People: arch.law; Bespoke Stairlifts; Sanderson Weatherall; and more

Peter Morris, a family lawyer with over 25 years of experience, has transitioned his practice to arch.law.

Joining him is legal assistant, Hannah Wells.

Morris will serve clients nationwide while operating from arch.law’s Leeds Collaboration Hub on East Parade and its new London Collaboration Hub at 8 Bishopsgate.

He specialises in high-net-worth divorces, separations, cohabitation issues, pre and post-nuptial agreements, and children’s matters.

With a career that spans leadership roles as partner and head of Family Law teams at the Leeds offices of Shoosmiths and Irwin Mitchell, Morris also co-founded Watson Morris Family Law in 2022.

A trained collaborative lawyer and member of Resolution, he is also part of its Wellbeing Committee, reflecting his commitment to supporting clients and colleagues as well as promoting amicable, client-centred solutions in family law.

He said: “After years working in some of the UK’s largest law firms, I’m genuinely excited to join arch.law.

“Their entrepreneurial approach and seamless integration of technology offer the perfect balance of autonomy and support, enabling me to focus entirely on delivering outstanding results for clients.

“In high-end divorces, where significant business assets and international considerations often play a role, having access to arch.law’s corporate legal expertise and national and international hubs, will be invaluable.

“With the recent addition of the London Collaboration Hub, I’m well-placed to serve clients where they frequently need me.

“Many of my cases involve the London courts and barristers, and arch.law’s presence here enhances my ability to provide strategic, timely, and top-tier advice.

“My ambition is to grow this business significantly over the next two years, and arch.law provides the ideal platform to make that happen.”

Andrew Leaitherland, CEO, added: “Peter brings a wealth of experience and a stellar reputation in family law.

“His decision to join arch.law underscores our ability to provide a clear, forward-thinking pathway for entrepreneurial lawyers looking to grow their businesses and deliver outstanding client service.

“We’re excited to support his growth ambitions.”

:::

Huddersfield-headquartered Bespoke Stairlifts has appointed Paul Stockdill as its new commercial director.

He has spent many years at Acorn and Handicare, where he held pivotal positions including UK sales & marketing director.

Gavin Finn, chairman of Bespoke Stairlifts Group, said: “We are happy to welcome Paul Stockdill to the team as our new commercial director.

“His extensive expertise, strong leadership, and innovative approach make him the ideal person to lead us into our next chapter.

“We are confident Paul’s stewardship will drive our mission of providing tailored, cost-effective mobility solutions to even greater heights.”

Bespoke Stairlifts was established in 2004 and has recently invested in a new 24,000 sq ft industrial facility in Bradford.

Stockdill said: “Bespoke Stairlifts is a company with a strong foundation, an exceptional team, and a clear commitment to excellence.

“I am thrilled to take on this leadership role and look forward to building on the company’s successes while exploring new opportunities to better serve our customers and partners.”

:::

Leeds-based Sanderson Weatherall has appointed Richard Thornton in its office agency team.

Thornton, who was previously director of office agency at JLL, brings 24 years of Leeds office agency experience to Sanderson Weatherall.

Joining forces with Richard Dunn, head of agency, the duo will lead the firm’s continued growth and development in the Yorkshire office agency market.

Dunn said: “Having collaborated with Richard on numerous landmark projects throughout my career, I am happy to welcome him to Sanderson Weatherall.

“Richard has an exceptional track record in the Leeds and Yorkshire office market, having advised on many of the region’s most prominent developments.

“His esteemed reputation amongst investors, developers, occupiers, and industry peers will be a significant asset to our team.”

Thornton added: “After a brief period of personal time to recharge, I am thrilled to re-engage with the dynamic office agency market in this exciting new role at Sanderson Weatherall.

“Renowned as a leading SME in the industry and recently recognised as a B Corp, Sanderson Weatherall embodies a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices that resonates with my own values.

“Their established presence and respected reputation within the Yorkshire property market make this an ideal opportunity for me to contribute my experience and expertise.”

:::

Yorkshire estate agents, North Residential, has appointed former solicitors Jo Randall as head of sales support.

She joins with over 33 years of property law experience working for firms across Yorkshire and was most recently a director at Berwins Solicitors for eight years.

In her role at North Residential, she will be using her legal experience to support clients from the very start of their journey, through to the completion of their sale to ensure the process is conducted as efficiently and smoothly as possible.

Randall said: “The team at North Residential are committed to changing the narrative around estate agents and I am proud to be joining the business to support their ambitions to provide a unique and holistic service to their clients.

“In an ever-changing market, the need for professional sales progression to keep property chains together and secure successful sales has never been more important and, with so many parties often involved, communication is the key to success.

“As a former solicitor, I am able to effectively communicate with all parties, as well as having the experience to spot potential issues and challenges which may impact the transaction, and ensure our clients are fully informed at every stage.

“I am really looking forward to supporting our clients and guiding them through what is often a lifechanging time.”

Whilst working for clients across the North Residential group, which also covers Harrogate, North Leeds and Ilkley, Randall will be based in the newly renovated Pocklington office which the business has recently invested in as part of its next phase of growth.

Harlan Pollitt, director, North Residential, said: “Jo brings an unbelievable wealth of legal knowledge, local and regional contacts and, above all, a genuine desire to create a unique blueprint for how improved relations between estate agents and solicitors can improve service levels, not just for our clients, but nationally as well.

“We are also incredibly proud to have recently opened our newly renovated Pocklington office which we purchased in 2023.

“Having worked in Pocklington since January 2023, the new office is a testament to the success and growth of our team there and our commitment to investing in the local area and supporting the local economy.”