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A wealth of experience

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As Business Development Director at Quilter Cheviot,  Allie McMahon researches and measures the marketplace, seeking new opportunities to present to her international client base. She also gets to attend some exciting client events…

Allie, Could you define your role for us?

My role as Business Development Director has a very broad scope, in essence the objective is to grow the business in line with business strategy plans and work with a client or prospective clients to guide and support them with solutions to meet their needs. A business development relationship is twofold in my opinion, it is seeking out new opportunities and maintaining and nurturing existing relationships at the same time. 

Research is key to the success of a business development role, whether it’s research in understanding your clients, prospective clients, markets or products.  Preparation and planning are extremely important to unlock new opportunities in new markets, client channels, partnerships and product solutions.

Measuring success is a fundamental factor in business development, reviewing management information and key performance indicators highlights trends in client requirements as well as measuring activity and conversion success rates.  This helps the business adapt and change certain aspects of client engagement and or products. 

Visibility and networking in the marketplace is important, attending industry events and conferences is part of the role.  Interaction with others at these events helps to promote the brand, build relationships and discuss potential opportunities.    

What part of your role is most enjoyable?

I enjoy the diversity my role has to offer. I deal with an international client base and with the ever changing regulatory and market conditions and clients evolving requirements, every day is interesting and a learning day. I enjoy exploring and unlocking new opportunities for the business.

An exciting part of my business development role is that on occasions I get to attend a special client events, Wimbledon being my favourite experience.

What part of your role is most challenging?

The most challenging part of my role is dealing with situations beyond my control such as changes to regulation, markets, and client requirements. That said, I enjoy the task of seeking out solutions and working together with colleagues to give clients to best possible outcome.   

Would you encourage more females to seek career opportunities in wealth management? 

Yes, in particular front office facing roles such as financial planning and investment management. Historically these front office roles have been male dominated. Having females in these roles creates a more diverse culture and it gives all clients alternative options to deal with either a male or female adviser. It also enables a greater balance of opinion, fresh perspectives and shared ideas and experiences.  

If you were giving advice to your 16 year old self what would it be?

Never compare yourself to anyone else.  We all develop at different rates of speed, whether it be through your study, career, or private life.  There is no set rule that states you must qualify, get promoted or even purchase a property by a certain age.  Surround yourself with people you love, trust and who support you and never ever stop learning new things.  Knowledge is power!

Get funded by Arthouse Jersey!

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THE NEXT DEADLINE IS 1 MAY 2024

ArtHouse Jersey is encouraging artists to come forward and apply for their quarterly funding initiative, with the next deadline for their Development Grants being midnight on Wednesday 1 May 2024. The wonderful arts charity provides financial assistance to local artists and artists linked to Jersey for creating new work or for the development of their creative process.

The guidelines and application form can be found on the Grants section of the ArtHouse Jersey website here and the total amount available for 2024 is £55,000. Small Development Grants are for awards below £1,500 for which there is a shorter application process. Large Development Grants are for awards between £1,500 and £5,000.

SOME SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS IN 2023… In 2023 the funding committee awarded 30 Development Grants for a variety of interesting projects. ArtHouse Jersey has invested in local creatives working in the disciplines of visual arts, drama, film, music, literature and more. Among those in the final round of successful applications in 2023 was a short film, music video, novel and educational theatre piece. Find out about them below….


Jonny Labey
‘We all scream’ short film

Jonny Labey is a freelance actor who was awarded a grant towards the creation of his short film ‘We all scream’. This project will be his debut as a film director and is inspired- by real events, focusing on the themes of mental health, community, toxic masculinity and hope.

“As a new film maker I couldn’t be more thrilled to be supported by ArtHouse Jersey for my short film ‘We All Scream’. We shall be making the film on island working with other aspiring filmmakers and now due to ArtHouse Jersey’s support we can start recruiting for what will be a joyous journey of storytelling and Ice Cream.”


Phoebe Over and Axon Bower
Music video for ‘Bus’

Phoebe Over and Axon Bower applied for a grant to create a music video for their new single ‘Bus’. They are singer/songwriters who have both released two singles over the past two years. They are currently travelling Australia and the narrative of the music video will use the backdrop of their journey. This grant will enable them to bring their creative vision to life and share it with a wider audience.

“Experience breaking life’s cycles in our new single ‘Bus’! We’re in Sydney filming a music video that explores the loops we get stuck in and the thrill of breaking free for new adventures. From routine loops to unexpected turns, we’re capturing these moments against Sydney’s backdrop. This video mirrors our journey from Jersey to Australia, symbolising our quest to break life’s cycles and embrace new routes.”


Marianne Adams
Debut novel

Marianne Adams is an English teacher and novelist who was awarded funding to support the process of self publishing of her debut novel and achieve her aim of becoming a published writer. The novel is a comedy about what teaching can be like and Adams hopes to remind people that teachers are real people with full lives that are funny and devastating in equal measure. The grant will support getting a professional edit of the novel before publication.


