People: Gordons; Henry Boot Construction; Gilbanks; and more

Law firm Gordons has hired an additional two lawyers to further strengthen its expert construction practice area.
Mark Smith arrives from Addleshaw Goddard as a senior lawyer specialising in construction and engineering disputes, risk management and dispute avoidance.
He is joined by solicitor, Haiqa Baig, who was previously at Shoosmiths and is experienced in contentious and non-contentious construction matters.
Gordons’ construction team is led by partner Richard Piper. The firm’s construction clients include contractor GMI Construction, developer Bridgecore Developments, infrastructure and housing contractor United Living Group and parcel delivery business Evri.
Smith has 25 years’ experience and has advised clients in the retail, education, transport, energy, utilities, water and power sectors. He acts for contractors, sub-contractors, employers and the public sector, as well as private sector professionals in the fields of construction and engineering.
Baig has advised on multi-million pound residential and commercial development projects as diverse as hospitals, leisure centres, railway networks, oil refineries and botanic gardens. She has also successfully led adjudication and litigation matters, settling cases via mediation in the Technology and Construction Court.
Gordons’ Richard Piper said: “Mark and Haiqa are excellent additions to our expert construction team. Mark is a highly regarded lawyer whose knowledge and expertise is already providing our clients with additional insights and commercially effective advice.
“Haiqa is an ambitious and proven operator with a track record of securing positive results for clients across a wide range of construction matters, and she is continuing to do so at Gordons.
“They both also have the ability to initiate, develop and nurture strong client relationships, which is a skill that is key to the ongoing success of the firm. We have every confidence Mark and Haiqa will help us further evolve our construction law offer as we look ahead to another successful year.”
Employing 170 people, Gordons has its head office in Leeds. The firm’s other clients include retailers AO, Iceland Foods, Morrisons, Ocado Retail and Wren Kitchens as well as drinks company Molson Coors.
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Lee Powell has assumed his role this month as managing director of Henry Boot Construction, part of Henry Boot, having previously served as CEO of GMI Construction.
During his time at GMI, he led the company’s expansion in the Midlands and North of England, overseeing a range of large-scale projects for major clients such as Siemens, Bruntwood and Muse.
He has also held senior roles at Wates Construction and Caddick Construction across a 28-year career in the construction industry.
He said: “Joining a highly reputable and long-standing business such as Henry Boot Construction was an opportunity I couldn’t miss, and I look forward to working with a very talented and dedicated team.”
Tim Roberts, CEO of Henry Boot, added: “We are excited to welcome Lee Powell to Henry Boot Construction and I look forward to working closely with him. His extensive experience and leadership will be invaluable as we look to drive the business forward and build on our legacy of excellence. Lee’s deep passion for delivering high-quality projects aligns perfectly with our values and vision for the business.”
The appointment coincides with the addition of James Smith, who joins as finance director this month. These appointments build on the addition of Chris Weathers, who joined as commercial director last year.
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Premium serviced office provider Gilbanks is supporting its growth plans with the appointment of Joanna Pawlikowski to the new role of head of commercial.
She brings a wealth of experience, having held senior positions with flexible workspace providers in Australia for over ten years. As the company expands nationally, she will be responsible for business development and the commercial team.
Pawlikowski said: “Gilbanks brings something unique to the market with exceptional workspaces designed for professional companies. The service the team provides is exemplary, and I look forward to supporting the company’s growth as it expands across the UK.”
Gilbanks is currently letting its latest 34,000 sq ft development in the £400m St Michaels development in Manchester. It will create its largest community for office professionals to date and build on successful operations in Leeds and 11 York Street in Manchester city centre.
Gilbanks has established a niche in the market by offering professional firms a premium working environment with high service levels and building strong business communities through strategic events and introductions.
Alex Duckett, managing director of Gilbanks, said: “We have ambitious growth plans this year, and Joanna will play a key role in supporting our expansion. She brings a deep understanding of the market and a passion for our approach to supporting our customers.”
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The managing director of AW Hainsworth, Amanda McLaren, has been recruited to the position of Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire by the Monarch’s Lord-Lieutenant, Ed Anderson.
She will support Anderson, the Monarch’s personal representative in West Yorkshire, in representing the Crown, developing closer links among the community, and upholding public service and civic engagement traditions.
The Lord Lieutenant’s duties can include escorting royal visitors with official visits to West Yorkshire, representing the King at community events, being involved in the honours system – including presenting them on behalf of the Crown and generally contributing to the community with involvement in local events.
McLaren was appointed to the role at the same time as new Deputy Lieutenant Canon Kersten England.
For over 20 years McLaren has operated at executive board level within the textile sector.
She said: “I was honoured to be nominated by Ed Anderson to become a Deputy Lieutenant for our region. Receiving my commission of appointment by command of HM the King was a very proud moment.
“I’m looking forward to assisting with any duties that may be required within the Lieutenancy, contributing to the local community and working closely with the other Deputy Lieutenants for West Yorkshire, deploying my professional and personal knowledge and experience.”