Law firm Shoosmiths unveils trio of property appointments

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Gillian Ralph, previously a partner with Macnabs in Perth, has been hired as a senior associate in the 20-strong team led by real estate partner Steve Dougherty. Her remit will include working with national house builder clients, student accommodation providers, landowners and the government backed property fund PFP Capital. She is to be joined in the Edinburgh office by Gillian Sidey, formerly of Brodies, in early April. Further complementing the real estate team is Rachael Mccallum, a one-year qualified solicitor. Janette Speed, head of Shoosmiths’ office in Edinburgh, said: “While continued Brexit uncertainty presents challenges for corporate Scotland, as a progressive and innovative law firm with 13 offices throughout the UK, Shoosmiths has the expertise and breadth of resource to take advantage of the commercial opportunities that we are confident will continue to arise. I anticipate that we will make further appointments in the months ahead.”

● Civil engineering company Story Scotland has promoted Craig Lafferty to operations director, while announc-

Gillian Ralph

Craig Lafferty

Martin Smith

The firm said Craig’s appointment “acknowledges the success that he and the business has made growing its Scottish division, allowing the team to enjoy a greater presence in the market place”. He joined in 2016 from Balfour Beatty and has worked in the industry for 21 years. It comes after Story Scotland, a division of family-owned infrastructure company Story Contracting, enjoyed record growth last year, and new business includes a five-year framework contract worth £135 million with Network Rail.

● Texo Group, which calls itself one of the UK’S fastest-growing technology and engineering services companies, has appointed Major General Martin Smith to its main board as a non-executive adviser. He is a former serving Royal Marines officer who was Commandant General Royal Marines from 2014 to 2016. Chief operating officer John Wood said: “As a former Royal Marinescommandomyself,iknow first-hand the importance of leadership and experience and Martin, as his superlative military career proves, has these in abundance.”

National law firm Shoosmiths has announced three appointments to its real estate team in Edinburgh as the division looks to further capitalise on sustained business growth and recent client wins. ing a recruitment drive for new quantity surveyors and estimators, following multi-million-pound business growth.