People: Irwin Mitchell; Lodders; Prime Accountants

The Birmingham office of law firm Irwin Mitchell has appointed Sarah Richardson as a Senior Associate in its Rural Business and Estates Team.

Sarah joins from Michelmores’ Private Property and Landed Estates team where she was a Senior Associate. She has worked in the legal sector for approximately ten years at both regional and international firms.

Sarah, who has a national remit, advises landowners, farmers, landed estates, individuals, companies, trusts and farm businesses in relation to non-contentious agricultural and rural land and property matters.

James Pavey, Head of Rural Business and Estates said: “I am delighted that Sarah is joining us to bolster our growing offering to the owners of estates and farms. By being based in the Birmingham office her appointment with provide us with a stronger national coverage.

“Sarah has significant experience of all aspects of rural property – agricultural, residential and commercial and is well-placed, as part of our growing team, to help our landowner and rural business clients meet the challenges of the next decade.”

18/1/2024, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, UK. Lodders. Photo credit: Dave Warren/Picture Team

Law firm Lodders has appointed property litigation specialist Kyle Wyness as a partner in its Property Dispute Resolution team.

Kyle joins Lodders from Banbury-based SE Solicitors, where he worked for 13 years advising on a wide range of litigation matters. Prior to this, he trained and qualified at law firm Needham & James.

A specialist in contentious property matters, Kyle has years of experience in acting for landlords and tenants of commercial and residential property and advising individuals and companies on all aspects of property and real estate litigation. He also advises on matters such as option agreements, promotion agreements, and overage agreements, as well as professional negligence claims against property professionals.

In his role at Lodders, Kyle will join the firm’s growing Property Dispute Resolution team that is headed by Vicky Khandker.

Vicky said: “Kyle’s appointment represents a significant addition to the team. His specialist knowledge of and extensive experience in contentious property matters, including boundary disputes, adverse possession claims, and lease renewals will be invaluable as our client portfolio and instructions continue to grow. Our team takes a practical and pragmatic approach to property dispute resolution and is committed to achieving cost-effective outcomes for our clients, and Kyle’s values are very much aligned, making him the ideal fit.”

A West Midlands accountancy firm has kicked off 2024 with a raft of promotions.

Prime Accountants Group, which has offices in Solihull, Birmingham and Coventry, has promoted five members of staff with a combined total of 49 years’ service to the company.

Kerrie Given and Paislei Godley, who joined the firm in 2006 and 2001 respectively, have both been promoted to associate director.

In Prime’s wealth planning and advisory business, Prime Wealth, Callum O’Rourke has been promoted to senior manager and Emily Sutton has been promoted to manager.

Finally, Lemar Chandegra, who joined Prime as a graduate, has been promoted to audit and accounts senior after qualifying as an accountant.

Kevin Johns, managing director of Prime Accountants, said: “Providing a working culture where people can grow and progress is a huge part of the ethos at Prime and this quartet is proof positive of that.

“It’s great to see promotions across the spectrum, too – from Kerrie and Paislei, who have been with us for many years, to Lemar, who joined us straight from university.

“Congratulations to all five – I am sure they will continue to flourish in their new roles.”