People: Powwr; Equity Release Group; Gateley Legal; StudioLWD; Workspace Design and Build

Manchester-based energy software provider Powwr has appointed Visheshta Choudhary to work on onboarding and providing a streamlined learning programme for the 1000+ brokers that use their cloud-based software solutions.

She is a L&D professional with over 20 years’ experience spanning diverse industries including banking, telecom, government and retail.

She has led multiple successful L&D projects focused on employee performance, onboarding, continuous improvement and compliance for the likes of Serco, Studio Retail Ltd., TMS Global, and urbanbubble Ltd.

“We are thrilled that Visheshta Choudhary has joined the team. She is highly skilled in developing learning programmes, working with learning management systems and streamlining business processes through continuous improvement methodologies. The brokers that use our solutions are in good hands,” explains Patrick Gardiner, Senior Vice President of Customer Success, Powwr.

“It is great to be part of such a forward-thinking organisation that has technology at its core,” adds Choudhary. “I am excited to start designing innovative learning tools that help those in the Powwr ecosystem do their job more effectively.”

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Richard Allan and Emlyn Hudson

Gateley Legal has boosted its national construction offering with the hire of legal director Richard Allan at its Manchester office.

Allan joins from Irwin Mitchell and brings 19 years of experience advising on complex construction and engineering project disputes spanning a wide range of market sectors.

He has acted for and advised numerous leading UK and international owners, contractors, consultants, funders and administrators on projects in the UK, mainland Europe, USA, Russia and the Middle East.

He also brings specialist experience resolving disputes within the energy sector including nuclear, combined heat and power, oil and lithium. More recently, Allan has been focusing on fire safety and cladding claims, acting for freeholders, owners and contractors.

In his role at Gateley Legal, Allan will bolster the national construction team’s offering to support clients, including housebuilders and developers, with a broad range of construction matters including fire safety.

He said: “It’s great to join Gateley Legal’s construction team. Its national offering is widely recognised within the market and provides a comprehensive service for clients alongside the consultancy businesses within the wider Group which sets them apart within the industry.”

Emlyn Hudson, partner and national head of construction at Gateley Legal, said: “We’re pleased to have Richard join our team in Manchester. He brings a wealth of valuable experience spanning a wide range of industry sectors which will really bolster our offering for clients.”

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Sam Broom

Poulton-le-Fylde branding and design agency StudioLWD has appointed Sam Broom as Marketing Manager.

Sam brings over fifteen years of experience in both traditional and digital marketing strategies to the award-winning agency, from previous positions including Head of Marketing & Communications at Rossall School.

“Sam is a fantastic addition to our team,” said Laura Weldon, Founder and Creative Director of Studio LWD. “With a proven track record in developing and executing comprehensive marketing campaigns, Sam has demonstrated a keen ability to build meaningful connections with diverse audiences.

“His expertise encompasses AI-driven automation, SEO, and video marketing, positioning him to drive innovative initiatives at StudioLWD and his extensive experience and passion for connecting with audiences through both traditional and digital channels will be invaluable as we continue to support our clients with enhanced marketing expertise and services.”

Mr Broom said: “I’m excited to be joining StudioLWD and to work alongside such an exceptionally talented team. The opportunity to contribute to the agency’s dynamic approach to branding and to help elevate our clients’ presence is incredibly exciting.”

StudioLWD, established in 2012 by Laura Weldon delivers full-service branding solutions across various sectors with a portfolio including collaborations with globally recognised brands such as Virgin, Nike, Tesco, Aldi, Ancestry.com, and the British Council.

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Donna Francis

Former Chief Operating Officer at Equity Release Council (ERC) – the industry body for the UK equity release sector – Donna Francis, joins the UK’s leading whole of market equity release experts,Equity Release Group (ERG),as Non-Executive Director.

She has over 30 years’ experience across the financial services market and has spearheaded industry wide high-profile strategic projects, including the merger of the Life Insurance Association (LIA) and Society of Financial Advisers (SoFA) to create the Personal Finance Society, followed by the launch of the Society of Mortgage Professionals.

The Birchwood-based firm also announced a new partnership last month with the UK’s largest debt charity, StepChange, to become their exclusive equity release and later life lending advice partner. At the heart of this partnership is the ability to aptly help, guide and support more people with their financial options, which is incredibly important to ERG.

Donna Francis said: “I’ve worked with Equity Release Group in my previous capacity as COO for the Council and have avidly followed their development path for many years, which has transformed the offering for consumers and businesses across the industry. Their expertise, and robust technology has provided a superior customer accessibility experience, far greater control in terms of oversight, whole of market product choice and independence.”

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L to R David Barnett and Peter Buckles

Workspace Design and Build, an employee-owned fit out contractor with a dedicated team of 37 people, has appointed Peter Buckles as Client Relationship Director and David Barnett as Associate Director of Finance.

These strategic hires strengthen the company’s commitment to delivering innovative, cost-effective fit out solutions and robust financial leadership.