People: Handl Group; Aboria Capital; Nexer Digital; Smoking Gun; Tatti Lashes; CG

Chorley-based buy-and-hold investors, handl Group, has appointed directors to three key roles in its Health and Wellbeing Division.

David Trendle

Bringing together 12 successful brands, the Health and Wellbeing Division will promote simpler collaboration and better synergy across the group, allowing for continued growth and new, more comprehensive health and wellbeing products and services.

The division’s new managing director, Margaret McNab, has more than 22 years’ experience in the healthcare market, working in a vast range of roles at Maximus, United Health Group, HCML, Bupa, Spire Healthcare and Capita.

Having worked as a Hospital Director, Sales Director, COO and MD, Margaret said: “Within handl Group, there’s an opportunity to be responsive to customer needs and agile in delivering solutions that can make a difference to people’s lives. The brands and services that make up this division really do make a difference.”

Joining Margaret as the new Finance Director and Commercial Director, respectively, are David Trendle and Scot Smith.

Scott Smith

Trained at Baker Tilly, and with a CV boasting multiple CFO roles, David Trendle brings with him a career’s-worth of experience. Like Margaret, David’s background includes time spent at Capita where, as a commercially-focused finance director, he was responsible for delivering a £700m contract for the British Army and The Pensions Regulator’s auto-enrolment contract.

David said: “I’ve come from outside the industry, so I had to do my research before taking the role. But what I saw impressed me. There’s a great mix of different companies here, with a sense of purpose and ambition that’s really going to blend well.”

This vision for growth is shared by Scot Smith, previously Chief Growth Officer at Medigold and its divisions, and a former CEO. Drawing on his experiences as Commercial Director at Nuffield Health, MD of Capita Health, and work with the NHS, the government, councils, private companies and insurers, Scot’s impressed by the brands he’ll be working with and the chance for growth.

He said: “There’s a tremendous opportunity here. Many brands complement one another, and when they don’t, they can still provide mutual support.”

Chief Strategy Officer, Dan Franklin, said: “With our new Health and Wellbeing board, we knew growth would require experience and the right skills. With Margaret, David and Scot, we’ve got that. Margaret has experience in abundance and the right personality to drive things forwards. David brings an eye for detail, and Scot has a real dynamism. The whole team complements each other – and our existing people.”

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Rob Tyson

Aboria Capital, the real estate investment manager and partner focused on European living sectors co-founded by Liverpool-based property group Downing and Jessica Hardman, the experienced global real estate investment specialist, has announced a trio of key hires as it makes rapid progress following its launch in July 2024.

Supporting Jessica, CEO of Aboria and co-Founding Director Bay Downing, will be Rob Tyson, who is joining as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Rob is joining Aboria from MARK Capital Management.

With more than 20 years’ experience in the real estate sector, Rob has developed a diverse skill set in managing a range of investment vehicles, including funds, co-investments, joint ventures, and operating platforms across Europe. 

Will Lucas

Also joining from MARK is Investment Manager, Will Lucas, who has more than 13 years’ experience in finance and real estate. A qualified Chartered Accountant, Will began his career at PwC spending five years in its Real Estate Assurance and Transactions Services departments. 

Aboria’s third key new hire is Senior Associate Nick Cochrane, who was previously at DWS, where he was a member of the UK and Ireland Real Estate team and gained broad experience across both asset management and transactions.

Jessica Hardman said : “We are thrilled to welcome Rob, Will and Nick to the team. All bring experience, bags of enthusiasm and complementary skills to Aboria. As a small team, it’s helpful that Nick and I, and Rob and Will have worked together previously, and I am looking forward to welcoming them when they join us in the next month.” 

Nick Cochrane

Co-founder, Bay Downing, said: “We have hit the ground running, with an exciting brand, a new office and great team, whose entrepreneurial mindset, financial skills and deep industry experience will be invaluable to Aboria.

“As we said from the outset, Aboria unites outstanding European investment management credentials with Downing’s 35-year development and operational track record in the UK living sector, and we see this as being a winning combination and compelling proposition for investors. 

