Exciting new role for a progressive and inclusive housing association. Looking forward to help shape the future of One Manchester for the benefit of its customers and the communities in which we operate

Conceptualisation, development and ongoing management of a successful café and catering businessFollowing return from sabbatical, I established the business, recruited all staff, designed the marketing strategy, management of customers, suppliers and service providers. Mentioned in Cumbria Life Magazine’s top places to dine in 2016, 2017 and 2018. Budget management. Built the business from scratch to turning over £250,000 per annum (estimated). I will soon manage the business sale to a third party.

Handled multiple cases regarding both contentious and non-contentious commercial matters as well as managed civil litigation operations at Just CostsKey ContributionsExchanged and negotiated final settlement proposals with major banks for several clients relating to personal guarantees, debentures and loan agreementsManaged a claim against an international finance company relating to breach of contract and breach of trustAs Compliance Officer for Legal PracticeManaged all aspects of compliance across all five offices of the firm, arranged staff training, redesigned all policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the Code of Conduct, managed all client complaints, managed all insurance claims. Designed and managed the Risk Register for the firmKey ContributionsManaged the transition of the firm from a legal disciplinary partnership to one of the first Alternative Business Structures in the country.Analysed compliance risk, and devised strategies to mitigate risk. Organised and delivered of company-wide compliance and ethics training programmes to staff within four offices as per data protection act, anti-money laundering regulations, and solicitors’ code of conduct.Developed and implemented firm's policies and procedures in accordance with Chapter 9 of the SRA Code of Conduct, Bribery Act 2010, and anti-money laundering regulations.As Regional Manager and DirectorOversaw all aspects of regional management operations provided and analysed MI for executive management team related to appropriate information and KPIs.Key ContributionsDiscussed and contracted with clients regarding terms of business and service level agreements including drafting of the same.Sat on the firm’s board to direct business strategy, expansion and funding.Motivated, led and developed staff while ensuring adherence of KPIs for staff and client matter deliverables.

Managed my own case-load whilst simultaneously supporting the partners within the department relating to larger, complex matter. Handled claims in the County Court and the Chancery division relating to (amongst other things) breach of contract, professional negligence, bankruptcy, insolvency, housing repossession and debt collection.Key Contributions: Represented ex-shareholders of a company pursued for £4,000,000 in damages for breach of warranties within the share sale agreement. Successfully reached a negotiated settlement. Led the development and management of several successful security for costs applications on behalf of the firm’s defendant clients. Successfully litigated a case of professional negligence against a firm of solicitors regarding the sale of shares that resulting client damages in the region of £60,000. Successfully litigated a case of professional negligence on behalf of a career landlord against a national chain of letting agents who had allowed tenants to breach their tenancy agreements resulting in significant loss to my client. Managed a claim within the chancery relating to fraud perpetrated by directors of a company, which included aspects of breach of fiduciary duty.  Drafted service level agreements for a major chemist chain relating to the ways in which the firm managed its claims against landlords and lease renewal applications. Spearheaded and upgrade to the firm’s dispute resolution and mediation processes within the department.  Working with the principal partner litigating high-profile cases, including aspects of public law, regulation and disputes pursuant to the Company Act.

Coffin Mews LLP – SouthamptonAssistant Solicitor, Social Housing Litigation, 2004 to 2007 Managed in excess of 250 landlord and tenant claims relating to, amongst other things, rent possession, housing disrepair, nuisance, anti-social behaviour and breach of tenancy. Developed excellent research, advocacy and case management skills. Managed a team of paralegals in relation to low-profile, simple claims.