APPOINTED
New partners and legal directors strengthen Thrings ’ leadership team
Leading South West law firm Thrings has appointed three new partners and a legal director as part of its annual round of promotions .
Natalia Sokolov , Robert Barnes and Alice Altounyan increase the size of Thrings ’ partnership to 62 , while Rebecca Balmforth becomes the Top 100 law firm ’ s fifth legal director .
Natalia is a construction specialist who acts for contractors , banks , developers and consultants on a range of non-contentious construction procurement advice , contract preparation and negotiation matters . She is a former chair of the South West branch of the Association of Women in Property .
Robert , who like Natalia works at Thrings ’ Bristol offices , acts for a broad range of national and international clients on commercial property transactions with a particular specialism in secured lending , acquisitions and disposals and development projects .
Alice is a member of Thrings ’ South West Private Property team in Bath , who is experienced in all types of transactions involving residential properties , including listed buildings , leasehold sales and purchases , plot sales and purchases , remortgages , assents and transfers of equity .
And commercial property specialist Rebecca , who is based in London , manages commercial tenancies , landlord and tenant relations , property development , retail lettings and the sale and purchase of real estate .
As legal director – a role introduced by Thrings in 2016 as an alternative to the traditional partner route – Rebecca will also
SYSTEMAGIC WELCOMES KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER
Bradford-on-Avon based IT support firm Systemagic has appointed a new account manager to their awardwinning team continuing an exciting year of growth . Mark Salen , from Chippenham brings over 10 years experience to the role with a strong five year background in the IT industry . His role will comprise of dealing directly with clients to ensure the team are maintaining the highest possible standards as well as helping customers to plan for the future .
Mark said : ‘ I ’ m delighted to have joined Systemagic , I ’ ve already had a fantastic welcome from the team and I ’ m really excited to get going and meet all the clients that I will be looking after .”
With over 20 years ’ experience Systemagic provides IT support , cloud computing and connectivity solutions to customers including Norland College , Bath ’ s RUH hospital , Halsall Construction and Bath Cats & Dogs Home . help develop the firm ’ s commercial property work , manage relationships with key clients and mentor junior fee earners .
All four newly-promoted solicitors will work with colleagues in Thrings ’ offices in Bristol , Bath , London , Swindon and Romsey .
The promotions also mark a continuation of Thrings ’ commitment to organic growth and follow April ’ s appointment of Robyn Rumble , Alexia Aradipiotis and Carys Webb ’ s as newly-qualified solicitors .
Simon Holdsworth , managing partner of Thrings , said : “ Thrings remains fully committed to investing in its staff , and while we continue to attract industry-leading legal experts from outside the firm , we also believe in harnessing the skills of our own talented lawyers and working with them to achieve their individual professional objectives .
“ I would like to congratulate Natalia , Robert , Alice and Rebecca , who have consistently demonstrated an ability to understand and respond to their clients ’ legal needs . Their promotions not only acknowledge their commitment and contribution to the firm , but also offer them the opportunity to influence its future direction .
“ Having recently stated its long-term commitment to clients in the south of England , Thrings is entering the start of the new financial year with a clear strategy . I have every confidence that all four promoted solicitors will excel in their new senior positions while continuing to deliver the high quality legal advice our commercial and private clients have come to expect .”
NEW PARTNER AT MONAHANS
MHA Monahans has promoted Andrew Perrott to partner , specialising in rural businesses and landed estates .
After a brief stint at Dyson , Andrew started at MHA Monahans in 2000 as a trainee accountant and has worked his way through the ranks over the past 18 years , working in general practice and audit before joining the rural and land estates specialist team five years ago .
Coming from a farming family , Andrew is well-placed to understand the complexities of rural businesses and to advise for the best possible outcomes for both the longand short-terms of these often multigenerational businesses .
Andrew said : “ Rural businesses tend to work in a different way as they ’ re primarily family businesses looking to the long-term future to protecting their livelihood to pass on to future generations .”
Andrew sits on the MHA National Farming Group , a specialist sector part
Pictured ( from left to right ): Natalia Sokolov , Robert Barnes and Alice Altounyan
of MHA , the national association of independent accountancy firms of which MHA Monahans is the South West member firm . He also sits on Swindon College ’ s audit committee and is treasurer of the Wiltshire branch of the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust .
Pictured ( from left to right ): Andrew Perrott and Mike Shawyer
10 THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2018