Appointments: Gordons, Ward Hadaway, Shawbrook

Gordons has announced that partner and executive board member, Victoria Davey, has been appointed as managing partner.

She succeeds Paul Ayre who held the position for the past 23 years. He has now taken on the role of senior partner.

Paul said: “In many ways, Vicki has been fulfilling the role of managing partner for the past few years whilst I have focused on strategy and business development. This announcement recognises that. Vicki has outstanding capabilities as a lawyer and a leader.

“We operate very well as a team and I look forward to many more years of working together to drive the firm forward. We’ve just closed another successful year and the business is in great shape.”

Victoria joined Gordons in 2004 when the firm acquired Nelson & Co. She heads a team which acts for the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) dealing with the enforced closure of law firms.

Victoria added: “Gordons has been a progressive and innovative firm during Paul’s time as managing partner and I am committed to ensuring that continues.”

“Our success as a firm is based upon the strength of the relationships we build with clients and on having a culture where anyone can succeed within the business.”

“This approach is distinct to Gordons. It reflects our values and provides the foundations for us to continue to evolve the firm as we move forward.”

Ward Hadaway

Alistair McDonald has been promoted to the position of Business Development Director at Ward Hadaway.

One of Alistair’s first priorities is to support everyone at the firm, from trainee to partner, to develop the necessary skills and knowledge that help them to more effectively grow their client base.

His extensive experience and proven track record in business development will enable him to work closely with the firm’s legal teams to identify new business opportunities, build strategic partnerships, and enhance client engagement initiatives. He will also establish a specific business development team that will help support growth across the firm.

Emma Digby, executive partner in Ward Hadaway’s Leeds office, said: “Alistair’s appointment is great news for Ward Hadaway as we continue our growth trajectory. He is a fantastic colleague with the experience and enthusiasm to take us to new heights. We’re keen to continue improving and expanding our business development skills and Alistair’s expertise will enable us to better identify and seize new opportunities, allowing us to grow our client base and further strengthen our existing relationships.

“By providing every employee with business development skills, and enabling an entrepreneurial culture across the firm, we can collectively contribute to the growth of Ward Hadaway. This will enable us to create even more exciting opportunities and propel the firm towards continued success. Congratulations, Alistair.”

The appointment follows the recent announcement of 19 firm-wide promotions. Three of these were made within the rapidly expanding Leeds team, which has grown by 16% in last 12 months.

Alistair McDonald said: “I’m delighted to become Business Development Director at Ward Hadaway. The firm is well respected, forward thinking and filled with talent, and is already seeing solid growth across all its offices. Its ambitious plans for the future are what makes this role so exciting.

“An effective business development strategy plays a vital role in all successful organisations. By embedding business development into the fabric of the firm, Ward Hadaway aims to remain at the forefront of legal services in the North of England, driving innovation and providing exceptional service to its clients.”

Shawbrook

Shawbrook has announced the appointment of Sarah Woolf as the new Senior Regional Development Manager in its Real Estate team.

Sarah originally joined Shawbrook in 2012 as a Business Development Manager, and in 2016 took on the role of Head of Sales. Sarah left Shawbrook in 2019 to become a broker, helping her gain a wider knowledge and experience of the market and challenges that brokers and their clients face. In her new role, Sarah will be fundamental in strengthening existing, and developing new broker partner relationships across the Midlands to ensure Shawbrook can continue to support its property professional clients.

Sarah has over 20 years’ experience in the specialist property market and the contacts she has made in the Midlands will prove invaluable to Shawbrook’s regional development.

Sarah Woolf, Senior Regional Development Manager at Shawbrook, said: “Shawbrook is a fantastic place to work, and I am thrilled to have come full circle and be back with the team. My time as a broker has not only strengthened my knowledge of the market and the needs of clients but it also presented me with the opportunity to grow my contacts in the Midlands. This will be invaluable in my new role. I am very much looking forward to working with the sales team, all of whom are passionate about supporting brokers and their clients.

“It has been incredible to see the scale of growth since I left in 2019, and I am looking forward to playing my part in continuing, and accelerating Shawbrook’s growth.”

Matthew Taylor, National Relationship Manager at Shawbrook, said: “It’s a testimony to the culture of the business that having gained valuable experience as a broker, Sarah has chosen to return to Shawbrook, and we are delighted to have her back. Her extensive knowledge of both sides of the market makes her the perfect candidate and we look forward to seeing the growth she helps us to achieve in the future.”