Commercial property management and building consultancy firm, Workman, has made 57 promotions across the business, including seven new partners, one of which is in its Manchester office.
The promotions span all 11 UK offices and cover a broad range of service lines from property management, including retail & leisure, to building consultancy, client accounts, sustainability, compliance, and HR.
Among the partner appointments is Michelle Barker, who joined Workman in 2012 as a property administrator, and has built her career in property management in the Manchester office.
Managing partner, Matthew Pateman, said: “We’re a property firm, but we’re really a people business. These 57 promotions are the clearest sign of that.”
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Ben Bradley
Partner Ben Bradley has been appointed head of Hurst Corporate Finance, succeeding long-serving Nigel Barratt in a planned transition.
Nigel, who has led the corporate finance team since 2007, will continue to be a senior partner, supporting Ben and providing strategic advice to clients.
Ben joined the Stockport-based firm as a graduate trainee in 2011 after a 12-month university placement. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2014 while working in the business services team, before joining Hurst Corporate Finance in 2015.
In his new role, Ben leads a team of M&A experts advising owner-managed companies and entrepreneurs across the UK, supported by the wider firm’s business services, tax and digital teams.
Managing partner, Tim Potter, welcomed Ben’s appointment, saying: “I’m looking forward to working alongside him as he continues to build the Hurst Corporate Finance team.
“Nigel has delivered a terrific performance over many years, and I’m grateful to him for all he has achieved. He now transitions to a senior role, remaining in corporate finance while also working within the senior leadership team to deliver the firm’s strategy.”
Nigel said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed leading the corporate finance team and am very proud of what we have created.
“Ben is fantastic to work with, and I know that under his leadership the team will continue to flourish.”
Ben said: “Having joined as a graduate, it’s incredibly rewarding to now lead the corporate finance team.
“I’m extremely grateful to Nigel for his leadership and support over the years. The knowledge and experience he has shared with me have been invaluable, and I’m excited to build on what he has achieved as we take the team into its next phase.”
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Matt Taylor
Global law firm, Eversheds Sutherland, has appointed partner Matt Taylor as its new senior office partner (SOP) for Manchester, effective May 1.
Matt succeeds outgoing SOP, partner Ele Lovering, and will lead the Manchester office with a continued focus on strategic growth, talent development and deepening relationships with its clients across the region.
Matt is widely respected for his commercial dispute resolution expertise and his collaborative leadership style. He has played a key role in the ongoing growth of the Manchester office, working closely with colleagues across the firm’s UK and international network.
He was president of Manchester Law Society between 2019 and 2021, representing the interests of the legal profession both locally and nationally. He continues to sit on its council, including as chair of its Future Stars Programme which works to open up access to the legal profession to junior talent of all backgrounds.
Ele Lovering said: “It’s been a real honour to serve as senior office partner for Manchester over the past five years. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together.”
Matt Taylor said: “I’d like to thank Ele for her outstanding leadership.
“It’s a real privilege to take on this role. Manchester is home to an exceptional team, a strong local, national and international client base and a culture that reflects the very best of Eversheds Sutherland.”
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Paul Russell
Armstrong Watson has appointed Paul Russell as head of VAT and Indirect Tax, strengthening the firm’s specialist advisory capability across the North of England and Scotland.
Paul joins with more than 27 years’ experience in VAT and other indirect taxes, having worked at HMRC for 16 years before moving into practice and holding senior positions with BDO and RSM.
Becky Bowness, head of tax at the Carlisle-based accountant and business adviser, said: “Paul is an outstanding addition to our leadership team. He brings a rare combination of deep technical VAT expertise, senior advisory experience and first-hand HMRC insight – exactly the mix our clients need as the indirect tax landscape becomes more complex and increasingly scrutinised.”
Paul added: “Armstrong Watson’s ambition, culture, and its brilliant client base immediately stood out to me.”
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Jessica Nield
Aon, the global professional services firm, has made three appointments within its Manchester Corporate team.
