People: RSM; Wright Hassall; Ridge

RSM UK has announced the promotion of James Roberts to partner within the risk assurance team.

Roberts is based in RSM Birmingham’s 103 Colmore Row office and leads the firm’s financial services prudential risk advisory and assurance team.

His clients include a wide range of retail and investment banks, broking firms, asset managers and financial advice firms.

Roberts also has experience advising on the regulatory aspects of acquisitions, IPOs, carve outs and disposals, as well as offering support for accounting and regulatory due diligence.

He said: “I am thrilled to become a partner at RSM. During my time here, it’s been hugely rewarding and it’s great to be a part of supportive and collaborative team. There are exciting opportunities ahead which I look forward to helping drive forward for the benefit of our clients and the firm.”

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Law firm Wright Hassall has announced the appointment of four newly-qualified solicitors following the completion of their training contracts.

Chloe Gardner, Emily-Jade Hodson, Adam Morris and Charlotte Kahrman have started their now roles at Wright Hassall, based on Olympus Avenue, in Leamington Spa.

Gardner joins a growing team of more than 30 in the firm’s real estate division, while Hodson becomes the latest member of its commercial litigation department.

Morris joins the employment team, while Kahrman arrives as the seventh member of the firm’s contentious probate team.

Partner Lucie Byron, who leads the trainee programme at Wright Hassall, said: “I am really pleased for our newly-qualified solicitors and would like to congratulate Chloe, Emily, Adam and Charlotte as they start their new roles with us.

“At Wright Hassall, we have always believed in developing our own talent and providing a first-class training programme which invests in the growth and development of the next generation of talent.

“All four have brought real drive and enthusiasm to their work and I look forward to watching their careers progress further at the company.”

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Property and construction consultancy Ridge and Partners has appointed Phil Kelly as partner to head up its Net Zero Carbon and Circularity (NZ+C) expertise.

He brings more than 15 years of experience in building services and sustainability and is recognised internationally as a thought leader in sustainable design and strategies. Kelly has led the energy and sustainability strategies for some of the most innovative and complex projects across UK commercial, education, science, and healthcare sectors. He has also led international research projects on decarbonisation and the circular economy.

Based in Birmingham, he will deliver a cross-discipline, cross-market NZ+C offer for clients, working closely with design and engineering disciplines, sustainability teams, and social value specialists to maximise sustainable outcomes on projects.

He said: “Ridge delivers market-leading sustainability strategies that touch every stage of a building’s design and operation. I’m excited to be working across the organisation to share knowledge, boost collaboration, and build a national team that will help clients meet present – and future – climate and legislative challenges.

Graham Blackburn, partner at Ridge, said: “Further strengthening our world-class expertise in sustainability and social value, we welcome Phil, another highly regarded industry professional who joins us from senior positions in Ramboll and Hoare Lea.

“Phil will lead integration with our multidisciplinary professionals so we can show the way to a holistic approach that delivers sustainable growth for our clients.”

Kelly joins Ridge from Ramboll, where he launched its Sustainable Solutions department in 2020.