Sue Bowden

Wilmslow-based accountancy firm Langricks has appointed Chartered Accountant Chris Howells as Assistant Manager.

Chris, 24, will be responsible for providing clients with regular and end of year financial management information to help them grow and develop their businesses.

Chris joins a growing team at Langricks. The firm now has nine people based in its Wilmslow  town centre offices advising and supporting a wide range of clients.

The new role will give Chris closer interaction with clients and a new level of responsibility. “I was really keen to get proper, recognised exposure to clients – something I had missed in previous positions – and this job does all that and more.”

Chris will also be reviewing the work of junior associates and ensuring Langricks’ high standards of service are consistently delivered. “The firm has established its reputation for quality financial processes and I be will making sure that is maintained and developed.”

Networking with the local business community is also high on the job spec for Chris who is being tasked with spotting new business opportunities as well as assessing new Cloud software solutions.  Chris is working on a special Artificial Intelligence (AI) project with Director Chris Langrick, looking to integrate latest best practice and develop new solutions.  He commented: “AI will mean less time on basic tasks and more time for experienced professionals to offer clients longer-term strategic financial advice.”

Langricks is already meeting needs for outsourced senior advisors and provides several client companies with what is described as a ‘virtual’ FD.

Commenting on this and the new hire Chris Langrick said: “We are very excited by the opportunities provided by AI and I have asked Chris to help lead our interpretation of its capabilities as part of his new role with us. He is rising to the challenges of everything we have given him so far and has settled in well.”

Chris lives in Sandbach and says family and a love of golf keep him busy out of hours.

Law firm SAS Daniels LLP has secured its place in two national legal guides, taking top spot for its Corporate and Commercial work with Managing Partner Jeremy Orrell recognised as a leading individual in the North West.

With multiple listings in the Legal 500 2018 and Chambers UK 2019 many of the firms’ specialist teams and individuals have been recognised.

In the Legal 500, the go-to guide for choosing a law firm, SAS Daniels’ Corporate and Commercial, Commercial Litigation, Insolvency and Corporate Recovery, Employment, Agriculture and Estates, Family, Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate, Education, Commercial Property and Construction teams have all made the coveted list.

Corporate and Commercial ranked in the highest tier whilst Agriculture, Family, Personal Tax, Trust and Probate, Education and Commercial Property all featured in tier two.

Researchers from Legal 500 praised Macclesfield solicitor Steven Percy for taking a “common-sense approach” to his work in the commercial property sector and Paul Tyrer was highlighted in the guide for his handling of corporate legal matters.

The full-service law firm has also been featured in Chambers UK, a guide to the industry’s best. Its Corporate, Employment and Private Wealth teams all excelled in this year’s research along with some of the firm’s leading individuals.

In its Macclesfield office, head of the Private Client team Justine Clowes was listed in Chambers UK for her knowledge and skills specific to her area of specialism. North West solicitor Paul Formby was recognised for his work in restructuring and insolvency and cited for his “good, common-sense attitude to contentious insolvency litigation”.

Managing partner and Head of the Corporate team, Jeremy Orrell, also appears in the Chambers UK guide and Jonathan Whittaker, Senior Partner, is ranked for his work in employment law across the North West.

Justine Clowes, Head of SAS Daniels’ Macclesfield office said: “The new entries in Chambers UK and multiple rankings again for the Legal 500, are recognition of another triumphant year for the firm. We’ve received specific recognition for our team in Macclesfield as well as the wider team across Cheshire who we work closely with.”

SAS Daniels has offices in Macclesfield, Stockport, Chester and Congleton, providing legal advice and support for both businesses and individuals.

For more information visit www.sasdaniels.co.uk

McAlister Family Law takes specialists from two major firms to set-up unique legal offering

A niche family legal business, with a leading reputation for its handling of high value divorce and financial work, has in an innovative move taken a five-strong Children Law team from Slater and Gordon and a 10-person Child Care legal team from Stephensons.

The move trebles the size of the McAlister business and creates a unique offering designed to be disruptive to those of traditional family practices in the North West and beyond.

McAlister Family Law, which has offices in Manchester city centre and throughout Cheshire, made this bold move in order to cement its reputation as a family law firm not only committed divorce and related finance work but also uniquely its passionate dedication to the welfare of children.

