Sale and Trafford-based law firm, Slater Heelis LLP has expanded its employment law team following a record increase in the number of cases.

Lucy Flynn and Samantha Tanney join the team at the firm’s Sale office as it further increases its expertise and service offering.

Lucy joins from Blackhouse Jones Solicitors and has specialised in employment law for over 10 years, advising individuals and corporate entities on contentious employment and HR related issues.

Samantha joins from national trade union firm, Thompsons where she specialised in representing Claimants and individuals in the health sector.

Lucy and Samantha’s arrival brings the employment team to five fee earners servicing regional and national clients in both the public and private sector.

Tracey Guest, Partner & Head of the Employment team, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming not one, but two extremely talented new solicitors to our rapidly expanding team in Sale.

“Both Samantha and Lucy are skilled solicitors and have a fantastic reputation within the legal industry. They will greatly complement our client offering.”

Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Warren Smith, visited Mason Advisory in MediaCityUK to formally present the company with a prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

The team was awarded the accolade in the International Trade category for significant growth in overseas sales, based on the company’s successful business projects overseas, advising across the public and private sector.

Newly housed at the White Tower, MediaCityUK, Mason Advisory is the only company in Salford to receive the award this year. The organisation provides IT consultancy and advisory services, solving complex business challenges through the intelligent use of IT resources including IT strategy and transformation, sourcing, architecture, cybersecurity and IT delivery. Overseas sales have grown significantly following projects all over the world, including in the USA, Switzerland, Norway, Ireland, Jamaica, Qatar, and Mauritius.

Attended by Steve Watmough, CEO, as well as the wider team from Mason Advisory’s offices around the UK, the presentation was followed by tea and cakes to celebrate the occasion.

Steve Watmough, Mason Advisory CEO, says: “It is such an incredible honour for us and a huge privilege to welcome Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Warren Smith, to our new offices. This is the first time we have entered and won the awards and it’s exciting that we are the only company in Salford to receive a Queen’s award in 2018.

“We discussed international trade and the growing importance of the North West as a business hub. He was impressed with the progress our company is making and how the IT industry is prospering both at home and internationally.

“We know there are many important businesses in the region and across the UK carrying out impressive work around the globe so to be presented with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise really raises our profile in the IT sector and within British industry. This accolade is for every individual in our team and recognises the outstanding work they have delivered collectively. It is testament to the high calibre of consultants in our team who are continuing to produce innovative and transformational IT projects across the UK and abroad. We look forward to further success and expansion in the second half of 2018 and beyond.”

Manchester may always be ‘home’ to Lookers, but the motor retailer is continuing to strengthen its brand representation across the nation.

The company, founded in the North-West 110 years ago, is now one of the biggest car dealerships in Britain and has just added North-East-based group, Jennings, to its repertoire. The acquisition reinforces Lookers’ position in the industry. It’s also another show of confidence by the company in the wider UK automotive market, and the continued demand for both new and used cars.

Lookers Chief Executive Andy Bruce, said: “The acquisition of Jennings is a perfect fit for Lookers and is aligned to our business model of operating the right brands in the right locations. We are delighted to expand our key partnership with Ford of Britain, the market-leading brand in the UK.”

Lookers aims to be a major consolidator in what remains to be a highly fragmented market, and the acquisition of Jennings Motor Group represents an important development for the business, while it continues to concentrate on operational excellence and consistent organic growth.

Dr Nas Khan OBE, Chairman and proprietor of Jennings, said: “The sale to Lookers represents the next stage in the evolution of a company which, just over 100 years ago, was one of the first companies in the country appointed by Ford to sell its cars. I am proud to hand over the business in such good shape to Lookers, for them to continue with the standards of customer service and care which typifies the Jennings brand.”

David Kendrick, Partner at UHY Hacker Young Manchester LLP, who advised Jennings, said: “Jennings has been a long-established and very successful group for many years now. The acquisition by Lookers makes complete sense and complements their strong North-East presence, also enhancing their Ford representation.”

