National law firm Mills & Reeve has appointed partner Nick Bell to spearhead the launch of its Leeds banking & finance team.
Bell has joined from Squire Patton Boggs where he was a partner in the financial services group. He was previously a director and head of the transaction management team at National Westminster Bank.
As a full-service banking and finance lawyer, he has more than 20 years’ experience, including leveraged and acquisition finance, cross-border corporate transactions, project finance and real estate finance.
His appointment, which follows that of asset-based lending partner Simon Prendergast in Manchester earlier this year, is designed to build a banking practice in Leeds and across the North.
Bell will work with the corporate, commercial and real estate teams to provide a one-stop shop service to corporate clients.
Paul Johnson, head of the Leeds office, said: “Having a banking lawyer of Nick’s calibre in the Leeds office is a significant step forward in our ambitious expansion strategy and reinforces our commitment to the city and wider Yorkshire region.
“’Our corporate, commercial, and real estate teams have grown rapidly and Nick’s appointment, which will open new relationships with lenders, will enable them to provide a full service to corporate clients.”
Bell said: “I’m thrilled to have joined Mills & Reeve. I’m looking forward to helping the firm grow and build its banking and finance practice in Leeds, across the North, and nationally.
“It’s an exciting time to be joining the firm with its ambitious expansion strategy and growth plans, and I look forward to working closely with my new colleagues and clients to help achieve those goals.”
William Roles, head of the Mills & Reeve national finance and restructuring practice, added: “I’m happy to welcome Nick to our team.
“His strong reputation and skills will greatly assist the growth plans of our existing practice.
“Nick is our first finance partner hire into the Mills & Reeve Leeds office, and his appointment will contribute significantly to our longer-term strategic aim of being recognised as the leading national finance practice.”
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Calbee UK, owner of Bradford-based Seabrook Crisps, has appointed Charlotte Midgley as head of HR.
Formerly UK and Australia HR manager for Klöckner Pentaplast, she was responsible for leading initiatives in both markets, giving her valuable experience of global organisational needs.
She said: “I’ve joined Calbee at a really exciting time and am looking forward to contributing to the company’s continued growth plans.
“I’m particularly enthusiastic about aligning our people strategy with these goals to ensure we foster a culture of innovation and engagement, as part of the wider global Calbee family.
“In my previous role I gained valuable exposure to global operations and will bring that insight and experience to this position.
“Our employees are our most important asset, and I want to ensure we create a culture that attracts and retains the best talent.”
Jon Wood, group managing director, added: “We would like to take this opportunity to welcome Charlotte to the team.
“Her experience in global business will be invaluable as we expand in the UK, working with our Calbee Group colleagues worldwide.
“With a focus on initiatives that will foster a positive and progressive culture, we know Charlotte is going to be a great asset to the team.”
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Leeds-based Fruition Consulting has appointed Ed Marshall as its new chief technology officer.
Marshall brings over 20 years of experience in driving technological innovation and business transformation.
Most recently, as chief technology officer at hedgehog lab, he transformed the technology team and also played a key role in the acquisition and integration of Netsells.
Prior to that, at Infinity Works, he played a central role in growing the business, having joined as the second permanent employee, opening its new Scottish business and finally integrating the business with Accenture, while overseeing significant growth, expanding the team to over 650 consultants.
He is a strong proponent of the transformative power of AI, having introduced AI provisions, acceptable usage guidance, and policies to harness its potential responsibly.
Sarah Pawson, CEO of Fruition Consulting, said: “We are happy to welcome Ed to Fruition at such an exciting time in our journey.
“His appointment is a powerful statement of our intention to accelerate growth and deepen client partnerships.
“Ed brings a wealth of experience in bringing technology, process and strategy together, and we are confident his leadership will be pivotal in helping us push the boundaries of digital innovation for our clients.”
Marshall added: “I’m thrilled to join Fruition Consulting at this significant stage of its evolution. The company’s vision for the value and impact we can deliver for our clients aligns perfectly with my own values and aspirations.
“I look forward to driving even greater outcomes for our clients, helping them overcome complex challenges and unlocking new levels of digital success.”
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Richard Hoare with Devon Drakes
Regional law firm, Andrew Jackson Solicitors, has welcomed solicitor Devon Drakes to its private client team.
Devon is experienced in assisting clients in relation to the preparation of wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, and in providing Inheritance Tax advice.
She also has experience in advising on the administration of estates following death.
Richard Hoare, partner and head of private client services, said: “Our private client team is committed to providing the best possible service for each of our clients, which is why we’re continuing to invest in our team and develop our client offering.
“We’re happy to welcome Devon to the team and feel confident she will ably assist us in providing a trusted, personal service to clients.”
