People: Liquid; PKF Smith Cooper; DWF

Liquid, a fully integrated communications agency with offices in Birmingham and Brisbane has welcomed Michael Grass as its new group account director.

Grass brings over a decade of experience in PR, content, and communication strategy, with a proven track record in managing teams and delivering impactful multi-channel campaigns that resonate across different countries and audiences.

He has a multi-lingual background and has advised clients from diverse countries and industries – including print, packaging, property, rail, and technology – to help them build their reputation and bolster brand visibility.

He said: “I feel privileged to be joining a vibrant agency with such strong credentials and a talented team at its heart. It’s an exciting time for Liquid and I’m eager to play a role in its growth, whether it’s expanding into new sectors or even new territories.”

Elisabeth Lewis-Jones, CEO of Liquid said: “Michael’s decade-long years of experience and proven leadership make him an invaluable addition to Liquid. His recent appointment as Group Account Director will provide our clients with a high standard of strategic guidance, and we’re excited to see what fresh ideas he’ll bring to the team.”

Tom Joy has been promoted to corporate finance director at PKF Smith Cooper, his fourth promotion in a seven-year career at the company.

Tom Joy

After joining the firm in 2017 as a corporate finance senior executive, Joy has assisted and advised on a wide variety of deals including company acquisitions and disposals, management buyouts, fundraising and strategic reviews.

He has developed specialist expertise in automotive, technology, telecommunications and self-storage and provides high-intensity deal management to deliver successful outcomes for all his clients.

During his earlier career, Joy qualified as a chartered accountant and has previously worked at Grant Thornton and EY in the audit and assurance department.

His career at PKF Smith Cooper has now spanned over seven years, during which he has assisted on 22 deals, including the sale of Affini Technology Group Limited, an investment in Taylors Transport and acquisition of Quick Self Storage (Darlington) Ltd

He said: “It is great to be a part of a team that encourages and supports career growth and progression, and I look forward to this next step in my career at PKF Smith Cooper as the corporate finance team looks to deliver on its ambitious growth plans in the Midlands.”

Darren Hodson, corporate finance partner at PKF Smith Cooper said: “It has been a pleasure to work alongside Tom and witness his hard work and commitment to our clients over the past 7 years. Tom is instrumental to our West Midlands presence and am delighted at his promotion to Director. I look forward to seeing him succeed in his new role.”

DWF, the global provider of integrated legal and business services, has announced 19 promotions in its Birmingham office.

As part of its annual review, Kate Meadowcroft and Paul Donnelly have both been promoted to senior roles within the partnership, with Meadowcroft advancing to partner and Donnelly being promoted to partner in the casualty team.

Paul Donnelly

Four colleagues have been promoted to director or equivalent positions, including Daniel Tresigne, Sam Hodgson, Sangeet Sanghera, and Stephanie Stretton.

Jon Stevens, Managing Partner at DWF Birmingham, commented, “I am delighted to celebrate these well-earned promotions within our Birmingham team. Each individual has shown dedication, expertise, and commitment to both our clients and the business. Congratulations to all on these significant achievements.”

Among the other promotions, Chloe Cheung and Hannah Turner have been promoted to senior associate roles, while Sarah Platts has advanced to senior associate as a Barrister.

Angela Najran, Daniel Piggott, Eloise Adams, Gurvinder Bains, Kersha Bennett, Lucy Bedford, Peter Photiou, and Rohini Kapur have all been promoted to associate positions.

Terri Collins has been promoted to senior paralegal, and Sukhbir Kaur Mann has taken on the role of lead paralegal.