The immediate past president of the Law Society England and Wales has joined Anthony Collins Solicitors as non-executive director.
Christina Blacklaws will support the firm’s ongoing growth in the role, while helping it develop ways it delivers legal services.
Her appointment to the firm also follows previous positions as director of innovation at Cripps LLP and founder of one of the º£½ÇÊÓÆµ’s first virtual law firms.
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She is also the chair of the LawTech Delivery Panel – a group set up to develop the regulatory and legislative framework for LawTech in the º£½ÇÊÓÆµ to thrive.
Peter Hubbard, Senior Partner at Anthony Collins Solicitors, said: “As Non-Executive Director, Christina will play a vital role in challenging us and adding a fresh perspective to the thinking of our board.
“Christina brings with her a wealth of expertise that will prove invaluable in supporting the firm’s growth and technological innovation.
“Christina shares our passion for enabling lawyers to deliver real social change – making her our chosen candidate from a wider pool of very talented applicants for the position. Her appointment arrives at an exciting time for the firm, which is supporting clients across the º£½ÇÊÓÆµ from growing offices in Manchester and Birmingham.”
Ms Blacklaws said: “The firm’s core principles of access to justice and social purpose strike a chord with my own beliefs, and I look forward to supporting its aim of improving lives, communities and society.
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“I plan to use my experience in LawTech and help the firm identify new ways to incorporate technology as a tool that enhances the law profession and unlocks growth.
“Another key priority is diversity after tackling this issue in my role as Law Society President. With 40 per cent female partners at Anthony Collins Solicitors, the firm is driving real change and together we can continue promoting inclusivity and gender balance in the legal services sector.”
A property finance expert has joined specialist lender Together as its corporate relationship director covering the North of England.
Alex Garland, who has worked in commercial real estate finance for nearly 20 years,
In the role, Mr Garland will cover Manchester Leeds and the north east, where he will be responsible for nurturing existing relationships and widening the specialist lender’s network of corporate clients and advisers as it grows its presence across the º£½ÇÊÓÆµ.
Mr Garland joins the lender from Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banking Group, where he held the role of senior director.
He is returning to Together, where he started his career as a commercial underwriter 17 years ago.
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He said: “It’s great to be back.
“I’ve been working in mainstream banking for a long time now and that market has changed significantly over the last decade.
“I’m ready for a new challenge and, having started off in specialist lending, I’ve come full circle.
“Over the years, I’ve always kept an eye on Together’s amazing growth and its ambitions for the future. It’s fantastic to be part of the team again.”
North-west housebuilders Redrow has promoted its senior project manager to the role of area construction manager.
27-year-old Ashley Terron has been promoted three times at the firm before landing his latest role.
He is also an assistant training manager for the Worldskills º£½ÇÊÓÆµ organisation, a role he took on after winning a gold medal in the bricklaying category of the global Worldskills competition in 2013.
Mr Terron said: “Moving up through Redrow’s ranks really means a lot to me.
“In my most recent past role as senior project manager I was involved a lot with the day-to-day running of one particular site, but my new role means I’m involved in more of the customer service side and overseeing construction of several developments, such as all three outlets that currently make up Woodford Garden Village.
“It’s great seeing different developments transformed into amazing places that people can call home and being involved from start to finish.”
Paul Moore, managing director of Redrow Homes, based at Daresbury, Cheshire, said: “It’s great that he is now able to pass on his experience, knowledge and skills not only to our construction teams but also to the wider industry through Worldskills.”
Manchester’s new £250m neighbourhood KAMPUS has appointed a new head of commercial to curate the retail and leisure mix at the development.
Rochelle Silverstein joins the team after spending five years as associate director of retail and leisure at Allied London, where she worked on Spinningfields, London Road Fire Station and St. John’s.
Ms Silverstein said: “We’ve got a rare opportunity to build a bustling and inclusive community right in the heart of the city – with proper gardens and well thought out public spaces.
“My passion lies in working with creative and independent hospitality and retail operators so KAMPUS is a natural fit for me.
“We’re working with the best operators in the market to create something eclectic and authentic that adds to the vibrancy of the area. I can’t wait to bring it to life.”
A joint venture between Henry Boot Developments and Capital & Centric, the development on Aytoun Street is currently under construction with doors due to open in Summer 2020.
Adam Brady, Henry Boot Developments, added: “The commercial and outdoor space will really set the tone for KAMPUS so we’ve been handpicking operators who really understand the community we’re looking to create.
“We’ve got some pretty unique spaces on offer and Rochelle’s the perfect person to make sure we curate the right mix.”