Andrew Smith joins as client manager, Jessica Nield as business development manager, and Louis Stephens as client service adviser.
In his new role, Andrew will draw on 12 years’ experience to act as the primary contact for a book of clients while co-ordinating a team of Commercial Risk specialists.
Andrew joined Aon in 2013 and has held several roles across the business, most recently as a senior professional indemnity broker in the Aon Financial Lines team.
Jessica, who has 13 years’ experience, will focus on expanding the Manchester team’s corporate Commercial Risk client base.
Prior to being appointed to her new role, Jessica spent three years as a business development regional team leader in the Aon Europe Talent Commercial team. Louis joins Aon from Marsh Commercial. As client service adviser, he will support the client service manager and director in managing accounts.
Matt Foy, head of office for Aon in Manchester, said: “I’d like to welcome Andrew, Jessica and Louis to the team. Their appointments reflect the strength and talent of our Manchester team and each of them bring valuable expertise and experience that will contribute to our growth strategy and enhance the service we provide to clients.”
Jessica Nield said: “Internal mobility is actively encouraged at Aon, and this role presented an excellent opportunity to focus on business development within my local market, after supporting commercial efforts across Europe.
“I’m excited to move to Commercial Risk, where I can contribute to the expansion of our corporate client base in the North West. Being from Manchester, it’s rewarding to work closely with local businesses alongside a highly experienced team of colleagues.”
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Dirk Pittaway
Regional contractor, Stepnell, has reinforced its commitment to the North West market with the appointment of Dirk Pittaway as regional director, alongside securing significant positions on the latest Procure Partnerships North West and Rise Construction frameworks.
Dirk will lead Stepnell’s Liverpool office, bringing more than 30 years of industry experience and a proven track record in delivering major public sector projects.
Following an eight-year tenure as regional managing director for Robertson Group, Dirk’s appointment aims to strategically align Stepnell’s collaborative culture with the growing demand for high quality public sector procurement in the region.
He said: “I’m joining Stepnell at a pivotal moment where we can truly influence the built environment in the North West. What drew me to the business was its sustainable approach and a ‘team-first’ culture that is genuinely agile enough to respond to regional needs.”
Director, Tom Sewell, said: “Dirk brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the North West landscape. His track record in public sector delivery makes him instrumental in our long term regional growth strategy.
“We are building a powerful pipeline in the North West supported by our 159-year heritage as a complete construction partner.”
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Matt Grant
Independent strategic land company, Wain Estates, has strengthened its planning team with the appointment of Matt Grant (35) as senior planning manager.
Matt, who has a MSc in town planning, brings 12 years’ experience across both public and private sectors, including in-house and consultancy roles. He joins Wain Estates from a national housebuilder, where he spent four years as a planning manager.
Based at Wain Estates’ headquarters in Birchwood, Matt will oversee a diverse portfolio of strategic land sites across the UK.
He said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the team at Wain Estates during what is an extremely exciting period in the strategic land world. The Government’s reforms to national planning policy have provided what may well be a once in a generation opportunity to boost housing delivery on sustainable sites across the country. I’m looking forward to assisting the business in taking advantage of this opportunity and delivering on its growth targets.”
Planning director, Neil Lewis, said: “Matt’s experience strengthens the team as we continue to grow our strategic land portfolio across the UK. With a strong planning team in place, we’re well positioned to respond to changes in planning policy and work closely with landowners to secure permissions and maximise land value.”
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Elaine Field
Law firm Clarke Willmott has added a new partner to its national planning and environment team.
Elaine Field brings more than 20 years of experience in both private practice and in-house roles within local government.
Her appointment signals further growth for the firm’s Manchester office, where Elaine will be based, as well as for its planning team which advises on the full spectrum of planning matters for developers, local authorities, landowners and commercial organisations.
Ed Foulkes, head of Clarke Willmott’s Manchester office, said: “It’s great to welcome Elaine to our office and to our fast growing and nationally recognised planning and environment team. Elaine is known for her practical, solutions‑focused approach and for providing clear, commercially grounded advice.”
