People: Naismiths; Mackrell. Solicitors; Novuna Business Cash Flow

National real estate consultancy Naismiths has made two senior appointments across its people and project monitoring divisions.

In a career spanning more than 30 years, Michelle Heaselgrave joins the business as director of people and talent, where she will oversee and refine HR processes following the partnership of Naismiths and Edmond Shipway last year under the Cornerstone Group.

With a strategic background of operating with businesses in a post-acquisition sphere, including seven years at Mercia Asset Management PLC, Heaselgrave will be working closely with the senior management team to accelerate the firm’s growth and promote consistency across the group’s operations.

Heaselgrave said: “Having worked with companies of different sizes, both publicly and privately owned, this is a real opportunity to make a difference within an expanding business. Joining a people-centric and ambitious team is important to me and I am looking forward to building new relationships, understanding more about the sector and creating an exceptional people experience for our team here.

“When an organisation doubles in size rapidly, as Naismiths and Edmond Shipway have, you need specialist skills and experience, building on the successful foundations in place but also ensuring there is commonality across the group. This will mean not just a review and refinement of the systems we have in place, but also the development of our people plan, which recognises the value and contributions of the team in making this a great business.”

Theo Kidman

Joining Heaselgrave at Naismiths is new associate director Theo Kidman. Adding to its project monitoring division, Kidman will be tasked with managing, assessing and reporting technical risk across a wide variety of projects from Naismiths’ London office. He brings more than seven years of experience within the project monitoring sphere, having operated within Arcadis on loan schemes spanning up to £200m.

Kidman said: “My prior experience covers most asset types, including logistics, student accommodation, residential and infrastructure, so I feel well suited to expand on the solid foundations already in place at Naismiths.

“I’m looking forward to helping unlock further growth pathways for the business into large funded projects, while building my leadership skills and evolving our capabilities within the built environment.”

Ben Harwood, chief executive at Cornerstone Group, said: “Michelle and Theo join at opposite ends of the services spectrum within our business, but both will play a crucial role as we expand our national footprint and evolve our company processes as a group.

“This is an exciting period for the firm, with an ambitious and highly skilled team operating across a project portfolio that is as strong as it has ever been. We look forward to integrating Michelle and Theo more closely and evolving our culture of continuous improvement.”

Neil Emery

Mackrell. Solicitors has welcomed Neil Emery to its employment law team.

Emery joins from Howat Avraam Solicitors and brings over 20 years of experience to the role.

Emery advises both employees and employers on all aspects of contentious and non-contentious employment law including advising on corporate employment issues, high net worth settlement agreements and drafting director service and consultancy agreements.

He is also a regular speaker at seminars for the CIPD and provides training for employers and professional bodies, with a view to promoting best employment practice in the workplace.

Emery said: “My goal is to expand the employment practice, strengthen client relationships, and enhance the firm’s employment capabilities.

“I am keen to mentor junior lawyers, develop the team, and enhance the firm’s profile through speaking engagements and publications. I am also keen to support the firm’s strategic growth and help build a strong market reputation.”

Pritesh Patel

Novuna Business Cash Flow, the provider of cash flow finance solutions to SMEs and corporate entities across the UK, has expanded its corporate sales team with the appointment of Pritesh Patel as senior business development manager.

Bringing more than 20 years of experience in the financial sector, Patel joins Novuna Business Cash Flow to strengthen the company’s presence in Birmingham, a key growth region where the business is focused on expansion. His expertise in relationship management, negotiation, and client acquisition will play a pivotal role in helping businesses in the area access tailored cash flow solutions.

With a strong background in commercial finance and business development, Patel has a proven track record of securing new opportunities and building long-term client partnerships. His approach aligns with Novuna’s commitment to delivering value-driven financial solutions that help businesses thrive.

Shaun Bennett, head of corporate sales said: “We are delighted to have Pritesh on board as we expand into the Birmingham market. His deep understanding of commercial finance, combined with his ability to build strong client relationships, makes him an invaluable addition to the team. His experience will help us support more businesses in the region with the right funding solutions to drive their growth.”