People: Savills; mfg Solicitors; Wrekin Products

Savills has enhanced its residential development sales team with the appointment of Rob Wiggans as operations director to its Investor Hub.

Wiggans is a residential buy-to-let specialist and joins after spending eight years at Property Hub Group where he was investment manager.

Prior to Property Hub Group, he worked at Taylor Wimpey working within strategic land.

He will be leading a team of specialists who will work with residential developers across the UK to identify opportunities in the new build buy-to-let sector.

Investor Hub is an offline, invitation-only platform tailored specifically for residential developers to sell to investors.

Investor Hub is currently led by three directors from Savills: Rob Wiggans, Jamie Adam, and Toby Greenhow.

It is part of Savills’ broader residential development sales division, which features specialised teams serving both the East and West Midlands.

Wiggans said: “Savills has an incredibly strong reputation in the market and I am joining an experienced and successful team, and I’m excited by the opportunities the Savills Investor Hub can provide. In a time of restructuring for the buy-to-let sector, expert advice is more important than ever and I look forward to working closely with colleagues across the wider Savills business to deliver for our clients.”

George Cardale, head of residential development sales at Savills, said: “It is fantastic to welcome Rob to Savills, who brings a wealth of experience to his role. This appointment underlines the importance we place on growing our business and investing where there are opportunities that will ultimately benefit our clients.

“Whilst the new homes market has faced challenging headwinds over the last 12 to 18 months there are positive signals – through encouraging sales rates and rising applicant numbers and viewings – reinforcing our feeling that demand in the market remains strong.”

Midlands law firm mfg Solicitors has welcomed its 2024 trainee cohort as it adds the latest talent to its team.

Joining the firm as new trainees from 2 September are Oscar McCracken, Emily Flory, Katie Johnson, Emily Stancer and Lauren Collins.

All five have two-year training contracts which will see them working within four of the firm’s departments until 2026.

They follow last year’s cohort of trainees Molly Wall, Florence Fisher, Lucy Palmer, Sufyaan Aslim and Rachel Pick, who move into the final year of their training.

Tom Esler, partner and board member responsible for the trainee programme at mfg Solicitors said: “This year we’re welcoming another focused and talented group of trainees into the firm. Alongside their studies, the training is already giving them the opportunity to work across various departments. It provides them with hands-on experience, working closely with our partners and clients every day. Individually and as a group they’re already making a great impression.

“We’re also pleased to see last year’s cohort move into their second year after a successful 12 months. I cannot speak highly enough of their passion and dedication during their first year. Finally, I want to congratulate Lucy Allen and Reuben Grimshaw who have completed the trainee programme and joined the firm as newly qualified solicitors. The firm continues to grow as we win more business and support more clients, so retaining Lucy and Reuben’s talents is so important as we move forward.”

Lichfield-based designer, manufacturer and supplier of civil engineering solutions, Wrekin Products, has welcomed Paul Thompson as its new technical development and specification manager, accelerating its business ambitions and growth.

With over 30 years of industry expertise, forming relationships, developing strategy and driving solutions, Thompson has joined Wrekin to support and improve its specification of products and services.

He has a particular interest in sustainability and is keen to see efficient, innovative, sustainable solutions offered to the industry.

Paul Thompson

He said: “As sustainability and net-zero targets continue to form the green agenda for businesses, now is an essential time to review procedures, and products and guide people into understanding about how changing to a Wrekin product can contribute to net-zero targets and carbon reduction.

“As industry leaders, it is our responsibility to provide people with knowledge about our products and how they are made, aligning our solutions to their needs, all while increasing efficiency and promoting sustainable delivery. This commitment to sustainability is a core value at Wrekin, reassuring our customers of our dedication to environmental responsibility.

“When customers purchase a product from Wrekin, they are accessing the expertise of a market-leading business which prides itself on safety, sustainability, and efficiency, without compromising on performance.”

Simon Turner, commercial director at Wrekin, said: “A key aspect of what we do at Wrekin is educating people about why our products and services stand out. We pride ourselves on delivering top-class products designed with the expertise of a team spanning four decades of experience.

“Paul’s appointment adds to this experience. With a wealth of knowledge gained over many years in the industry, Paul will further our commitment to innovation and honest advice, ensuring our customers receive the very best in quality and service, keeping their project needs proven and tested.”