People: Weightmans; Evelyn Partners; CPMG

National law firm Weightmans has welcomed a new partner to its built environment team in its Birmingham office.

John Gregory is a specialist planning lawyer with almost 20 years of expertise in the industry and ranked by Legal 500 as a “leading individual” for planning in the Midlands.

Formerly a partner and head of planning at Wright Hassall LLP, Gregory provides specialist planning advice to developers, investors, landowners, local planning authorities and housing associations. He will be based in the Top 40 law firm’s Birmingham office and will add further strength to the planning and construction team.

Gregory said: “I am excited to be joining Weightmans’ talented planning team and look forward to growing the firm’s offering in Birmingham and across the Midlands in particular.

“Weightmans is a firm I have long admired for its depth of expertise and high-quality work across both the public and private sectors. Its commitment to excellent client service and innovative legal solutions, coupled with its ambition to become a Top 30 law firm, aligns perfectly with my professional values and aspirations.”

Karl Jackson, partner and head of built environment, said: “I am delighted to welcome John to the team. He is the go-to advisor for a mix of private and public sector organisation across the Midlands and it is a real asset to have him on the built environment team. I wish him every success with the firm.”

Jawaid Rehman, partner and regional head of the Birmingham office, said: “With John’s appointment, the firm’s commitment to Birmingham and the Midlands shows no sign of stopping and follows other big appointments in the office earlier in the year and our office move in 2023. I’d like to welcome John to the team and look forward to working with him as we grow our reputation in the region as a law firm of choice and a key employer.”

Gregory’s appointment follows that of Abdul Zaheed, another big hitter in the built environment sector, who joined the firm’s growing real estate team in Birmingham earlier this year.

In 2023, Weightmans signed a ten-year lease for new premises on the 9th floor of the 26-storey Colmore Row building – Birmingham’s tallest office tower. The deal saw the firm’s regionally based staff move from St Philips Point, on Temple Row, where it had been based since 2006.

Rachel Bleakley

Evelyn Partners, the leading wealth management and professional services group has announced the appointment of Rachel Bleakley as an associate director in its Birmingham financial planning team.

Before joining Evelyn Partners, Bleakley was a Wealth Planner at Succession Wealth. She has also worked for Fisher Investments and Chase de Vere Medical. Her primary focus at Evelyn Partners will be to help female business owners, entrepreneurs and executives with their retirement planning and general wealth management.

Bleakley will be based at Evelyn Partners’ Birmingham office at 103 Colmore Row. The group supports clients with both their personal financial affairs and their business interests. Evelyn Partners’ personal wealth management services include financial planning, investment management and personal tax advice, while for businesses it provides assurance and accounting, business tax advice, employee benefits, forensic advice, fund administration, recovery and restructuring and transaction services.

Niraj Vyas, Managing Partner at Evelyn Partners commented: “I’m delighted to welcome Rachel to our growing team of high-quality financial planners across the Midlands. She brings with her a unique set of skills, which I have no doubt will add significant value to our clients and key strategic partners alike. Her passion and commitment towards supporting female entrepreneurs in particular will undoubtedly allow us to better serve this important segment of the market.”

Bleakley added: “I’m really excited to be joining the Birmingham financial planning team at Evelyn Partners. I was attracted to Evelyn Partners, not only because of the depth and breadth of the proposition but also because of its positive one team culture. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to provide individuals, particularly female businesswomen, with high quality financial advice.”

Kebba Barrow

Architectural practice CPMG has expanded its teams in London, Birmingham and Nottingham, contributing to the growth of the next generation and its own presence in the sector.

Architectural technologist Kebba Barrow joins CPMG’s team in Birmingham and is looking to further his expertise after graduating from the University of Wolverhampton in 2022 with a degree in architectural technology. The focus areas in Barrow’s new role include the technical aspects of projects such as effective cohesion of individual specifications and ensuring compliance with building standards and codes.

Nick Gregory, director at CPMG and Nottingham office lead said: “The continued growth we have seen across our Nottingham, London and Birmingham teams is an aspect we are incredibly proud of. It’s a reflection of our own success but is also positive in terms of what it means for our industry. Supporting the ongoing development in the sector is crucial, and welcoming enthusiastic individuals in the early stages of their careers is a core element of this, as is supporting the progression of those with experience in the industry that join us.

“By fostering a culture centered around collaboration, and with an incredibly talented team, we’ve been able to secure some remarkable achievements over the past year across both public and private sectors.”