People: LCF Law; 3M Buckley Innovation Centre; Addleshaw Goddard; and more

Yorkshire-based LCF Law has strengthened its private client team with the appointment of experienced private client lawyer, Kathryn Livesey.

She will be based at the firm’s Ilkley office, where she will assist clients with wills, powers of attorney, probate, trusts, and Court of Protection work.

Her journey into law began as a secretary at a law firm in Morley.

Within a year, the firm offered to fund her studies to become a property and probate lawyer, which she completed over five years.

She said: “I love working closely with clients and helping them get their affairs in order.

“I always take a compassionate and personal approach, ensuring clients feel supported at every stage.

“I have extensive experience working with elderly clients, including those living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, and take great pride in putting everyone at ease.

“I also regularly help families and executors in handling estate matters following the passing of a loved one, offering clear and sensitive advice during such difficult times.

“I decided to make the move to LCF Law because of the fantastic team culture and the firm’s commitment to supporting career progression.”

Partner, Ann Christian, added: “Private client work is a core part of our business, and demand for our services continues to grow.

“Kathryn has such a strong commitment to client care, particularly for those without family support.

“She has helped clients manage their financial affairs, applied for Attendance Allowance on their behalf and liaised with care homes, hospitals and social workers.

“She ensures that those in care homes receive the personal items they need and has even taken on the responsibility of planning funerals for clients who have nobody else to do it for them.

“We therefore chose Kathryn not only for her legal expertise, but for the genuine care she shows, ensuring every client receives the support they need with dignity and respect.”

:::

The 3M Buckley Innovation Centre (3M BIC), in Huddersfield, has appointed Henry Rigg as its new chief executive officer, succeeding Sue Cooke, who is retiring. 

Rigg brings a wealth of experience in business development, economic regeneration and enterprise support.

With his extensive background in business growth and innovation, the centre will continue driving forward its mission to support start-ups, SMEs and larger enterprises in West Yorkshire and beyond.

Rigg will also lead on the creation of a new health and wellbeing innovation centre on the top floor of the Emily Siddon Building, the second on the University of Huddersfield’s National Health Innovation Campus.

He began his career in 1995 at Leeds Development Agency, supporting business grants and manufacturing initiatives.

In 2002, he joined Yorkshire Forward, managing employment and skills programmes before leading youth enterprise, social enterprise and access to finance initiatives.

In 2009, he became regeneration policy manager at Leeds City Council, shaping strategy and reviewing key services. He later joined the Leeds City Region LEP, focusing on inward investment, international trade and SME support.

Following the formation of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) in 2015, he became head of business support, establishing and expanding the Business Growth Hub.

Over eight years, he developed SME support programmes in finance, innovation, export and productivity, playing a key role in WYCA’s Brexit and COVID-19 response. He later led its Trade and Investment function.

More recently, Rigg was director of enterprise for Northern England at NatWest, leading the bank’s Accelerator programme for high-growth start-ups in Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle.

He said: “I am thrilled to be joining the 3M BIC as CEO and to build on the incredible work done by Sue and the team. I’ve been aware of the centre for many years as a driving force in innovation, supporting SMEs and fostering collaboration across industries.

“I am looking forward to working with the team, partners and businesses to strengthen its role in the region’s innovation and enterprise ecosystem, in particular in the health and wellbeing sectors.”

Professor Tim Thornton, chair of the 3M BIC Board and deputy vice chancellor at the University of Huddersfield, added: “Henry’s extensive experience in business development and innovation will be invaluable in driving the Centre forward, strengthening its role in supporting regional businesses and fostering collaboration.

“This is an exciting time for Henry to join the 3M BIC, with the upcoming launch of the new health and wellbeing centre on the University’s National Health Innovation Campus in 2026.

“The centre will play a key role in advancing health innovation across the region, supporting new and emerging enterprises.”

:::

International law firm Addleshaw Goddard has recruited experienced Partner Paul Anderson to its expanding Financial Regulation team.

