NEWS FORRESTERS APPOINTS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND SUPPORTS SMES “When I first met the firm’s partners it was obvious that they were a great group of people that worked hard to achieve the best outcomes for their clients,” said Tas. “Growth and expansion have been a priority for Forresters, and it was good to see that the partners are open to change to help them achieve the results they are after. I want to help unblock bottlenecks and my door will always be open so that people can discuss any issues.” Meanwhile the firm has partnered with TBAT Innovation to provide IP support to SMEs looking to innovate. The Innovation Challenge, has been designed to bring together partners to provide expert guidance to growing companies in four key areas. The Innovation Challenge will see partners deliver four free, informative workshops on the topics of: Forresters have appointed Tas Quayum as chief operating officer as part of its commitment for growth, which includes streamlining processes and increasing collaboration across each of the firm’s teams and offices. He will be leading operational and financial management at Forresters and said he is looking forward to working with a dynamic and motivated team.
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The workshops will be held throughout Spring 2022. In May applications will open for businesses to submit a full business plan and be eligible to win a £5,000 cash prize and tailored support packages from partners. Two runners up will also receive a support package from partners. In June a showcase for the top 10 finalists will be held where the winners will be announced. Finalists will have the opportunity to present their business in a 10-minute pitch in front of key investors. Greg Smith and Dr Jagvir Purewal, senior associate patent attorneys at Forresters, will deliver the IP aspects of the Product Design and Protection workshop. Jagvir said: “We’re proud to be partnering with TBAT Innovation for The Innovation Challenge. IP can be difficult for SMEs to navigate as they seek to innovate and grow and we have a wealth of experience at Forresters in helping companies establish a solid IP position. I’m looking forward to working with the innovative companies involved in the challenge.”
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SOCIAL HOUSING PARTNER JOINS SHAKESPEARE MARTINEAU departmental manager for the built environment team. Joanna’s expertise encompasses complex housing acquisitions and disposals, and she has a breadth of experience in larger scale projects, including stock rationalisation transactions, stock swaps and transfers.
Having led property teams in delivering projects within strict budgets and timescales, Joanna also has a keen interest in value-added services, having often been the primary interface on multi-disciplinary projects involving cross-departmental working.
Leading full service law firm Shakespeare Martineau has welcomed new partner Joanna LeeMills to head-up its social housing development team. Joanna, who qualified in 2001, joins the firm following a career break, prior to which she worked at Anthony Collins Solicitors in Birmingham as 8
Joanna said: “I am delighted to be joining Shakespeare Martineau and extremely excited to be part of its vision, particularly at a time when the legal sector is having to adapt strategically and intuitively to the ever-changing landscapes perpetuated by the pandemic and its resulting challenges.” Joanna will be primarily based at the firm’s Birmingham hub but will be working with clients nationally. As part
of her role, Joanna will be drawing from her experience acting for private developers, corporate occupiers, and the public and third sectors to provide advice and support to registered provider clients on the broad spectrum of real estate issues that are often a necessary part of the landscape relating to the acquisition, sale and development of housing stock. She said: “I am passionate about lasting relationships and delivering excellence while remaining true to our clients’ and the firm’s values. Every client deserves a truly enhanced experience where they can expect service standards to be tailored to their individual needs and ways of operating. Joanna’s appointment is the latest in a string of new partner hires as part of the firm’s growth strategy, broadening its footprint both north and south. The firm is proactively seeking talented people to join the firm on its growth journey, including mergers, team recruitment and lateral hires nationally.”
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