Wyer moves from Green to mfg

WORCESTERSHIRE law firm mfg Solicitors has strengthened its corporate division with the appointment of a commercial law specialist.

Stephen Wyer, an expert in commercial agreements, has joined mfg’s 12-strong corporate team as a partner after eight years with Black Country firm, George Green.

Based at mfg’s Adam House headquarters in Kidderminster, he will work closely alongside partner and head of division Sarah Astbury and partner Peter Copsey, an experienced corporate finance specialist.

Ms Astbury, partner and head of mfg’s corporate and commercial division, said: “Stephen brings three decades of experience to mfg and a wealth of commercial expertise within some niche sectors.

“He has a first-rate track record so I am thrilled that he has joined us as we look to further growth in 2016. He is already proving to be an outstanding asset to the team.”

During his career Wyer has also spent 17 years with Thursfields and five years in London with Slaughter and May.

New social housing specialist for Clarke Willmott

CLARKE Willmott has continued its expansion plans with the appointment of social housing specialist Laura Shimili.

Ms Shimili (left) has extensive knowledge of the housing sector in the UK having spent the last seven years with the Chartered Institute of Housing focusing on developing national Housing policy, and will work closely with joint heads of social housing Chimi Shakohoxha and Jonathan Hulley.
 
She also has experience in performance management and frontline housing management with Pinnacle Psg, a private housing management company.

Joint Head of social Housing Jonathan Hulley, said: “Laura is a standout housing specialist who has remarkable experience in the social housing and property sectors. Clarke Willmott’s strong and growing reputation in London, clear focus on industry sectors and national reach is a natural fit with Laura’s professional status and client base.”

New NED for Mills & Reeve

MILLS & REEVE has appointed Bridget Skelton as non-executive director.

Ms Skelton (left), who has enjoyed a varied career in retail and consulting, is intended to bring a different perspective to the firm’s board.

After 12 years with PA Consulting Group, she now runs her own executive coaching practice and works with clients ranging from blue chip corporates and government departments to banks and charities. She is also a non-executive director at Kent Community Health NHS Trust and trustee of Demelza Hospice Care for Children.

Her experience includes running her own high end fashion boutique, for which she won Drapers Record New Independent Retailer of the Year in 2005.

Justin Ripman (pictured right), Mills & Reeve senior partner, said: “We believe that Bridget will be made to measure for us with her varied career allowing her to take a unique view on our strategy going forward. We were looking for someone who can demonstrate innovative thinking and Bridget certainly provides this.”

The Mills & Reeve board is completed by managing partner Claire Clarke, partners Caitlin Jenkins, Neil Davis and Charles Staveley, and director of finance Mark Finch.