The firm, ranked in the latest edition of the Legal 500, numbers various high-profile celebrities and entrepreneurs in its client base, but this new move means it also takes care of those vulnerable members of society who need legal representation in some of the most harrowing of cases.

Amanda McAlister, managing director, said: “Family law firms are generally seen as being vehicles for expensive divorces conducted on behalf of high net worth individuals.  However, we believe strongly in social responsibility, and are passionately committed to the welfare of children.  By bringing these teams into the firm, headed by two of the country’s finest lawyers, we now have a business with a strength and depth of experience unrivalled outside of London.”

In its creation of two specialist Children Law teams, McAlister brings together four high profile lawyers with reputations as experts in their fields: Nick Hodson, Donna Roberts, Paul Webb and Amanda McAlister who have, in various iterations, enjoyed a working relationship of more than 15 years’ duration, are reunited.

Nick Hodson, described by Legal 500 as being “very strong on care matters”, joins from Slater and Gordon Lawyers as Partner and heads the Private and Public Children Law team.  Donna Roberts, described by the same legal directory a “vastly experienced” and “a skilled advocate” joins from Stephensons as Partner and heads the Specialist and Complex Cases team. team. Paul Webb, Partner, also joins from Slater and Gordon; Legal 500 describes him as “a very thorough lawyer whose gentle yet firm approach puts even the most difficult and demanding clients at ease.”

Nick Hodson said: ““ In a very short time, McAlister Family Law established itself as a market leader. I was delighted to join a vibrant and dynamic business which backs us and is prepared to invest in developing a dedicated specialist team that puts the welfare of children at the heart of our business.”

Donna Roberts added: “McAlister Family Law is very different from other law firms; it genuinely focuses on the development of its people who, in turn, achieve the best outcomes for their clients – I believe this is a winning combination”.

Paul Webb said: “The decision to join McAlister Family Law was an incredibly easy one. Amanda’s vision, coupled with a flexible and supportive work environment where the needs of the client are always the focus, is something I am incredibly proud to be a part of.”

McAlister Family Law is part of Beyond Professional Services Group, a business that is investing and growing niche and specialist professional service businesses, with common values and culture. The Group believes strongly in doing the right thing for its clients and its people. Led by Matt Fleetwood, its business model is focused on investing in strong management teams to operate niche and focused businesses with common values and a social conscience, challenging the thinking of the traditional law firms and ultimately changing traditional approaches to conducting professional service business, with notable success.

He said: “This is a hugely positive development within an already very successful business, and one which is entirely in sync with everything that we believe in.  We are a Group that embraces change not for the sake of it, but in order to effect a genuine difference that benefits all those involved.”

The latest in our series of Member Spotlight business networking lunches took place at the The Courthouse Hotel in Knutsford. With this iconic building being the former Crown Court for Cheshire, the topic of Corporate & Financial Law couldn’t have been more apt.

Our hosts for the lunch were Chris Bentley, Tax & Forensic Director at Harts Ltd Chartered Accountants and Paul Tyrer, Corporate Partner at SAS Daniels LLP. We were also joined by Stuart Mitchell from Flat Cap Hotels, owners of The Courthouse and more recently The Bridge in Prestbury, who spoke about the history of the hotel and its ambitious plans for the future.

Chris and Paul led roundtable discussions on their areas of expertise. Chris offered guidance on personal and business tax responsibilities and provided insights into the steps businesses can take to benefit from reliefs and incentives whilst reducing the risk of unnecessary penalties. Paul focussed on how businesses can effectively plan for the future sale of their business, whilst providing an overview of the sale process and guidance as to the practical steps that can be taken to ensure business owners receive maximum value and avoid due diligence pitfalls.

All guests enjoyed a fabulous 2-course lunch of lamb tagine and lemon delice in the stunning surroundings of the lovingly restored venue, which has been refurbished to emulate the building’s grandeur and retaining many of its historical features. Guests were treated to a tour of the former Crown Court with Stuart regaling many stories of those that have been trialled there, including Alan Turing, and the 7 hangings that took place outside the building.

The Courthouse is now home to Barristers Restaurant & Rooftop Gardens and The Court Room, a magnificent wedding and events space.

