People: Ballards; HCR Law; Harris Lamb

Accountancy firm Ballards has announced the appointment of Andy Bewick, corporate and international partner, to the AGN International EMEA Board (Europe, Middle East and Africa).

This appointment recognises Bewick’s expertise and leadership within the international accounting community gained over the last three decades.

He said: “I am honoured to join the AGN International EMEA Board and look forward to contributing to its strategic direction and growth. The businesses we work with, especially those looking to expand overseas, often ask me for international insights and the key considerations in operating within other countries. This new role will give me an even deeper insight into international practices that I can use to help clients, and other AGN member firms navigate the increasingly complex global financial landscape.”

As part of his remit, Bewick will contribute to strategic oversight of the EMEA region, helping to strengthen member firm collaboration and enhance service quality standards.

He will leverage his extensive experience in cross-border engagements by continuing to serve on specialised committees focused on expanding the international capabilities and reach of the association globally.

James Syree, chief executive officer of Ballards said: “Andy’s appointment to the AGN International EMEA Board is a testament to his outstanding professional capabilities and dedication. This recognition not only highlights Andy’s personal achievements but also enhances our firm’s reputation on the international stage. Ballards is continuing to outperform the market in terms of growth and enhancing our international accounting and audit support for clients is a key part of our growth strategy.”

Ballards LLP is a member of AGN International, one of the world’s leading associations of independent accounting and advisory businesses.

The firm anticipates that Bewick’s new position will further enhance its ability to serve clients with international interests and contribute to its continued growth in the global marketplace.

HCR Law has appointed Peter Brewer as a partner in its Birmingham office.

Previously a partner at a national law firm, leading the Birmingham commercial litigation team, Brewer is a well-respected figure in the West Midlands and a leading expert in complex commercial litigation.

His recognition across the West Midlands is highlighted through his position as chair of the Birmingham Law Society, which represents over 9,000 legal professionals across Birmingham and the Greater Midlands.

Rebecca Leask and Peter Brewer

A specialist in corporate litigation, he has a reputation for acting for large corporates, high net worth individuals and corporate stakeholders in high-value, complex disputes.

His work is noted in the Legal 500, where he led his previous regional practice focusing on shareholder disputes, complex contractual litigation, and professional negligence claims. Peter has also regularly advised on claims arising from the enforcement of restrictive covenants.

An advocate for mediation as an alternate route to resolution, in 2019, Brewer became an accredited civil and commercial mediator and has grown this area of his practice alongside his work as a solicitor.

Brewer said: “It was going to take something truly unique for me to join a new firm, and HCR Law is exactly that. HCR has been growing and making waves not just in Birmingham but across the country. I am excited to be joining HCR Law and grabbing this opportunity with both hands, to be a part of and grow the dispute resolution practice in Birmingham.”

Rebecca Leask, head of HCR Law’s Birmingham office said: “We’re delighted to welcome Peter to HCR Law. Peter has an excellent reputation within the Birmingham legal community and will be invaluable in supporting our clients with complex dispute resolution matters across Birmingham and the West Midlands.

“Our growth in the region continues to be driven by client demand across all service areas. As we expand, we remain focused on bringing in individuals who share the values that define HCR, which are built around a passion for people. We know this ensures that as we grow, our leading client service and our people continue to be the unique elements of HCR as a leading UK law firm. The Birmingham team and I look forward to working with Peter and are confident he will play a key role in our continued growth and advising HCR clients.”

Harris Lamb has expanded its lease advisory team with the appointment of graduate surveyor Keira Redfern.

Redfern, who graduated from Birmingham City University with an Honours degree in Real Estate last year, has joined the business as a graduate surveyor, specialising in landlord and tenant negotiations.

Keira Redfern

Having previously worked at a national practice in the city, she now aims to work towards Chartered status with the support of Harris Lamb’s in-house mentorship programme.

Redfern said: “Further to graduating in April 2024 I have been keen to expand my experience within the commercial property sector, specifically within the Lease Advisory field. Over the past year, I have gained extensive experience in dealing with lease renewals and rent reviews, which has allowed me to act on behalf of both landlords and tenants and to understand the difference in approaches.

“I’ve been able to work within both the industrial and retail sectors, and I’m looking forward to developing this experience further at Harris Lamb. The business has a great reputation within both the Midlands and the property sector, and I am excited to join such a dynamic team.

“My next career goal will be to achieve my RICS accreditation, and the business has an excellent reputation for supporting graduates through the APC (Assessment of Professional Competence) pathway to help them do just that with the guidance of its in-house mentor, and I’ve set myself a target of achieving this by Autumn 2026.”

Carolyn Quinn, associate at Harris Lamb said: “Keira is a very motivated addition to our six-strong team, and we’re delighted to have her join us. We have been impressed with her approach to expanding her professional network, her client communication and her understanding of complex negotiations and finding solutions. We have no doubt she is going to be a real asset to the business.”