People: Shakespeare Martineau; PLMR; Asha’s

Law firm Shakespeare Martineau has appointed experienced higher education disputes specialist Nicola Bradfield as a partner in its Birmingham‑based dispute resolution team.

Qualifying as a solicitor in 2003 and with 24 years of sector‑focused experience, Bradfield will head Shakespeare Martineau’s contentious education practice.

She joins from Coventry University, where she was associate pro vice‑chancellor and general counsel, and before that founded and led the contentious universities team at Pinsent Masons.

Throughout her career, Bradfield has advised universities and further education colleges on complex, high‑value and reputation‑critical disputes, ranging from student litigation and regulatory investigations to multi-million‑pound commercial claims.

She is nationally recognised for authoring Universities UK’s sector guidance on student misconduct that underpins the Office for Students’ current E6 condition of registration.

Bradfield said: “Shakespeare Martineau is the leading firm in the education sector, providing robust support to the sector and willing to test and challenge where appropriate.

“I’m excited to bring my in‑house and private practice experience to a team that already sets the standard for robust support across the education sector. My aim is to provide strategic, practical advice that empowers institutions to deliver their transformative missions with confidence.”

She will lead a growing group of specialists advising on student and staff disputes, regulatory challenges, crisis management and high‑stakes litigation.

Her appointment highlights Shakespeare Martineau’s commitment to investing in top talent to meet soaring demand from education providers for strategic, sector‑specific dispute resolution expertise.

Tim Speed, partner and head of dispute resolution at Shakespeare Martineau said: “Nicola’s arrival is a significant milestone for our team and for our national education practice. Her track record in resolving reputation‑threatening issues and guiding boards through urgent, highly regulated scenarios is second to none. Clients will immediately benefit from her insight, energy and proven ability to secure successful outcomes under intense scrutiny.”

A Midlands communications firm has made an appointment to head up one of its leading practice areas.

Rebecca Langton has joined PLMR, which has offices in Birmingham and Coventry and is headquartered in London, as its new head of planning and built environment.

Rebecca Langton

Langton’s most recent role was with Cavendish Consulting, and she has also held communications roles with charities and local authorities.

Her clients have previously included nationally-significant infrastructure projects, major housing schemes and some of the country’s best-known retailers.

She also brings over a decade of experience in local government in both advisory and elected roles.

She spent four years on the Cabinet of Nottingham City Council, holding the Communities brief followed by the Skills, Growth and Economic Development portfolio.

She has also held advisory roles in local government and the European Parliament, and has supported a number of local authorities with strategic communications, devolution negotiations and considerations around local government reorganisation.

She will be based in the firm’s Midland offices in Birmingham and Coventry, but will lead PLMR’s practice supporting clients nationwide.

Langton said: “PLMR has an outstanding reputation for strategic communications, for planning communications and its nationwide offer to clients. I’m pleased to be joining the team.

“This is such an important time for the built environment sector, as more power is devolved to regional decision-makers, and I’m looking forward to supporting new and existing clients to navigate the planning process and get them results.”

Kevin Craig, PLMR’s CEO said: “Rebecca is one of the best in the business – her track record in both local government and communications speaks for itself, and we are thrilled that she has joined our team. With our planning and built environment team going from strength to strength, Rebecca is the perfect person to lead the practice’s expansion and deliver the very best, most impactful work for the clients we are so privileged to work with.

“Rebecca’s appointment comes at an important time for PLMR, as the team continues to expand its planning and built environment expertise. With her background in local representation, she is committed to ensuring that consultation and engagement activities are inclusive of a range of stakeholders and perspectives. She is perfectly placed to support PLMR’s clients to navigate the complex world of local politics and planning.”

Nouman Farooqui

Asha’s, an Indian restaurant in Birmingham, has promoted Nouman Farooqui as director.

Paul Bassi, chairman of Asha’s said: “With over 14 years of dedicated service to the business, Nouman has contributed to establishing Asha’s as a premier destination for authentic Indian cuisine and a celebrity hotspot. He has played a pivotal role in Asha’s winning numerous awards and accolades, and the restaurant has been recognised as one of the top 10 restaurants in the UK in the BBC Good Food Guide.”

Farooqui said: “I am honoured to step into this new role and continue the legacy of Asha’s. Our goal remains to serve the finest Indian food in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere and to showcase the rich culinary heritage of India to our loyal guests and new visitors alike. I am also passionate about inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in hospitality and to share their talents with the world.”