Langricks Chartered Accountants in Wilmslow has offered career opportunities to several young professionals and is now seeing that belief rewarded at a time of increased demand for financial and accountancy professionals and a marked lack of available skills.

According to research and insight specialists IHS Markit the private financial services sector is showing the highest increase in vacancies for permanent workers (January 2018) while at the same time availability of candidates has dropped at the fastest rate for two years.

Chris Langrick commented: “It is certainly the most challenging picture I have seen, hence our focus on bringing through enthusiastic, younger individuals who we can shape and develop.”

The move reflects a wider trend of non-graduate entry into the accountancy profession with firms picking up students much earlier and offering them an alternative ‘earning while learning’ route into the sector – a strategy supported by Chris who also took this way in, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant at the age of 22.

Senior Associate Will Sant, 26, will qualify as a Chartered Accountant in July 2019 and describes his working and studying journey at Langricks as a new lease of life.

He said: “I completed my AAT training in 2014 and took a couple of years off studying but now I know what I want.  At Langricks there is a clear career path with plenty of variety and responsibility and constant support along the way. I am already involved in a portfolio of clients  – it’s great to work for many businesses. I want to continue doing that and get to a stage when I can use my knowledge to add real value and help companies grow. “

Associate Lizzie Hill, 21, has re-joined Langricks on a level 7 ACA apprenticeship after becoming Level 3 AAT qualified at another accountancy firm, which followed a stint with a leading pension provider.  She is now studying towards her own ACA qualifications at the firm  – due to qualify in March 2021 – while working for clients preparing annual accounts and VAT returns.

She says of the atmosphere for young people: “It’s a relaxed, friendly place to be studying and working for clients and we are certainly made to feel appreciated. Langricks make plenty of investments in young people and it’s clear they believe in us and think it is a great route into the profession.”

Junior Associate George Yates, 20, is currently studying for AAT qualifications with Total People in Middlewich and is well on his way, passing recent exams first time. He said: “I aim to be a qualified accountant by the age of 25.”

Langricks’s newest recruit is 18-year old Tilda Tobias who has just joined as an Associate after completing A levels at Aquinas College in Stockport.

Director Chris Langrick said he was delighted with progress for all: “In the face of shortages in the profession and yet increase in demand for our services we are building a workforce for the future. Will, Lizzie and George all show immense potential. It is important that we as employers recognise this and give opportunities when we can.”

The Bridge in Prestbury, Cheshire has officially revealed their new-look at a special launch party on Thursday 11^th October. The evening was attended by over 180 guests.

Earlier in the summer, The Bridge was bought by Flat Cap Hotels, a Cheshire-based hotel group, who have successfully renovated The Vicarage in Cranage and The Courthouse in Knutsford.

Flat Cap Hotels was set up by brothers Dominic and Oliver Heywood in 2015. The team embarked upon restoring The Bridge to its former glory and reinstating it back into the community three months ago.

The grade II listed building has been lovingly restored, with a host of original features uncovered during the refurbishment including stone and parquet flooring and wooden beams throughout.

The first phase of the relaunch includes a new bar and restaurant, a Garden Room, along with a new-look lobby and reception area.

Guests were greeted with a glass of fizz on arrival and invited on a tour of The Whiteside Suite which was dressed for a wedding by Butterfly Events. Prestbury Flowers provided beautiful Christmas wreaths for a selection of tables to showcase the festive dining available at The Bridge.

Moving back into the bar and restaurant, guests were treated to live music by Christie Bratherton. The restaurant has taken inspiration from the beautiful gardens at the rear of the hotel, which overlook the Rover Bollin, with jewel-toned chairs in peacock blue and emerald green, plus a bright, light-filled Garden Room facing the terraced gardens with botanical print chairs and parquet flooring.

Savoury canapés including beetroot blinis with horseradish sour cream, spiced tiger prawns, and chicken and apricot terrine were served, along with dessert canapés of mini mango cheesecakes and mini eclairs with chocolate, pear and ginger cream.

Guests were given a gift of ‘Prestbury Pounds’ to take home – money off vouchers to revisit The Bridge for drinks, dinner or afternoon tea.

To find out more information on The Bridge and upcoming events, visit thebridgecheshire.com or call 01625 829326.