People: Parklane Plowden; Informed Financial Planning; and more

Leeds and Newcastle-based Parklane Plowden Chambers has welcomed a new tenant to its 18-strong chancery and commercial team.

Dominic Crossley who was called to the Bar in 2006, specialises in all aspects of chancery and commercial law with a particular focus on real property and wills, probate and trusts. He joins from Leeds-based Enterprise Chambers, where he practiced for four years.

His property practice covers disputes concerning adverse possession, easements, boundaries and covenants as well as those over co-ownership of land and claims involving proprietary estoppel.

From a probate perspective, his practice includes disputes over the validity of wills, applications for removal or substitution of personal representatives and claims for the restitution of estate property.

In addition, Crossley advises and acts on a range of commercial work including contractual and tortious claims, sale of goods, debt, and claims for return of goods.

He said: “Parklane Plowden has an excellent reputation for being a chambers with a progressive approach which is aligned with a clear growth plan.”

“The set’s chancery and commercial team is highly regarded and outstanding at what they do. I am looking forward to helping further develop the practice for the benefit of our existing and future clients.”

Formed in 2007 following the merger of Parklane Chambers in Leeds and Plowden Chambers in Newcastle, Parklane Plowden is home to 124 members.

Chancery and commercial practice director, Stephen Render, said: “Dominic is renowned for providing clear and pragmatic advice and possessing superb technical knowledge, making him a fantastic addition to the team.

“Dominic’s extensive experience across real property in particular will play a key role in further growing Parklane Plowden’s reputation for excellence on the North Eastern circuit and beyond.”

In February this year, Parklane Plowden reopened its four-storey, 11,000 sq ft premises on Westgate in Leeds city centre following the completion of a six-figure refurbishment.

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Following a management buy-out earlier this year, Informed Financial Planning (IFP) has revealed its new board of directors.

The Hessle-based firm of chartered financial planners also appoints a new managing director.

It is the second phase of a buy-out, which earlier this year, paved the way for five employees to become shareholders in the majority stake of the business.

The buy-out strategy enables IFP’s founder Kevin Ferriby to become chair, allowing for the next generation to take the reins.

As a relatively youthful Board, with an average age of 38 and equal gender ratio, the team is made up of; Kevin Ferriby and non-executive director, Lindsey Gresham, who will be joined by Gregg Crawford, Jessica Crawford, Anjeanette Kemp, Sarah Williams, Joe Sanders and new managing director, Josh Richardson.

Ferriby said: “Part of the process has been identifying and selecting the team that will carry the business forward, whilst retaining full independence and securing longevity for our people and clients.

“I am proud to have agreed a new Board, made up of dedicated individuals who feel empowered to achieve their own aspirations.

“Whilst the Board reserves the right to autonomy over key decisions, I first wanted to ensure IFP would keep its independent status, rather than being taken over by a larger corporation.”

New MD, Josh Richardson said he is confident about opportunities for the Livingstone Road firm, which also has offices in Leeds and Barnsley.

He said: “I am thrilled to have this opportunity with a fantastic team and positive culture. A high proportion of our people have spent their entire career at IFP, starting as graduates and working their way through various roles, evidencing how much career progression means to us as a business.

Richardson’s career began with IFP’s graduate scheme in May 2015, as a paraplanner. He accelerated at pace and by the age of 23 he’d achieved his Diploma in Financial Planning after just 10 months, followed by becoming a Chartered Financial Planner and then a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), all before his 25th birthday.

At 29, he is the managing director of a firm turning over £3m, with more than £277m of client funds under management.

Richardson added: “Part of our vision for the future is to stand out as a leading employer in our sector.

“Independence is rare and it gives us the freedom to make decisions about our business which ultimately benefit clients.”

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Hortor, a global resourcing and managed service consultancy headquartered in Leeds, has appointed Andrew Derrick as business growth consultant to support its expansion across financial services and the FinTech sectors.

Former group chief information officer for Shieldpay, Derrick brings more than 30 years of experience to the team, having been responsible for attracting, retaining and developing employees at all levels.

At Hortor, he will be tasked with developing and growing new, strategic global client relationships to support the strategic expansion of the business and increase its revenue.

He said: “I have known the founders of Hortor since it was established and have always appreciated its business focus and the approach it takes to differentiate from others in the market.

“My experience in Financial Services and FinTech helps me understand client needs and how best to support them in their requirement to attract top talent, whether it be sub-contractors, permanent or outsourcing.

“There is a huge opportunity at Hortor, and I look forward to being a part of the next chapter in the company’s journey.”

Chief operating officer, Andy Roe, said: “Andrew is a great addition to our team and another example of the market leading talent we are attracting. As our business continues to expand, we must think more about the future and where we want to be.

“These are exciting times for us, and we are very pleased that Andrew is joining us to help push forward with plans and meet with our ambitious objectives.”