Ward Hadaway’s Built Environment Team invests after successful year.
With a growing reputation for its strength and expertise in the Built Environment sector, the sizeable team at Ward Hadaway has continued to invest in talent on the back of another successful year.
Alistair McDonald, Olivia Brown, Sarah Hawkins, William Conway and Elizabeth Armett have all been appointed following a year in which the team has seen a further 11% growth in annual turnover taking them to revenue of £12.8 million for their last full financial year.
Alistair McDonald has been appointed as business development manager for the Built Environment sector and is responsible for supporting the team as they nurture and grow the firm’s extensive list of real estate, construction, social housing and house builder clients across the three areas in which it operates: Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester.
He said: “It’s a real privilege to join the fantastic Built Environment Team at Ward Hadaway. I have been very impressed with everyone’s drive and commitment to our clients so far, they really do go the extra mile. We have an incredible platform to grow and develop from.”
Sarah Hawkins is a highly experienced property solicitor of 20 years and has worked for international and regional firms and also within local government. She joins as an associate and is responsible for advising on a wide range of real estate work, with a particular emphasis on commercial property acquisitions and sales, real estate finance, landlord and tenant work and other property aspects of corporate and related transactions.
Sarah commented: “I am absolutely delighted to have joined the award-winning Built Environment Team at Ward Hadaway. I am really enjoying working with such a talented and experienced group of people who are determined to continue to build on their success.”
Olivia Brown joins Ward Hadaway as a solicitor specialising in freehold and leasehold site acquisitions and associated development arrangements. She will also advise commercial clients on all aspects of landlord and tenants work.
Commenting on her role, she said: “I am so impressed with the supportive and knowledgeable team at Ward Hadaway and I am looking forward to building relationships with the firm’s clients and finding solutions to deliver the deals that are important to their businesses, as well as continuing to develop my legal career here.”
Newly qualified solicitor Will Conway will work within the Built Environment Team, advising landowners, development companies and charities on a wide range of investment and development opportunities.
Will joined the firm as a graduate and recently completed his training contract. He will advise clients on real estate work with an emphasis on commercial development, acquisitions and disposals of land, agreements for leases and general commercial landlord and tenant advisory work.
Will said: “I’m delighted to have joined the Built Environment Team after completing a really rewarding training contract with the firm. I’ve joined qualified at a busy and exciting time, and I’m really looking forward to working with our clients and building my knowledge and experience.”
Elizabeth Armett joins the Team as a paralegal after working for two years in-house. Commenting on her appointment, she said: “I’m very excited about the challenge of making the transition between an in-house role and private practice, and the opportunity to work at a firm with such a wide client base and strong reputation in the North.”
Robin Atkin, a partner at Ward Hadaway, said: “The Built Environment Team experienced significant growth in the last year and represents almost a third of the firm’s annual turnover. These five new appointments are significant. They support our future growth aspirations and will further strengthen our service delivery to clients.
“Each brings with them a range of experience and knowledge that will complement the team’s current offering. It’s really pleasing to see Elizabeth, Will, Olivia, Sarah and Alistair already growing into their roles – I am really enjoying working with them all.”
