People: University of Warwick; Midlands FM; Marks & Clerk

The University of Warwick has appointed Satnam Rana-Grindley to the role of director of communications in the marketing, communications, and insights team.

Rana-Grindley brings a 21-year career in broadcast journalism at the BBC where she was part of the presenter lineup for BBC Midlands Today and up until 2020, the arts and culture correspondent.

Following her time at the BBC, Satnam transitioned to corporate communications at Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP where she was a member of the senior leadership team.

Notably, she set up and led the marketing, communications, and external affairs directorate.

She said, “The University of Warwick is world-leading in its research and teaching and is a transformational force for good for individuals and society. I am passionate about working to create a better tomorrow through communications and this role presents a great opportunity for me to do just that.”

Ajay Teli, chief communications and marketing Officer at the University of Warwick, said: “As we begin the countdown to our 60th anniversary next year, the University of Warwick reaffirms its continuing commitment to pioneering innovation, research, and teaching. Our world-leading academics, researchers and students are dedicated to creating tomorrow’s real-world solutions amidst fast-moving social, economic, and environmental challenges.

“With a global footprint from our Warwick Venice Centre to partnerships with Monash University in Australia plus hubs in Asia, our story has a global reach. Our ambition is to amplify our impact on regional, national, and international platforms, ensuring our story reaches audiences far and wide.”

A facilities management firm has launched a new department and expanded its team in recent growth plans.

 Diamond Facilities Support, which is headquartered at Birmingham Business Park, has launched a major works team to complement its existing minor works team.

The major works team, which will be led by Barry Leonard, will focus on landing and managing cross-sector Facilities Management projects worth up to £500,000.

 Whereas, the minor works team, overseen by Rebecca Harris, manages projects up to the value of £50,000.

The major works team

There will be a 15-strong workforce working across both teams, where the projects will range from roofing and groundworks, through to plumbing, electrical, drainage, plastering and decorating.

 Adam Atkins, chief executive at Diamond Facilities Support, said: “The consistent results from our direct labour model approach has helped us to build trust and forge longstanding relationships with some of the biggest brands in the UK – to the point where our briefs with existing clients are expanding, alongside securing referrals.

 “Demand has now reached a level where we now need dedicated teams to support minor and major commercial projects alongside the regular scheduled FM work that we offer to clients. Whether it is upgrading utilities across an organisation’s group of sites, or re-plastering a hole in a ceiling, we now have teams dedicated to carrying out these types of works to ensure we maintain an efficient service that will enable us to continue to grow.

 “As a business, we are also passionate about bringing through the next generation of FM talent to work alongside experienced engineers in an environment where there is career progression for everyone, and our latest intake of engineers typifies this.”

Marks & Clerk, an international intellectual property (IP) firm has announced that Martin Hyden has been appointed as a new partner in the firm’s Birmingham office.

Martin Hyden

With a career spanning over 35 years in the IP profession, he has worked in both private practice and in-house positions in the UK, USA, Japan, France, and Belgium.

Hyden has wide-ranging experience across a diverse cross-section of clients, ranging from start-ups and private inventors up to multinationals.

He has particular experience in the oil and gas industry and has also worked closely with businesses involved in medical sciences and materials sciences.

Simon Mounteney, managing partner, said: “We are delighted to welcome Martin back to our firm.  His genuine breadth of extensive experience and outstanding reputation in his field align seamlessly with our commitment to delivering top-tier IP solutions to our clients. Martin began his career with Marks & Clerk so it is especially meaningful that he has chosen to re-join us to further elevate our standing as a leader in international intellectual property.”