People: Switalskis; Universal Live; BHP; and more

Law firm Switalskis is celebrating the qualification of five solicitors who began their careers with the firm.

The newly qualified solicitors each progressed through Switalskis’ Qualifying Solicitors Programme and now join three of its departments.

Rebecca Wardle and Georgia McKelvey strengthen the Court of Protection Health and Welfare team, which provides legal support for individuals who lack the mental capacity to make decisions.

Ellie Goodison and Emily Chan join the Clinical Negligence department, which secures justice for those affected by medical errors.

Maariyah Sidat becomes part of the Family law team to advise and support clients with a range of issues, including divorce, separation and financial affairs. 

Amy Clowrey, director and training principal, said: “Watching our newly qualified solicitors grow in skill and confidence has been a privilege.

“They’ve worked incredibly hard to reach this point, and I know they’ll make a real impact, both for clients and our firm.

“Seeing them progress is exactly why we invest in this programme – to nurture talent, create opportunities, and to ensure long-term service quality for our clients.”

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Keighley-based technical event production specialist, Universal Live, has appointed Charli Briggs as account director.

With a strong background agency-side, leading on key client accounts such as Remington, GES and American Express, she steps into this newly created role to lead on client experience and business growth.

Having previously run her own event staffing agency, she provided staffing support to event agencies including Principal. Global Events, emc3 and Top Banana.

She said: “When working agency-side, Universal Live was always our preferred technical production partner.

“The level of creativity, care and attention to detail was unlike anything I had experienced elsewhere.

“When I was made redundant, I knew I wanted to join a company that truly values its people and its clients but equally important, the quality of work it delivers and the impact it has.”

Kirsty Waine, managing director, added: “Charli’s approach aligns perfectly with our values. Her experience in client services, blended with a commercial mindset will help us strengthen existing relationships and create new opportunities as the industry continues to evolve.

“Charli’s involvement will extend beyond direct client work to representing Universal Live at industry events, contributing to key discussions and helping shape the company’s approach to growth.”

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Accountancy firm, BHP, has bolstered its Commercial Finance capabilities with the appointment of Damian Hughes, a seasoned Yorkshire financier.

He joins BHP after 22-years at HSBC, most recently as a senior commercial manager.

In this role, he oversaw a diverse portfolio of clients and significant deals across Yorkshire.

At BHP, he will work with Dan Summerfield and the Professional Banking and Finance team, leveraging his expertise to support clients across the firm’s five offices.

Hamish Morrison, joint CEO, said: “Our priority is to ensure that our clients receive the best possible advice, particularly in those business-critical areas like funding.

“With changes in the market and economy, securing capital can be challenging and we’re thrilled to be growing our commercial finance team with the addition of Damian to our team. His wealth of experience will be invaluable to our clients, helping them achieve their business ambitions.”

Hughes added: “I look forward to working with Dan and colleagues from across the firm to provide guidance and find the right solutions for clients which can unlock their potential.”

His appointment is part of BHP’s broader growth strategy. The firm has welcomed eight new starters so far in 2025.

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Blacks Solicitors has boosted its Corporate law offering with the appointment of a new partner.

Rebecca Holden, who joined in February brings more than 15 years’ experience across Corporate law after gaining experience from firms Squire Patton Boggs and DLA Piper.

Her hire takes the total headcount of team members specialising in Corporate law to ten.

Holden’s experience includes mergers and acquisitions, advising investors and management on private equity and venture capital transactions, solvent corporate restructurings and reorganisations, pre-pack acquisitions and general corporate law advisory predominantly at top-tier international law firms.

She said: “The Corporate team at Blacks Solicitors has gone from strength-to-strength in recent years and is fast becoming a force to be reckoned with in both the Yorkshire and national markets for corporate deals.

“I’m looking forward to further developing the firm’s offering and expertise in my specialist areas such as large-scale and complex private equity transactions and bolstering Blacks’ credibility as a leading legal advisor both regionally and nationally.”

Nigel Hoyle, head of the Corporate team, added: “The Corporate team has had a promising start to 2025. We’ve experienced a significant rise in matters and Rebecca’s hire is pivotal in supporting the team and the long vision for growth.

“She is a fantastic addition to the team and will play a key role in bolstering our offering.”