People: Wright Hassall; Navigate Commercial Finance; Muse

Phil Wilding and Freya Summers

A Midlands law firm has announced a new department head as the firm looks to expand the team and continue to grow its presence in the market.

Wright Hassall, based in Leamington, has named partner Freya Summers as its new head of corporate.

Summers joined Wright Hassall in 2022 and works with a wide variety of business owners, companies and businesses advising on a range of corporate transactions, including share and business sales and acquisitions, joint ventures, investments and reorganisations.

She also advises on corporate governance matters such as company constitutional documents, start-up arrangements and shareholder documentation.

Her appointment to head of corporate comes off the back of a successful number of years for the department and Summers will now lead the team of 10, with ambitions to grow Wright Hassall’s presence across the region.

She said: “I’m extremely pleased to be stepping into the role of Head of Corporate at what is an exciting time for the department. The last few years have been highly successful for the team, which as seen us not only grow in headcount but also act on an ever-increasing number of exciting transactions. We use our expertise and the latest technology to really focus on transaction delivery for our clients, to take the role of trusted advisors rather than just traditional “legals”, providing a premium, high-end service for our clients.

“We have a young, dynamic and ambitious team in place, and I will be working with them to expand our presence across the region and continue our growth trajectory.”

Phil Wilding, managing partner at Wright Hassall, added: “It is fantastic to announce Freya as our new Head of Corporate. She has an incredible amount of experience and is leading a team of extremely talented individuals who all share her growth ambitions. I look forward to working with Freya and the team as they look to expand our presence in the
market.”

 

Birmingham outsourced commercial finance specialist Navigate Commercial Finance has welcomed experienced finance professional Ian Gardner to its team.

Gardner has over 23 years of experience working in the finance and professional sectors in various roles for companies including Breslins, GetSet for Growth, BCRS Business Loans, RBS and Santander.

He is an established business growth professional with experience in developing and managing long-term sustainable relationships with growing SMEs.

In his role at Navigate Commercial Finance, he will focus on helping businesses across Lichfield, Staffordshire and the wider region to access the right finance to grow.

Ian Gardner

He will work with business owners, professional advisors and strategic partners to source the most appropriate commercial finance to support their working capital needs using a network of specialist, pragmatic lenders.

Funding solutions include invoice finance, asset-based lending, revolving credit facilities and cashflow loans.

Gardner said: “There continues to be challenges facing SMEs and small businesses, and many are struggling to find the right finance to grow. It can be difficult to know who to speak to and I am looking forward to helping companies thrive and access the right funding. My role is to make the funding experience easier for both the borrower and the lender. I’ve watched Navigate Commercial Finance grow over recent years and it’s a great business with an excellent reputation that I am pleased to join.”

Paul Varley, managing director at Navigate Commercial Finance said: “Ian stood out for his experience and market knowledge. His appointment comes at a significant growth point for Navigate Commercial Finance coming off the back of a highly successful third year after posting a 142% increase in revenue and an 180% rise in lending and approved facilities. We’re committed to expanding further this year and Ian’s expertise will help us to drive success and reach out to more businesses seeking finance. Ian has an excellent business network across the region complemented by in-depth knowledge of the funding needs of growing businesses. Together this is a powerful combination and something that SMEs can tap into by talking to us about their business plans.”

 

Muse, the nationwide placemaker, has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Lisa Gledhill as managing director of National Partnerships.

Gledhill joins the business with over 30 years of experience across the property and real estate market with a background spanning regeneration, investment, design and construction.

Lisa Gledhill

Joining from EcoWorld London, she oversaw the management of the firm’s portfolio and development pipeline as managing director.

Before this, Gledhill spent almost a decade with Lendlease, which encompassed leading major mixed-use regeneration in both the UK and Asia.

This included the £2.4bn International Quarter London in Stratford, and the Paya Lebar Quarter £2bn regeneration in Singapore.

Phil Mayall, managing director at Muse, said: “Our partnership approach underpins everything we do. With 30 years of experience working with national and international partners, Lisa will help strengthen and enhance our work. Whether through ECF and Habiko, or our joint ventures right across the country, Lisa will support delivery and drive growth.

“This will include establishing new and dynamic partnerships which can enable mixed-use regeneration and placemaking – benefitting communities and regional economies right across the country.”

Lisa Gledhill, managing director at Muse – National Partnerships, said: “Muse has an industry-leading reputation for partnership working. By joining the team, I can help build on an impressive track record to accelerate local, regional and national collaborations.

“By working successfully with the public and private sector we can deliver even more, and at greater pace, meeting the needs of communities and enabling long-term economic growth.”

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