People: Begbies Traynor; Walker Morris; Lupton Fawcett; and more

Begbies Traynor, the independent business rescue and recovery specialist, has promoted Jason Ainge to the position of partner in the Yorkshire region, based at its Leeds office.

After beginning his career in insolvency in 2003, Ainge joined Begbies Traynor in Leeds in 2008 as an assistant manager. He was then promoted to the position of senior insolvency manager in 2016, and three years later he became a director.

With almost 20 years’ experience in insolvency, Ainge has a track record of dealing with all aspects of personal and corporate insolvency and litigation across multiple jurisdictions. He specialises in contentious insolvency work involving an element of fraud, asset tracing, forensic investigations and litigation recovery actions for creditors, including HMRC.

Julian Pitts, managing partner for Begbies Traynor in Yorkshire, said: “With our commitment to training and career progression, it’s always pleasing to see talented colleagues transition to partner. A number of people have joined the firm as school leavers or graduates and gone on to enjoy long, successful careers with Begbies Traynor. We are fortunate to have such a strong pool of talent and Jason’s rise through the ranks is a well-deserved reward for his efforts and expertise.

“With his impressive track record in contentious assignments requiring detailed forensic investigative work, I am sure he will make a valuable contribution to helping develop our contentious services nationwide.”

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Walker Morris, has appointed Tim Jackson-Smith as partner in its infrastructure & energy team.

With over 25 years’ experience as a corporate lawyer, Jackson-Smith joins from Shoosmiths, where he was corporate partner and the co-head of its infrastructure & energy sector group. He has worked on a number of high-profile transactions in the energy, renewables, and waste to power sectors and held senior management positions and NED roles in listed companies including Bglobal plc and Source BioScience plc.

The Walker Morris infrastructure & energy team is one of the largest dedicated infrastructure and energy teams outside London and is recognised for its industry-leading expertise in energy from waste, renewables and helping clients deliver Net Zero ambitions.

Commenting on the appointment Ben Sheppard, partner in the infrastructure & energy team at Walker Morris, said: “We are delighted to welcome Tim to the Infrastructure & Energy team at a time when the UK energy sector is changing rapidly and regulatory frameworks are constantly evolving to keep pace with Net Zero policies to deliver the decarbonised, decentralised and digital energy networks of the future.

“Tim brings with him a distinct skill set focused on the sector and his unique and varied experience will further enhance the team’s capabilities to support clients investing in low carbon energy and infrastructure projects and delivering Net Zero ambitions.”

Jackson-Smith’s appointment directly follows the firms announcement of a landmark 24 internal promotions at the beginning of May, including five partners – the largest number of partner promotions for over a decade – nine directors, and ten senior Associates.

Walker Morris’s managing partner recently talked to TheBusinessDesk.com about the changes that the pandemic has brought to the way the business works.

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Law firm Lupton Fawcett LLP has strengthened its corporate team with the appointment of a new partner.

Rory Conwill has extensive experience of advising clients on corporate matters including high-value acquisitions and disposals, private equity investments and share schemes.

He has spent his whole career in Sheffield and will be primarily based at Lupton Fawcett’s Sheffield office however he will work closely with the whole Yorkshire team across all locations.

He brings particular expertise in the healthcare sector to the firm’s growing corporate team, having acted in a range of transactions for care home owners, dental practices and GP practices.

James Richardson, Lupton Fawcett’s managing partner, said “Rory is an excellent operator with a fantastic track record. His is the latest of a series of outstanding appointments we have made at all levels across the firm over the past year.”

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Regional law firm BRM solicitors is strengthening its corporate and commercial team in Sheffield with an internal promotion to the role of corporate director.

Trevor Bird has advised a multitude of businesses across the region, specialising in corporate finance, fundraising M&A, joint ventures, and corporate governance. Bird is also an expert in start-up fundraising, venture capital, and real estate in the care sector.

Head of corporate at BRM Sarah Rowland said: “Trevor is already a key member of the team and will be an integral part of the firm’s future growth in the region. His strong track record and breadth and depth of experience complement our growing client base.

“Trevor’s well-deserved promotion is aligned with BRMs policy to recognise and reward talent and commitment and we wish him continued success with the firm.”

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