People: Irwin Mitchell; Rhino Interiors Group; Inspired Thinking Group
Law firm Irwin Mitchell has appointed Pete Maguire as a partner to support its ongoing drive to grow its business team.
Based in Irwin Mitchell’s Birmingham office, Maguire is a commercial contracts lawyer specialising in the drafting and negotiation of IT contracts, outsourcing and commercial contracts across various sectors. He has also spent part of his career working as an in-house lawyer.
He specialises in advising businesses in the technology, manufacturing, security, logistics, catering and support services sectors.
Whilst at Wright Hassall, he was also jointly head of Wright Hassall’s Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Sector Group.
He has also worked for several years in the defence sector and carries security clearance allowing him to work with clients on contracts in this sensitive area.
Fergal Dowling, managing partner of Iwin Mitchell’s Business Services Group, said: “Pete’s expertise in commercial contracts and his leadership within the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Sector are invaluable assets that align perfectly with our vision for growth.
“His role in advising key sectors such as technology, manufacturing and defence not only strengthens our capabilities but also enhances our commitment to providing comprehensive legal services. We are thrilled to welcome Pete to the Irwin Mitchell family and look forward to the innovative solutions he will bring to our clients.”
The firm also announced the recruitment of seven regulatory lawyers from Ince & Co, led by partners Philip Somarakis and Colette Kelly.
Maguire said: “I am excited to join Irwin Mitchell and I’m truly impressed with the breadth of legal expertise available. The firm’s comprehensive approach to law, combined with a robust portfolio of services, provides a solid foundation for addressing the multifaceted needs of our clients.”
Rhino Interiors Group has appointed Howard Barnes as its new head of workplace experience.
Howard brings five decades of industry experience, during which the world of the workplace has been remapped.
Howard Barnes
Through Rhino’s offering of Workplace Consultancy, Howard leverages tools such as Rhino’s People & Place Study to provide invaluable clarity and insight at every stage of a project. By basing decisions on data rather than assumptions, clients
gain peace of mind knowing that their workplace design is aligned with their organisational needs and goals.
Howard Barnes, said: “A People & Place Study provides clarity and insight in the early stages of any complex project, and forms a key part of the wider Workplace Consultancy. The clarity and insight given by this study are important, however the secondary (and possibly greater) benefit is the peace of mind these insights provide. Decisions are made based on data rather than
assumptions. Understanding the unique DNA of an organisation is paramount to achieving successful workplace outcomes, and Rhino’s Workplace Consultancy services offer just that.”
Inspired Thinking Group (ITG), a tech firm has appointed Andrew Swinand as group chief executive officer (GCEO) to build on the company’s growth and deliver its mission to transform marketing for brands around the world.
The appointment sees Simon Ward move into a Founder role, continuing to be a passionate ambassador for ITG and adviser to Andrew Swinand.
Simon Ward, ITG Founder, said, “Having made the decision to step into a Founder role, it was vital from my perspective to find the absolute best person to lead the group – and I’m delighted to say we’ve done so. Andrew shares our vision and is the perfect fit for our business and culture.
“The marketing industry needs to modernise, having remained wedded to outdated ways of working that are no longer fit for purpose. We’ve partnered with progressive, forward-thinking brands to reinvent the way they go to market – efficiently delivering powerful content for every channel. Adding Andrew’s experience, knowledge and passion to our business, this new way of working will become the norm.”
