People: Wesleyan; Mackrell Solicitors; FBC Manby Bowdler
Wesleyan, the specialist financial services mutual, has appointed Paul McMahon to its board of directors.
McMahon has over 40 years of experience in financial services including holding senior executive positions at Aegon, Axa and Zurich.
He is an experienced non-executive director and is currently a member of the Board of Ignition Advice UK Limited and EBI portfolios.
McMahon has led his own consultancy service working with major UK firms on growth strategies and the optimisation of digital technologies in the investment, wealth management and platform sectors.
Wesleyan Chair Nathan Moss said: “Paul’s blend of skills and experience will be invaluable to Wesleyan as we enter the next stage of our strategy focused on delivering significant, sustainable growth. We want more doctors, dentists and educators to benefit from our trusted, specialist proposition and key to this will be the introduction of a new digital platform that will, when fully developed, transform how we meet the savings, investments and wealth needs of our customers.
“Paul’s experience in delivering successful business transformation and deploying innovative digital solutions will be a real asset to the Board and the business. We’re delighted to welcome him to Wesleyan.”
McMahon said: “This is an exciting time to join Wesleyan and I’ve been impressed by the clear and consistent vision for growth and the plans in place to underpin it.
The business has huge potential to increase scale and profitability which, as a mutual, can then lead to greater value for members. I’m looking forward to bringing my skills to the table and playing a role in the next stage of Wesleyan’s long history.”
At the same time, Harpreet Sood will move from his role as non-executive Director to become co-chair of Wesleyan Members Advisory Board.
Sood is a practicing NHS GP and will co-lead this board which comprises representatives from Wesleyan’s core customer professions.
They share their knowledge and expertise to help ensure the Society’s strategy remains relevant to its customers.
Mackrell Solicitors has welcomed back Gemma Hughes, who returns to the firm to head up its private client team.
With a strong reputation for her expertise in estate administration, wills, trust management, and Court of Protection work, Hughes’ return strengthens the firm’s commitment to providing clear, compassionate, and expert legal advice to clients.
Gemma Hughes
She specialises in the administration of both simple and complex estates, including post-death inheritance tax savings.
As a full member of Solicitors for the Elderly, she has a proven track record of supporting older and vulnerable clients with care and sensitivity, helping them navigate complex legal matters with confidence.
Hughes said: “I’m really happy to be back at Mackrell.Solicitors. The firm’s focus on delivering personal, empathetic, and high-quality legal services aligns perfectly with my own values.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to build trusted relationships with our clients, guiding them through sensitive and often difficult legal matters with clarity and compassion.”
Maung Aye, Mackrell.Solicitors’ joint managing partner said: “We are delighted that Gemma is back to lead our private client team. Her knowledge, expertise, and dedication to client care make her an invaluable asset, and we look forward to seeing her continue to strengthen our private client services.”
FBC Manby Bowdler has announced several promotions within the firm.
Five solicitors across the West Midlands and Shropshire has been promoted to the roles of partner or associate.
In the Wolverhampton office, Michael Portman-Hann, a medical negligence practitioner, has been promoted to partner, alongside serious injury specialist Michelle Hartshorn and probate disputes expert Kimberly Mears.
Neil Lloyd, CEO of FBC Manby Bowdler said: “We are justly proud of our team of skilled and experienced lawyers across all legal disciplines, and I’m delighted to welcome Michael, Michelle, and Kimberly to the prestigious role of partner. These promotions are just reward for their hard work and expertise, which help to make FBC Manby Bowdler one of the most respected and busiest law firms in the region. The company is going from strength to strength thanks to the talent and hard work of our exceptional team.”
Louise Coleby, partner Michelle Hartshorn, Michael Portman-Hann, Jessica Johnson, Kimberly Mears with Guy Birkett
Michael Portman-Hann, who has been promoted to partner, joined FBC Manby Bowdler in 2022 as an associate in the personal injury team.
He specialises in clinical negligence and was named a key lawyer in the 2025 Legal 500 Directory and a Star Associate in the Chambers and Partners Directory for 2025.
Michelle Hartshorn, who joined the firm in 2020, has been promoted to senior associate.
With over 25 years of experience in handling life-changing injuries, she was also recognised as a key lawyer in the Legal 500 2024 Directory.
Kimberly Mears, who joined the firm as a paralegal in 2007 and qualified as a solicitor in 2010, specialises in estate matters such as wills and inheritance.
She is a full member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) and has been named a leading associate in the Legal 500 Directory.
Additionally, two solicitors in FBC Manby Bowdler’s Telford office, Jessica Johnson from the private client team and Louise Coleby from the residential property team, will also be promoted to associate.
