People: Rollits; Fresh Thinking Capital; Bailie Group; and more

A specialist commercial property solicitor who worked across the north of England after graduating from the University of Hull has returned to the city as an Associate with law firm Rollits.

Ruth Maltby-Sinkler graduated with First Class Honours from the University of Hull and, after gaining a Distinction at the University of Law in York, completed her training locally.

Qualifying in 2015 she has specialised in commercial property since then, gaining experience with major firms in Leeds and Manchester including an in-house secondment with Network Rail.

She joined Rollits, which has offices in Hull and York, at the end of 2021 from international law firm Addleshaw Goddard.

Maltby-Sinkler brings experience in all aspects of commercial property law, including leasehold and freehold, landlord and tenant matters, secured lending, acquisitions, disposals and corporate support work.

She said: “I’m very pleased to join such a well-known and highly respected firm such as Rollits and I am looking forward to helping the team build on the strong reputation it already has for property work.”

Chris Crystal, who leads the commercial property team at Rollits, said “Ruth is a welcome addition to our team which earned a Tier 1 ranking for commercial property in Yorkshire and Humber in the latest edition of the UK Legal 500 publication.

“Ruth has the sector experience and local knowledge which will enhance the services we offer from both our offices.”

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Niall Conlon

Fresh Thinking Capital starts the New Year with the promotion of Niall Conlon and Andrew Robertson to relationship managers.

Conlon joined the company over three years ago from the retail sector, and Robertson had a background in digital marketing before joining the business.

Mel Hird, founder and director of Fresh Thinking Capital, said: “Niall and Andrew encapsulate what Fresh Thinking Capital is all about.

Andrew Robertson

“They have a laser focus on the customer and work collaboratively with all stakeholders, ensuring clients get access to the funding they need to grow their business seamlessly.”

The business recently relocated its headquarters to Park Square in Leeds. The move followed the launch of a £25m fund to support entrepreneurs across the region.

The company provides a range of funding options to entrepreneurs and businesses, along with access to a trusted network of professional advisors.

Fresh Thinking Capital is backed by the founders and Foresight, a listed infrastructure and private equity investment manager with over £7bn worth of Assets Under Management.

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Leeds-headquartered Bailie Group, a communication specialist and United Nations’ named climate leader, has bolstered its bold net zero ambitions with the appointment of sustainability lead Katie McShera.

Her role – the first of its kind within the organisation – will underpin the business’ long-term commitment to improving its sustainability and social value credentials.

The former operations manager joins Bailie Group following a 20-year career with debt management charity, StepChange.

Initially employed on a temporary basis to help oversee the Group’s efforts to benchmark their emissions, it became clear her transferable skills could bring long-term value to the team, resulting in a permanent contract.

McShera said: “The team at Bailie Group has given me a very warm welcome, and my most striking observation so far is how there doesn’t appear to be a hierarchy.

“No matter who you talk to, you’re treated as an equal and encouraged to share your ideas. This feeds into the positive premise behind the organisation and it’s so lovely to have found that real sense of purpose.

“Initially, my role involves supporting each of the companies to co-ordinate their sustainability efforts, providing support and advice as we drive our carbon reduction efforts during 2022.

“I’ll be making sure our progress – whether that’s in terms of emissions or the delivery of social value – is tracked, so we continuously improve.”

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Mike Gorman

Colliers has strengthened its National Capital Markets team with the hiring of Mike Gorman and Richard Harris.

Gorman, who will be based in Leeds, joins as a director. He arrives from CBRE and has 20 years’ experience in the market having focused on multiple areas in the north including Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and Newcastle.

Prior to this he was a Partner at Knight Frank working in residential capital markets in the North.

In his new role at Colliers, he will be concentrating on residential investment and development and will be responsible for enhancing Colliers’ overall offering in the sector.

Harris joins as head of healthcare investment from BNP Paribas Real Estate where he was head of alternatives.

Prior to this, he was managing director at Vector Property Consultants, a specialist healthcare investment advisory business and has spent his career building a significant presence in the sector.

With over 20 years’ experience in the real estate industry he will help bolster Colliers’ presence in the healthcare market, and more widely work within the firm’s new operational markets offering.

Paddy Allen, head of operational capital markets at Colliers, said: “We are thrilled to welcome two new additions to the team.

“With the hires of Richard and Mike, we are continuing to grow our team of experts in response to the shift in clients’ needs that we have witnessed over the last 18 months, and in the ever-changing UK investment market.

“Over the last five years we have seen a real increase in investors pursuing ‘beds’ in real estate as the sector moves firmly away from being labelled ‘alternative’.

“With their experience incorporated to the team, 2022 is set to be an exciting year for not only Richard and Mike at Colliers, but for our new operational markets offering as we continue to drive real value for our clients.”