People: Berwins; McCormicks Solicitors; Homes for Students; and more

York, Leeds and Harrogate-based law firm, Berwins, has appointed an estate planning specialist.

Lawyer Paul Colman joins the firm as an associate director. He specialises in supporting those with complex estate planning needs and has a track record of delivering effective solutions in an accessible way.

Managing director, Danielle Day, said: “As a firm, we know the impact that deep expertise can have on the lives of those we support.

“Paul has that in abundance, and he combines that with an ability to condense complex legal concepts into accessible solutions.”

Colman, who has extensive experience working with business owners, agricultural clients and landed estates, added: “I’m happy to have joined Berwins as the business continues to grow.

“One of the genuine strengths of the firm is the way that all teams work seamlessly together. It’s a collaborative approach I’m passionate about and I’m excited to see the impact this will have on the lives of those we support.”

In addition to client matters, he will take on leadership on the firm’s estate planning work. He will work alongside department head, probate specialist, Derek Hellawell.

Hellawell said: “The creation of two centres of excellence within the Life team, one focused on estate planning and one on estate administration, is designed to enhance the client’s experience.

“It means clients will have direct access to leaders in their respective fields and will help to maintain the high levels of care Berwins is renowned for delivering.”

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McCormicks Solicitors of Harrogate, known for its international and national work in Sports law, has extended its expertise in Rugby Union.

Lana Wilks has been selected to sit on the RFU disciplinary panel. She joined the practice as a trainee solicitor and will work with partner David Birks and solicitor Anmol Roth in the Sports Law and Commercial Litigation team.

A published legal writer, qualified referee and former professional women’s rugby player, she graduated from the University of York with a degree in Law and is now studying a Master’s in law at The University of Law which she will complete in September 2025 before qualifying as a solicitor the following year.

After a recent invitation from the RFU for panel members, the firm encouraged Wilks to apply as part of her development with the practice.

Following a successful application she was appointed to the Disciplinary Panel for England RFU.

Birks said: “McCormicks is committed to developing its team of solicitors and offering every opportunity to gain experience.

“This appointment reinforces McCormicks position and recent No 1 ranking in the Legal 500 (Yorkshire & Humberside), as one of the top law firms providing tailored and specialist advice to sports associations and prominent sporting individuals.

“Lana’s interest in and knowledge of Rugby Union will undoubtedly prove an asset.”

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Nisha Parmar

Harrogate-headquartered purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) provider, Homes for Students, has strengthened its senior team as it prepares to celebrate 10 years in student accommodation management.

Nisha Parmar, who joined the company in 2021, has been promoted into the new senior role of business development & integration director.

Using market analysis and data, Nisha and her 12 strong team lead, develop and grow business development, ensuring schemes are embedded from the outset, supporting clients across the UK, Europe and beyond.

Parmar said: “I’ve been with the business for just over three and a half years and it’s true what they say – time flies when you’re having fun.

“I’m already getting stuck into my new role and I’m excited to be working on some projects that make a real difference in the business and the wider student accommodation sector.

“I can already sense that this year is going to be a special one at HFS – watch this space.”

In addition, Mo Ali has become business development director – origination.

Working with chief executive officer Martin Corbett, Ali will draw on his extensive commercial and sector knowledge to further bolster the company’s position within the PBSA and wider residential sector.

Mo Ali

Corbett said: “Nisha and Mo are accomplished experts in the student accommodation arena and are well respected by colleagues and clients alike.

“Nisha’s promotion is testament to her hard work and dedication at Homes for Students.

“She shows up for her team every day, radiating positivity and leadership and I can’t wait to see what 2025 and beyond brings for her and our clients.

“It’s equally exciting to see Mo move into his newly created role utilising his extensive experience in student accommodation to continue to build on new and existing client relationships and be a key spokesperson for the business.”

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Leeds-based Wish Agency has promoted Mark Gregory to the role of operations director, cementing his place as a key member of the senior leadership team.

He joined the agency in 2017 as a project manager and rose through the ranks, becoming head of delivery before stepping into his new role.

Throughout his time at Wish, he has been instrumental in delivering high-profile projects for clients such as CPP plc, Redmayne Bentley, Christeyns Chemicals in Belgium, Alveo & Blue Fin Group in the US, among others.

Gregory said: “It’s an honour to take on this role at such an exciting time for Wish. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved as a team and look forward to driving our ambitious growth strategy over the next five years.”

As operations director, he will continue to lead the delivery team, focusing on enhancing processes, fostering collaboration, and ensuring the agency meets its ambitious targets.

Joint managing director, Chris Kell, added: “Mark’s promotion is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and ability to inspire excellence within the team.

“He embodies the values of Wish, and we’re confident he will play a key role in driving our continued success.”