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Key Appointments and Achievements in North West Businesses

key appointments and achievements in north west businesses business manchester

The business landscape in the North West is buzzing with noteworthy developments. Significant appointments and promotions highlight the region’s dynamic growth. Meanwhile, companies are celebrating milestones that reflect their commitment to excellence. From law firms to educational institutions, each story encapsulates progress. However, it is the people behind these achievements who bring them to life, showcasing their expertise and passion. Therefore, these updates not only mark professional success but also underscore the region’s potential for continued innovation and leadership.

Sophie Hughes Returns to Merrick

Solicitor Sophie Hughes has made her return to the Manchester-based family law firm, Merrick. Sophie completed her legal training successfully with Glaisyers ETL and achieved a Distinction in her LLM Master of Laws at BPP Manchester. Originally starting her legal career at Merrick as a legal assistant and paralegal, Sophie expressed her passion for family law, driven by her own experiences from a divorced household and blended family.

Amanda Merrick, the principal of the firm, praised Sophie, stating, “We always knew that Sophie had a passion and talent for family law, and she now has all-round experience as well. She’ll be an asset for our clients and the business.” Merrick has built its reputation representing high net worth clients, and in recent years, it has expanded its service offerings to include different levels, catering to various needs and resources.

Among the new service levels is ‘Access Us,’ which aims to provide legal assistance in family law cases where resources are limited, addressing the gap left by the reduced availability of legal aid in the UK. This initiative helps those who might otherwise struggle to access necessary legal help.

Ross Fleming Joins Integritas Property Group

Integritas Property Group (IPG) has appointed Ross Fleming as the Global Sales Director, marking yet another significant hire for the company. Ross is expected to helm IPG’s international sales operations, expanding its global market presence. His extensive experience spans across Asia and Europe, particularly in the real estate, investment, and development sectors.

Ross began his career in the Royal Air Force, later transitioning to real estate and investment, working initially in central London. His roles have taken him globally, including three years in Hong Kong and China and another year in Austria, working on property markets in major cities like London, Berlin, and Manchester.

Mitchell Walsh, the CEO of IPG, acknowledged Ross’s high standards and ability to develop exciting projects. He stated that Ross’s international experience is pivotal as IPG aims to solidify its presence on a global scale. Fleming commented on his new role, expressing excitement about joining IPG during a significant growth phase for the company.

John Tootell’s Promotion at Northern Trust Land

Northern Trust Land has promoted John Tootell to Director, acknowledging his exceptional contributions and leadership. John’s 14-year tenure at the company has been instrumental in expanding its land portfolio, which now includes more than 60 active promotion sites and ownership of over 2,000 acres.

The recent rebranding of Metacre Ltd to Northern Trust Land signifies a strategic evolution for the company. The portfolio under John’s purview could potentially deliver over 10,000 new homes in the next five years, emphasising the scale and importance of his role.

John expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I am honoured and privileged to take on this new challenge and look forward to building on our excellent track record. I am a firm believer that people make any organisation, and you are nothing without a strong team.” His commitment to sustainable community development and strong partnerships with landowners underscore his leadership approach.

Success for Hydes’ Apprentices

Salford-based brewer and pub retailer, Hydes, has celebrated the success of four young trainees who have completed their apprenticeships and secured permanent positions within the company. The apprentices, including Ryan Littler, James Stevenson, William King, and Jack Brickles, have all progressed into roles that make use of their newly acquired skills.

Ryan Littler, the youngest deputy manager at Hydes, works at The Golden Lion in Wrexham. He, along with James Stevenson, achieved a Hospitality Supervisor Level 3 qualification. William King has taken up the role of commis chef at Hornsmill in Chester, while Jack Brickles is now the duty manager at The Horse and Farrier in Gatley.

Laura Miller, Hydes’ training manager, highlighted the value of apprenticeships in attracting talent to the company. She noted that apprenticeships in hospitality, catering, head office, and brewery teams have all been successful, with participants gaining both practical experience and qualifications. Ryan expressed his gratitude for the supportive environment at Hydes, stating, “I really enjoyed earning whilst I learned on the job, gaining valuable insight from my experienced colleagues.”

Dr Silvia Tedesco Joins University of Salford

Dr Silvia Tedesco has taken up the role of Associate Professor for Sustainability at the University of Salford Business School’s Centre for Sustainable Innovation. She brings over a decade of experience in sustainability, having previously worked at Manchester Metropolitan University and Dublin City University.

Silvia is expected to drive the centre’s sustainability workstream, working alongside Dr Angel Jimenez-Aranda and Dr Ann Mulhaney. The Centre for Sustainable Innovation is dedicated to fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers to promote decarbonisation and innovation.

Sara Boswell, the centre’s director, noted Silvia’s impressive track record with grants for advancing biomass and waste conversion technologies. Silvia expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “Seeing first-hand the work the team is doing at the Centre for Sustainable Innovation was a real draw for me.”

New Team Members at FW Capital

FW Capital has expanded its North West team by appointing Joe O’Connor and Barry Wilson. These new hires come as the organisation takes on the task of delivering investment through the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).

Joe O’Connor, based in FW Capital’s Preston office, brings over ten years of banking experience. He aims to support businesses in Lancashire and Cumbria, helping them secure the funding they need for growth. Barry Wilson, with over 42 years in banking, will operate from the Liverpool office, focusing on businesses across Merseyside.

Gary Guest, FW Capital’s Fund Director, highlighted Joe and Barry’s extensive experience as valuable additions to the team. The primary aim is to use the NPIF II to back high-potential businesses in the North West, offering crucial financial support and fostering local innovation. Barry expressed his eagerness to contribute, stating, “This is an exciting new challenge for me using my experience in a different way.”


The recent flurry of activity within the North West business community underscores the region’s commitment to growth and innovation. Significant hires, promotions, and milestones indicate a thriving business environment. Moreover, these developments highlight the resilience and adaptability of local enterprises. As these companies continue to evolve and excel, the North West is poised to remain a beacon of excellence and opportunity. Ultimately, it is through these advancements that the region will continue to set benchmarks and lead by example in various industry sectors.

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