President & People
Growing Midlands law firm announces flurry of promotions
Sarah Perry
Feeling of hope and renewed optimism A couple of years ago I remember writing about the chronic lack of employment land in the Coventry and Warwickshire area. Sadly, it would appear from the information I am receiving, that this situation has not improved and if anything is getting worse! Something needs to be done or else the economic impact will have far reaching consequences, inasmuch as potential businesses looking at moving to this region will simply go elsewhere, or businesses already here and looking to expand will have no option but to relocate out of this area. In simple terms, that will mean job creation is non-existent and existing employment levels could fall, resulting in much-needed income for all types of businesses being lost! It is a situation that would be totally unacceptable, especially given what everyone has had to endure over these past twelve months. One thing is for certain and that is the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce will continue to lobby for more employment land to be created, if only to ensure that there are enough jobs in the future to match the additional homes that are being built throughout the Coventry and Warwickshire area. We cannot continue to bury our heads in the sand on this issue, future generations deserve better and those generations deserve a future! And speaking of futures, at time of writing all businesses have just started to open up and there is certainly a feeling of hope and renewed optimism out there and long may it continue. History will determine how the world in general handled this pandemic, history will judge whether the actions taken were a success, an abject failure or something in-between. I really do wonder what history will make of it all, one thing for sure is that everyone I speak to has an opinion and discussions can become quite heated, obviously depending on your point of view. However, for now and going forward let us hope we will not have to endure any further lockdowns. Finally, as President of the Chamber I want to offer my congratulations to two outstanding individuals at the Coventry & Warwickshire’s Chamber of Commerce. Firstly, to Louise Bennett OBE DL and CEO of the Chamber, who has been appointed as High Sheriff of The West Midlands, it is without doubt a great honour and thoroughly well deserved. Secondly to our Commercial Director Louise Wall, who will be taking over the role of CEO to the Northampton & Milton Keynes Chambers of Commerce in July. Louise is an exceptional individual and will be sorely missed by everyone within the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber network. Best regards Tom Mongan
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A Midlands law firm has announced 17 promotions across its business as part of its on-going growth plans. Leamington-based Wright Hassall has appointed three partners, two senior associates, eight associates, a legal director and promoted three individuals within its wider business services teams.
Those who have been promoted to partner include Gemma Baker (invoice collection and debt recovery), John Gregory (planning) and Tracy Ashby (wills and tax planning); while Luke Moulton (intellectual property) and Sarah Beer (agriculture and HS2) are now senior associates.
Kaleigh Brown, (real estate), Laura Steel (commercial) and Nathan Hinks (commercial property) have been appointed as associates, as have Patrick McCallum (commercial), Rees Herrod (corporate) and Sandra Piaskowska (construction).
James Leighfield (real estate) and Jennifer Rhind (litigation) have also achieved associate status, while Claire Halle-Smith (data protection) has moved up to the position of legal director. Also being promoted are three members of the firm’s business services teams: Ann-Marie Davis (senior executive assistant), Shaan Jamal (compliance) and Charlotte Bowler (sales & marketing). The promotions come in a year in which Wright Hassall – which employs more than 245 staff – is marking its 175th anniversary with a range of celebrations.
Sarah Perry, managing partner at Wright Hassall, said: “As a firm we pride ourselves on helping to develop and nurture the talents of our staff, and these promotions further underline this commitment. “Our business, like so many others, has had to adapt and show resilience in what has been a challenging year, and we’re delighted to now be in a position to promote these outstanding individuals who’ve all shown such dedication, application and teamwork in everything they do.”
Trio of High Sheriff awards for Rugby College staff and students Rugby College staff and students have received a trio of awards from the High Sheriff of Warwickshire to recognise the significant impact they have made on a local community. Joe Greenwell CBE DL, High Sheriff of Warwickshire, visited the college to congratulate those involved with The Prince’s Trust Team Programme for their recent project at a community church garden in Brownsover. He presented the college with three High Sheriff awards and spoke with leaders about how the programme is supporting the development of young people in the region. The Prince’s Trust Team Programme is based at Rugby College and is delivered in the area by college group WCG, which is the largest provider of programmes for the trust in England. The first award was presented to students enrolled in the course who carried out work to renovate the garden in the church grounds of Christ Church Brownsover. Team leader Georgia Allen received an award for leading the programme and delivering the project. Paul Harrison, senior Prince’s Trust
From l-r: Chris Gately (WCG) Angela Joyce (WCG), Paul Harrison (WCG), Joe Greenwell CBE DL and Georgia Allen (WCG)
programme coordinator for Coventry and Warwickshire at WCG, was also recognised for his impact regionally with the course delivery. Joe Greenwell CBE DL said: “It is very impressive for the initiative to have been able to achieve what it has in such a challenging year. I visited Christ Church in Brownsover during the project and I feel confident that the programme is making a huge difference to the lives of the young people involved.”
Georgia Allen added: “Joe has been very supportive since we first met him last year and we’re hoping to continue this work with his successors over the coming years. “Many young people involved in the programme are in difficult circumstances, so to receive an award like this from a highly respected person in society gives a great boost to their confidence. To find out more, visit https://wcg.ac.uk/page/25/princes-trust
Lodders hires estate and tax planning specialist
Barrister, tax, estate planning, wills and trusts specialist Alana Graham has joined Lodders private client department
Qualified barrister, tax, estate planning, wills and trusts specialist Alana Graham has joined local law firm Lodders in its top-ranking private client department. A barrister for more than 20 years, Alana has a wealth
of tax and private client experience having worked for several national law firms and inheritance tax consultancies and one of the UK’s big four accountancy firms. She regularly advises clients based around the world on tax, wills and trusts matters. In Lodders’ top-ranking private client practice, she will advise on all tax-related matters and utilise her advocacy skills to represent clients in the courts. Louise Igoe, head of Lodders’ private client department, said: “Alana combines an impressive breadth of knowledge with
being able to represent clients in the tribunals and courts, which has a national reputation for excellence and top tier rankings from both Chambers guide to the UK Legal Profession and the Legal 500. “For the private client department, Alana represents the addition of a tax expert, which not only strengthens our current offering, but will also contribute to the development of our estate and tax planning services in other areas.” Alana, who holds a Bachelor of Arts (Combined Honours) degree from
McMaster University, Toronto, Canada and an LL.B. (hons) law degree from Brunel University, Uxbridge, England, said: “This is my dream job as it combines tax issues and advice, with tax law, which has always been my first love. “Over the years, I have advised individuals on tax, will, and trust matters, as well as challenging wills and trusts. Nowadays this type of work is primarily combined, and with my skills and passion I can offer clients completely holistic advice based on my many years of experience.” For more information visit www.lodders.co.uk.
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
