Estate agents set up

TWO of Oldham’s leading estate agents have joined forces to start a new business in Ashton.

Austin Holmes Partnership is an initiative between the long-established Jones Partnership, in High Street, Uppermill, and Beckham Estates Group, which has its head office in Huddersfield Road, Oldham and a branch in Springhead.

The owner of the Jones Partnership, Gwyn Jones, suggested to Lynne Austin, the owner of Beckham Estates, that the two take their expertise to Tameside.

With 28 years combined experience in the residential sales market, they spent weeks setting up the business, combining all the newest technology.

Gwyn, who will manage the office in Stamford Square, said: “The hard-working team are ready to provide the area with a vibrant new approach to estate agency.”


Deborah secures a specialised role

Deborah Cartledge, from Gruber Garratt Solicitors, has secured a place on the Law Society’s Mental Health Panel of Solicitors.

Miss Cartledge, from Worsley, a partner at the firm in King Street, Oldham, has been a criminal defence advocate for many years and her new role will take her to mental health units around the region.

“This is quite challenging work and a very specialised area, involving only a couple of dozen solicitors in the Greater Manchester area,” said Gruber Garratt colleague Richard Goodall, who is already a member of the panel. “It involves issues that can affect anyone from any walk of life and in which we can make a real difference. I believe that we provide something positive for people while remaining sensitive to their needs as well as practical legal help at a time of personal difficulty in their lives.”


New home, new jobs

HIRE company Hewden has relocated its head office to Manchester’s Trafford House and is creating more than 45 new jobs.

Following the sale of the company and the head office move, the firm wants to find fresh, local talent to join its award-winning team.

Hewden director Kevin Parkes said: “Right now, we believe that Hewden is an exciting place to be. We want local people to share in our success and in return can offer an exciting and rewarding career in the construction industry and the chance to be part of our winning, 80-strong team.”

Positions are available in finance, credit control, payroll, the commercial division and administration.


Dean joins Chamber

Professor Michael Luger, The Dean of Manchester Business School, has been appointed chairman of Greater Manchester Chamber’s Economic, Finance and Taxation Committee.

Meeting quarterly to discuss current economic concerns, the committee drives the Chamber's economic policy response and examines results from the organisation’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey.