People: Ballards LLP; mfg Solicitors; Leonard Curtis
Birmingham-based Ballards LLP has announced the appointment of Peter Henry as its new governance and risk director.
With over three decades of experience in audit, compliance and risk management across various sectors, Henry brings a wealth of knowledge to the role.
Henry’s career began in the 1990s when he transitioned from practice to internal audit roles within civil service and local government.
He has also worked for global giants such as Fujitsu and Caterpillar, as well as financial service companies.
In his new role at Ballards LLP, he will focus on streamlining governance processes, with a particular emphasis on anti-money laundering initiatives, ICAEW regulations and data privacy.
James Syree, partner and CEO at Ballards LLP, said: “The regulatory landscape has undergone significant changes over the past two decades, creating a pressing need for professionals like Peter who possess deep expertise in governance, risk, and compliance. Peter’s extensive experience and strategic approach will be invaluable as we navigate the complex regulatory environment and ensure our firm’s continued success.”
Law firm mfg Solicitors has announced the appointment of corporate and commercial law specialist Julian Milan as a senior associate.
Milan is set to mark his 25th year as a solicitor, specialising in a variety of commercial law matters, including supply agreements, terms of sale, and purchase and bespoke agreements.
He also advises on intellectual property licences, IT agreements, website terms and data protection.
Based at the firm’s Waterloo Street office in Birmingham city centre, he will work closely with corporate partners Clare Lang, Laura Charles and James Hayes.
Clare Lang, partner and head of the corporate department at mfg Solicitors said: “Julian brings valuable experience to our growing corporate and commercial team in central Birmingham. We are dealing with an increasing number of complex matters,
so with over two successful decades advising in these fields, he’s the perfect fit for our team.
“Julian has also built a strong reputation with clients regionally and nationally for his advice on commercial contracts, including in the IT and technology sectors. That’s a side of law which will only continue to grow, which makes him a great addition, not only to the team in Birmingham, but across the whole firm.”
Milan said: “Boosted by the recently opened office in central Birmingham, the growth and ambition of the firm is well known in the West Midlands and beyond. I join mfg at an exciting time and alongside Clare, Laura and James, I look forward
to playing my part in building on our reputation in the months and years ahead.”
Ellie Woodhouse has joined Leonard Curtis in Stoke as a new business development manager.
A qualified chartered management accountant, Woodhouse has worked in the finance sector for over 14 years, 12 of which were with Handelsbanken’s private banking, credit underwriting and commercial banking teams.
Woodhouse has dealt with a wide range of individuals and businesses across all sectors, with vast experience assisting the leisure and care sectors, as well as residential and commercial property investors.
She joins the firm’s Stoke office, based on Festival Park, which was opened last September offering restructuring, funding and legal support for SME businesses as well as those navigating the challenges of the current economic environment, including higher interest rates, cost of living and accessing appropriate funding.
She said: “I am passionate about supporting SMEs. I am looking forward to using the extensive lender network at Leonard Curtis to source the best solutions for their borrowing needs and support them to achieve their goals.”
Chris Knott, director at Leonard Curtis in Stoke, said: “She brings a wealth of direct experience with business owners, and her property experience will be invaluable as we help tackle specific issues facing that sector.“
, commercial finance director at Leonard Curtis: “Ellie is a key addition to the LC team, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to our business as we reach for further growth, supporting SMEs with vital solutions.”