Ralph Sayer announces appointment of new partner
Ralph Sayer in Edinburgh has announced that Robyn Donaldson has been promoted to partner.
At 31, she becomes one of the youngest to hold such a senior position in the sector in Scotland, making the career move less than eight years after gaining her legal diploma from Edinburgh University.
Donaldson has been with the family-run business estate agency and solicitor since November 2022, having joined from Davidson Chalmers Stewart. Her previous experience includes roles with Shepherd & Wedderburn, Miller Homes and Ralph Hendrie.
Chief executive Ivan Ralph said: “It is good to see people who have come into the business work hard, get promoted and rewarded for what they are doing. I’m keen to encourage that and it’s important for people to see there is a growth path for them within the firm. It is also good to have younger people in these positions who can drive the business forward.
“Robyn is extremely good with clients, has good relationships with brokers and referrers as well as other solicitors and is an excellent addition to the partnership. She is going to be very much part of the growth of the firm.
“We had a strong latter half of last year and this positions us well for our planned ongoing expansion. All the indications are that it is going to be a busier year than last year. There is still a shortage of properties for the demand and that is never going to go away in Edinburgh.”
Roslin-based Donaldson added, “I have worked previously with Ivan and his guidance and leadership have been central to me being where I am now. Ever since joining the company I have been made to feel very comfortable. There is a real family feel to the business, something which struck me as soon as I came here.
“We’re a tight-knit group and enjoy a good working environment with a real emphasis on team work across the firm. The future is looking very positive. We are growing quite rapidly and it’s a good time to be involved in this position as we look to maintain that consistency.”
Mel Morris joins nurtur.group board of directors
Mel Morris, a prominent figure in the UK business landscape and former owner of Derby County Football Club, has joined the board of nurtur.group.
Morris brings his extensive AI knowledge to the table and solidifies his strategic involvement in the integrated technology ecosystem aimed at revolutionising the property sector and beyond.
Morris has more than four decades of experience in the software industry. His local and global achievements include founding Derby-based Prevx, a specialist in cloud-based internet security solutions, and serving as CEO until its acquisition by Webroot Software.
Damon Bullimore, CEO of nurtur.group, commented: “Mel’s deep understanding of AI and technology, along with his strategic insights are invaluable assets as we continue to expand nurtur.group’s footprint in the digital services landscape. His appointment to the board underscores our commitment to driving innovation and delivering unparalleled value to our clients in the property sector and other verticals.”
Morris said: “I am excited to join the nurtur.group board at this transformative time. The opportunity to leverage AI and technology to enhance digital solutions across industries resonates deeply with my entrepreneurial spirit. I look forward to contributing to nurtur.group’s continued success and innovation.”
Wayhome appoints Mike Weston as non-executive director
Wayhome, a company that specialises in gradual homeownership, has announced the appointment of Mike Weston to its Board.
Weston joins the Board as a non-executive director and brings expertise in the UK LGPS and DB pensions sectors.
He has spent over 30 years managing and investing for public, private and, charity sector pension schemes. Weston has also developed a portfolio of complementary senior advisory and consulting roles within the UK pensions, investment management and real assets industries.
He has held many roles in the pensions industry, including, most recently, chief executive of the LGPS central pool and the pensions infrastructure platform, and chief investment officer of the Daily Mail Pension Scheme.
As a fintech, Wayhome aims to brin together pension fund investment to help solve some of the nation’s big homeownership affordability issues. Wayhome has already deployed an initial £75m of pension fund investment and is expanding its reach across defined benefit and defined contribution schemes, and insurance companies, aiming to open up homeownership to Generation Rent with its part-own-part-rent, no mortgage, proposition.
Weston, said: “Wayhome’s innovative approach to addressing people’s everyday home ownership affordability challenge is truly inspiring. By leveraging pension scheme investments to assist first-time homebuyers, they’ve created a mutually beneficial solution for pension schemes and individuals. Tackling the country’s significant affordable housing issues requires joined up thinking, and I’m thrilled to be part of an initiative at the forefront of tackling this crucial challenge.”
Duncan Howorth, chair of Wayhome, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Mike to our Board at this crucial juncture for the LGPS sector. His expertise and vision will be instrumental as we navigate the changes prompted by the recent government consultation looking at the future of the scheme. Mike’s arrival coincides with an increasing need for more localised investment strategies, particularly in addressing urgent local housing needs.
“Mike joins Wayhome at an exciting time as we continue to introduce our innovative housing solution to the UK pensions sector. This approach enables pension schemes to achieve robust returns while maximising their social and local impact.”
Read the orginal article: https://propertyindustryeye.com/comings-goings-264/