Mark Atherton, site manager at Bellway Homes’ Eclipse development in West Didsbury, is the proud recipient a National House Building Council (NHBC) Pride in the Job award.

In existence for more than 35 years, the Pride in the Job scheme is dedicated to recognising the industry’s very best performers and is a prestigious accolade that site managers strive to achieve.

To win an award, site managers must score highly in all areas of the build process including quality of workmanship, technical expertise, health and safety and management and leadership.  Judges are also looking for meticulous and consistent attention to detail and the special qualities and attributes that set winners apart from the rest.

Having worked in the construction industry for many years, starting off as a painter and decorator before moving into site management 14 years ago, Mark is thrilled to have received a Pride in the Job award for his work at Eclipse, Bellway’s prestigious development of high quality new build homes on Cavendish Road in West Didsbury.

He commented: “In today’s busy and fast paced construction climate, it is great to be recognised for doing a good job and I am delighted to receive a Pride in the Job award.  It is testimony to the ongoing hard work and continued commitment of the entire team here at Eclipse that we are able to work together to deliver top quality new build homes for our customers.”

Construction director at Bellway Homes, Paul Wright, added: “The Pride in the Job award is one of the most highly regarded accolades for site managers in the housebuilding industry and it takes leadership, hard work and a continued commitment to quality to be recognised by the NHBC.  It is super news for Mark and the team.”

Manchester-based full service e-commerce agency, PushON, has appointed a new senior sales manager to grow and develop its online marketing offering.

With over 20 years of sales experience, and particular expertise in digital marketing, Lee Mason began his career with BT where he helped form the first specialist e-business sales teams.

While there he managed 19 sales advisors providing web design and e-commerce solutions to businesses in the very early stages of commercial online activity.

Most recently, Lee held the position of business development manager at Liverpool’s leading search marketing agency Click Consult for seven years.

In his new role at PushON, Lee will help to grow the agency’s online marketing services, which include content marketing, SEO, CRO, paid and social media, and expand its roster of clients.

His vast experience in the digital sector means that Lee can expertly consult with new and existing clients on the specific online marketing solutions that would benefit their business, and make solid strategy recommendations to meet their commercial objectives.

Commenting on his new role, Lee said: “I interviewed for a number of roles but as soon as I met the team at PushON, the enthusiasm came shining through.

“PushON’s external reputation and credibility is second to none, but the deciding factor was the transparency and ability to take ownership of the role.

“I’m delighted that they’ve recognised my commercial strengths and we share the same vision in helping to significantly grow the brand and develop its online marketing base of clients.”

Sam Rutley, managing director at PushON, said: “Lee is a fantastic addition to the PushON team, combining considerable sales experience with a real passion for digital.

“He will be integral in helping us to build and nurture new relationships by using his expertise and knowledge of the sector to demonstract the value that PushON’s services can bring to a range of businesses.”

Pixel Kicks, the Manchester based full-service digital agency, has been appointed by Manchester and Glossop law firm Davis Blank Furniss to handle all aspects of its digital marketing activities. 

Pixel Kicks will now work with the law firm on its SEO, link building, content creation and website development.

Davis Blank Furniss offers a wide range of legal services for both the business and private sectors. Its business specific services include representation in commercial and corporate law, insolvency, employment and dispute resolution. Whilst on the private client side, the firm offers advice on property, family, personal injury and wills and probate.

Kate Oldfield, Managing Partner at Davis Blank Furniss, said: “We wanted to work with an agency that came to us with fresh ideas and an exciting approach. We were impressed with Pixel Kicks’ mix of strategy and creativity and its obvious awareness of our goals.”

Matt Hartley, principal sales and account manager at Pixel Kicks, added: “Davis Blank Furniss is a well-established name in the North West legal market, and Pixel Kicks is delighted to have been appointed as its digital partner. Our focus is now on building on its much-respected name with a digital campaign that will add real commercial value.”