People: Brindley Twist Tafft & James; HBD; Newton LDP

Warwickshire law firm Brindley Twist Tafft & James (BTTJ) has recruited a senior litigation solicitor to join its dispute resolution and insolvency team.

David Whiting has joined BTTJ following a career which began with a City of London firm in 1990.

He was also part of the team that launched Shoosmiths’ Milton Keynes office and worked in Stratford-upon-Avon, where he led the marketing team which rebranded Needham & James and later merged and rebranded as Shakespeares.

He was latterly a founding partner of Spratt Endicott before stepping back because of illness in the family in 2019.

BTTJ managing partner Alex Khan said: “David is a recommended solicitor in dispute resolution and contentious probate, and he brings years of experience to our dispute resolution and insolvency team.

“His appointment is a key part of our continued investment in and expansion of BTTJ through its offices in Coventry, Warwick, Balsall Common and Southam.”

Whiting said: “My clients are a mix of successful companies and high net worth individuals. I endeavour to settle disputes, quickly and cost-effectively, with the minimum of disruption to a client’s business but where required I can be a tenacious litigator!

“I am delighted to join such a well-known firm. This was a wonderful opportunity to be part of the plan to expand BTTJ’s business from its Coventry and Warwickshire offices.”

HBD, part of Henry Boot, has announced another senior hire to its Birmingham office.

Steve Gascoyne

The developer has hired Steve Gascoyne as project director, who joins from Godwin Developments where he was construction director.

With 27 years of real estate experience, Gascoyne has held several senior roles, including operations director at Mace and associate director at Wakemans.

Alongside HBD’s Midlands schemes, Gascoyne will also support the delivery of Golden Valley in Cheltenham, a major project adjacent to GCHQ which sits at the heart of the UK’s cyber strategy.

Ed Hutchinson, managing director at HBD said: “Steve is the latest in a series of senior hires within our Birmingham office as we deliver several major projects across the region. He joins a great team and will play a key role in the delivery of both our Midlands schemes and Golden Valley.”

Warwickshire land, development and property agency Newton LDP has expanded its team with newly appointed graduate surveyor, Olivia Barker.

Barker has joined Newton LDP’s development team, looking to utilise her knowledge gained from her degree apprenticeship route into the sector.

She said: “A degree apprenticeship is not for the faint of hearts but is so incredibly rewarding. The experience I’ve gained through my degree, both through the general studying side and the day-to-day hands-on experience, has shaped who I am in my career today.

Olivia Barker

“Embarking on the next stage of my career with Newton LDP feels like a natural choice. Joining a team where I have the freedom to develop and the autonomy to grow personally and professionally is invaluable. Every day presents new opportunities to learn, and as a graduate, having this level of choice is immensely beneficial as I continue to shape my own path.

“As we are seeing more and more women find their place within the industry, it’s important for us to highlight and champion the different ways that the sector is accessible. Degree apprenticeships, in particular, offer an excellent entry point for those looking to get started.”

Having studied and worked in the industry full-time, Barker now holds a degree in quantity surveying, gained while also learning firsthand through roles within the housebuilding industry.

Richard Foxon, managing director at Newton LDP said: “Since its inception in 2021, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing the company grow at all levels. Olivia joining our team is the next chapter in our story as we continue to create a sustainable business that is fit for the future, in which collaboration, personal development and hard work are continued core characteristics.

“Throughout the property sector, we are seeing ongoing issues with the skills shortage. In support of tackling this, we are recruiting the best people at all levels, harnessing talent and giving them space to bloom.”