Ward Hadaway announces six new appointments as part of growth plans

Ward Hadaway has announced six new appointments to its affordable housing team as part of the firm’s continued growth.

Last year, the team posted growth of over 65 per cent over the last two years and has seen its client base more than double in the last three years.

Kelly Pearson has joined as a partner in the affordable housing team.

Based at the firm’s Newcastle office, Kelly is recognised in the Legal 500 as a next generation partner and advises on all aspects of property development for affordable housing schemes.

Kelly said: “Joining Ward Hadaway is a great opportunity to make a meaningful difference within the affordable housing sector.

“I’m pleased to be part of such a well-regarded and dedicated team that not only values professional growth but also invests in understanding and meeting the unique needs of our clients’ communities.”

Also joining Kelly in the Newcastle office is Marie-Louise O’Hanrahan who has been appointed as an associate. Perri Byrne has joined as a solicitor and Jamie-Lee Nixon has been appointed as an affordable housing conveyancer.

Stuart Whitehead has been appointed as a partner within the housing management team in Manchester. He will join a team now comprising 17 specialists to advise clients on all aspects of housing management matters.

Stuart said: “Ward Hadaway is a UK Top 100 firm with an excellent affordable housing practice and I’m delighted to be joining such a great team.

“I am looking forward to working with the firm’s existing clients and growing this offer across the North West region.

“This is an exciting role for me as we look to further develop our housing management offer to new and existing clients.”

Also in the firm’s Leeds office, Richard Hey has joined the team as a solicitor, specifically to assist in dealing with housing conditions claims.

Coinciding with these new appointments, Ward Hadaway has restructured its affordable housing leadership team and appointed partner Simon Thirtle as the firm’s head of affordable housing. He now has responsibility for leading the multi-disciplinary team across all three regions.

Simon said: “I’m delighted to welcome these new appointments to the team which is testament to our ambition and reinforces our commitment and position as a leader within this sector. It’s an exciting time for the firm.

“We have continued to make a number of strategic changes and appointments to our affordable housing team across all of our offices to support our ambitious growth plans and enhance our service delivery to the housing providers with whom we work nationally.

“We pride ourselves on the strength and longevity of our client relationships and the quality of our services through working together as one team. Our new team members all bring additional experience and strength in depth to our offer.”

Pictured left to right: Gillian Chinhengo, Jen Robinson, Kelly Pearson, James Garbett, Imogen Holland, Simon Thirtle, Kamran Hyder, Sarah Lambert, Thomas Brittain, Stuart Whitehead, and John Murray.