestation orders, and domestic abuse support for victims.
As well as the new appointments, WSP Solicitors has announced a new solicitor training contract for Joanna Harvey, previously a paralegal in the Family Department and Jamie Jukes as a Trainee Solicitor Apprentice.
Judi Bonham, managing director, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome both Nafeesa and Destiny to the WSP team. Their appointments reflect our continued commitment to strengthening our service offerings across key practice areas as demand continues to grow.
“It’s fantastic to be announcing our new training and apprentice contracts too, especially to be investing in the new SQE route, demonstrating our progressive approach to developing our people. Both Joanna and Jamie have been with us since 2022, joining as paralegals. These next steps in their legal careers mark our dedication to empowering our team, nurturing our own talent, and our commitment to personal and professional development.
“We’re committed to making life less complicated for all our clients, we know that all four will play an important role in this.”
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A string of promotions have been announced at Lester Aldridge’s Bournemouth office
Promoted from solicitor to associate are:
Alexander Bickerstaff – Commercial Dispute Resolution – Bournemouth
Aneta Zaitlikova – Real Estate Commercial – Bournemouth
Promoted from associate to senior associate:
Rebecca Bright – International Private Client – Bournemouth
Deena Blake – Real Estate Development – Bournemouth
Alice Thursfield – Health & Social Care – Bournemouth
Lucy Wadley – International Private Client – Bournemouth
Tom Alder, managing partner at Lester Aldridge, said: “Recognising and rewarding the talent within our teams is something we take great pride in. These promotions are a reflection of each individual’s capability, contribution, and the positive impact they have within their teams and across the firm. I’m delighted to congratulate our colleagues on their success and look forward to seeing them continue to grow and thrive at Lester Aldridge.”
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Acquirz, the Cheltenham-based B2B data solutions and email marketing agency, is marking five years in business with the appointment of Vickie Stacey as head of data operations.
The milestone follows remarkable growth and a raft of strategic hires – including several senior appointments – as the agency continues to scale at pace.
With its seven-figure turnover now up 40% year-on-year, Acquirz’s has seen its client base grow by 600% and its team expand by 800% since 2020. From launching with just 10 clients during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency now works with over 50 large enterprises and SMEs – including many iconic global brands.
Joining the team at Acquirz, Stacey brings over 28 years of experience in the data industry, progressing from a Data Entry Executive to IT Analyst before taking on her new position.
She will apply this expertise in her new role to tackle complex data challenges and transform raw information into valuable business insights.
Chris Skinner, director and co-founder at Acquirz, said: “We’ve worked hard to build a team and a culture that’s rooted in innovation and collaboration, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the impact that’s having on the growth of the agency.
“With years of experience in the B2B data solutions and email marketing industry, our team of experts understand the challenges and opportunities businesses face when it comes to attracting, engaging, and converting prospects. We’re delighted to have Vickie join us, bringing her deep expertise and leadership to help further elevate our capabilities.
“However, we’re just getting started. With ambitious growth plans, product developments in the pipeline, a strong focus on sustainability, and a growing team to drive it all forward, we’re more excited than ever about what’s ahead.”