“Our development portfolio consisting of over 4,000 beds across seven prime Russell Group locations is ready to go. We have started preliminary conversations with investors and will look to develop these conversations over the first half of next year.”

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Ryan Hill

Nexer Digital has partnered with Manchester-based Digital Skills Training Charity, Digital Advanage, to improve inclusivity in the tech industry.

The collaboration will help provide meaningful work placements and opportunities for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), helping them move towards careers in the creative and digital sectors.

Macclesfield-based Nexer Digital has appointed its first successful candidate, who started this month. Ryan Hill, 20, will work two days a week until the end of the year, gaining valuable hands-on experience.

The initiative will give students practical knowledge to prepare them for future careers in the digital industry. As a human-centered design agency, Nexer Digital will cover a range of disciplines, including user research, user experience design, software development, testing, and accessibility.

Ezra Rushen, Director of Training at Digital Advantage, said: “We are incredibly excited to partner with Nexer on this innovative collaboration. By working with Nexer, our interns will gain invaluable hands-on experience and insight into the tech industry.”

Hilary Stephenson, Managing Director of Nexer Digital, said: “As a Disability Confident Employer, we’re committed to creating accessible and inclusive workplaces, as well as help shape a more equitable and diverse tech landscape.”

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Lee Simpson

Smoking Gun has appointed Lee Simpson as B2B senior account director. Lee is the latest strategic hire for the marcomms agency as it looks set to close the year seeing record growth.

Formerly of Skout PR, where he headed up the agency’s tech practice, Lee is joining the Manchester-based agency to work with commercial director and head of B2B, Caroline Aspinall, to continue to grow Smoking Gun’s B2B division.

Lee said: “The agency has such an incredible reputation and I can’t wait to see how the B2B division will continue to grow and how I can contribute to that.”

Caroline welcomed Lee, saying: “We’re particularly excited to draw on his experience in the tech sector, to build on our work in this area.”

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Faisal Arif

Tatti Lashes, the Liverpool-based provider of premium luxury eyelashes and professional lash products, has appointed Faisal Arif as a non-executive board advisor.

Tatti Lashes has a turnover exceeding £25m in 2024. Its lashes have been worn by numerous celebrities, including Khloé Kardashian, Ariana Grande, and Cardi B. Notably, Kardashian became a brand collaborator in May 2024, significantly increasing the company’s reach in the US market.

Faisal Arif, CEO of the Harrogate Group, with offices in Liverpool and Birmingham, brings extensive expertise in business leadership and growth, along with strong financial acumen gained from more than 20 years of experience in corporate finance.

He will advise Tatti Lashes on strategic decision making and commercial growth.

Ryan Barton, Managing Director, said: “Faisal’s experience in the financial services sector is unparalleled, making him an excellent addition to the board.”

Faisal Arif said: “I look forward to helping Tatti Lashes execute their ambitious plans for the year ahead, particularly in growing the business through both online and retail channels, as well as other exciting developments that are in the pipeline.”

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Marc Gordon with Andrew Dunn and Louise Myers

CG, the expanding North West law firm with offices in Liverpool, Manchester and Chorley, has appointed Marc Gordon as its new Brand Ambassador.

In his new role Marc will focus on expanding CG’s reach and enhancing client relations across the North West, working closely with CG’s Client Relationship Director, Andrew Dunn.

With an impressive background in business development and regional leadership, Marc brings more than 12 years of experience in driving growth strategies for various organisations. Most recently, he served as Regional Director for Liverpool, Cheshire, and North Wales at The CFO Centre, where he built and led a team of fractional CFOs.

He said: “Having collaborated with CG as an intermediary partner in the past, I witnessed first hand the impactful work they deliver to clients and the unique way of working. I’m excited to support Andy and the CG team in strengthening our relationships with current and potential clients across the North West.”

Andrew Dunn said: “His expertise and extensive network are a perfect match for CG’s mission to challenge traditional legal models and provide bespoke solutions that cater to a wide range of sector needs.”

Managing Partner, Louise Myers, said: “Marc’s extensive background in business development and his commitment to client success align seamlessly with our vision at CG. We’re excited to have him champion our brand, drive regional expansion, and further solidify CG as a trusted partner in the North West.”