Anderson, who joins from Squire Patton Boggs, will return to the firm’s Leeds office at Sovereign Square having spent six years at Addleshaw Goddard earlier in his career.

He has specialised in financial services and regulatory matters for over 25 years in a career which included a spell in-house and at a Magic Circle firm, having trained and qualified in the City.

His arrival is the latest in a series of appointments, including former Bank of England deputy GC Tess Kelly and James Greig, Grace Wyatt, Lisa Lee Lewis in London, as well as partners Jeanne-Marie Moriarty and Marco Zingler in Dublin and Frankfurt respectively.

Anderson has broad client experience and practical, commercial knowledge, advising a range of retail and wholesale financial services businesses including clients from the fintech, banking, investment management, insurance, building society, broker dealer, alternatives, fund establishment and IFA sectors as well as intermediaries in the energy, investment and insurance sectors.

His clients include private banks, payment services/e-money providers, insurance intermediaries, pension and administration services providers.

He advises clients at all stages of the financial regulation cycle, from advising on whether activities are regulated, through the conduct of business, to dealing with issues where firms face challenge either through FCA supervisory matters or enforcement.

He also has experience of working across a variety of jurisdictions for clients, often relating to the regulation applicable to marketing financial products and services.

Anderson, who has led the financial services practice at Squires in the UK and Europe, has a particular focus on wealth management including fund management, investment management and financial advisory work.

Rosanna Bryant, partner and head of Financial Services Regulatory team at Addleshaw Goddard, said: “We are excited to welcome Paul back to the firm, bringing with him a wealth of experience across the full range of financial regulation work.

“We continue to enhance our capacity to support our international client base on all aspects of financial services regulatory requirements and Paul will help drive our offering across the UK and beyond.”

Anderson said: “I’m pleased to be rejoining the team at Addleshaw Goddard. I’ve watched from the outside as it has transformed over the past 15 years to become a truly international firm that delivers high-quality results for clients around the world.

“I’ve also seen the clear ambition the firm has under Andrew Johnston to double down on that momentum over the next five years.

“The opportunity to return as a partner and benefit from that growth, and the firm’s commitment to innovation, was something I could not pass up.”

:::

Commercial law firm, Square One Law, has appointed two new partners as it continues to increase its presence in the North of England.

Phil Gregory has joined as a commercial property partner from Shoosmiths, where he was a partner in the firm’s Leeds office.

With over 20 years’ experience advising regional and national clients, he works with businesses from an array of sectors, specialising in commercial and mixed-use development, regeneration projects, large transactions and landlord and tenant.

He particularly has a focus on new retail and roadside developments schemes for regional and national developers.

Corporate and renewable energy specialist, Amy Wanless, has been recruited as a corporate partner from her role as in-house senior legal counsel for global energy powerhouse, Aggreko.

She brings valuable market-leading experience of working on high-profile, UK and international mergers and acquisitions, private equity and VC investments, overseeing shareholder and joint venture agreements, EMI option schemes and company reorganisations.

Gill Hunter, managing partner, said: “We are happy to welcome Amy and Phil to Square One Law.

“Corporate and commercial property are two areas where we’ve seen significant growth, and these appointments are key to ensuring we continue delivering the exceptional client service that we’re known for.

“Their expertise strengthens our commitment to providing high-quality, commercially focused advice — working in a way that truly supports our clients’ goals. We’re excited to have them join the team.”

Gregory said: “I am very excited about joining such a progressive and distinctive firm in Square One Law.

“The ethos of providing client focused, results driven advice and from a mentality where all our team are empowered to be brave, creative and ultimately their natural selves really strikes a chord with me.

“I look forward to being part of the firm’s journey as we look to grow and evolve the business with this vision at the heart of everything we do.”

Wanless added: “I am incredibly proud to join Square One, a firm with a reputation for outstanding client service and whose values as a B Corp are echoed throughout the business.

“I’m thrilled to be part of the team and look forward to contributing to the firm’s strong reputation for excellent client service.”