Sophie Martin
Theatre in Education play about sea safety

Sophie Martin is a singer and an actor with a degree in Musical Theatre. She is also a secondary school English and Drama teacher. Martin has been awarded funding to produce, write and perform a theatre in education piece in collaboration with the local Jersey coastguards. The play will tour primary schools and aims to teach children about beach and sea safety in an engaging and inspiring way.

“Receiving funding from ArtHouse Jersey has been pivotal in getting this theatre in education play off of the ground. Their support will now enable me to cover production costs, and artist fees. What was once a vision, has been turned into reality.”


Sam Falle
Music video

Sam Falle writes and performs music about Jersey. He has been awarded funding to create a music video for ‘Miles Off Course’ with his longtime collaborator Todd MacDonald. The song tells the story of the wreck of the SS Schokland, a vessel ferrying German troops through Jersey waters in January 1943, which struck the rocks and sank off Noirmont Point. The video aims to elevate the telling of this story by exploring the locations of the song and bringing into focus the drama of the event.

“With this grant from ArtHouse Jersey, we are now able to produce a compelling, powerful music video for our song ‘Miles Off Course’, bringing to life its story about a nautical disaster in wartime off the coast of Jersey. This video will play an essential role in encouraging streaming of the new Winterfalle album ‘Out of the Sea’, supporting us to grow our audience and sustain our momentum in 2024.”


Áine Daly & Jordan Cox
Short film

Jersey born filmmakers Áine Daly and Jordan Cox were awarded a grant towards the production of their short thriller film ‘Do What You Want’ which explores mental health issues, specifically experiences with OCD.

“Receiving funding from ArtHouse Jersey has allowed us to take our project to the next level. We’ve been able to secure our dream filming locations and now have the means to increase our production value, shooting the film exactly the way we had envisioned.”

www.arthousejersey.je

Take a deep breath

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Ross Allchin, a local Wim Hof Instructor and prominent figure in the field of breathwork, recently climbed the snow-covered mountains of Poland. The challenging five hour trek, which took place on Mount Snêzka, involved navigating freezing temperatures as low as -12 degrees Celsius. Remarkably, Allchin, along with a group of 40 seasoned level two instructors who had been selected to climb, opted to face the elements wearing only shorts and hiking boots

The excursion was part of a Wim Hof Instructors reunion training session, aimed at updating and sharing knowledge among experienced practitioners. Ross, who graduated from the instructors’ program in 2019, viewed the hike as a crucial element in testing and enhancing resilience to extreme cold conditions.
“All of us were happy to wear shorts to re-test our resilience to the cold and put our breathwork training to good use,” said Allchin. “Safety always comes first, and I loved the challenge.”

This event forms part of Ross’s ongoing commitment to professional development. His dedication to mastering breathwork, cold immersion, and cultivating a positive mindset is evident in his diverse range of activities both on and off the island.

Back in St. Ouens, Ross is eager to continue his mission of helping islanders unlock the benefits of breathwork. Having conducted over 60 official WHM workshops locally, and for various community groups, government departments, and professional companies, Allchin remains passionate about sharing the transformative power of breath. “I’ve been fortunate to work with a diverse range of islanders, from hospital staff and school teachers to managing directors and prison inmates,” Allchin noted. “Witnessing positive takeaways from these sessions is truly rewarding.

evolvedhuman.co.uk

Here come the girls.

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I’m not a fan of LinkedIn. I imagine it to be a den of sycophantic suits that I don’t really feel part of. They email me all the time, however, offering to sell me some extra special level of seeing even more of LinkedIn for a low cost subscription. I just don’t get it. You’ve seen the elephant trunk graphic, right? I’d rather buy a completely useless blue tick from Elon.

However, sometimes something does jump out. This month I was sent the usual opportunity to check out the latest congratulatory LinkedIn content and noticed someone commenting on a post with a surprising statistic. Research by the accounting firm EY has revealed that only 33% of UK financial services directors appointed in 2023 were female, down from 61% in 2022. It’s not exactly the ‘Look what this childhood celebrity looks like now’ level of clickbait, but as we have been putting together our ‘Women in Business’ feature, I clicked. It went on to say that ‘a quarter of financial services firms still have zero women who hold Chair, CEO, CFO or Senior Independent Director roles’. That’s pretty poor.

I’d like to hope that, as a progressive jurisdiction, we buck that trend within our financial services-led employment landscape. If the women featured in this edition are anything to go by, it feels like we’re leading a charge against that trend. With leading figures in finance, law, tech, beauty, retail, and even decorating, it’s an inspiring cross-section of examples of women taking leading roles.

Another avenue in which women often take the lead is in the planning of a wedding. Our annual Bridal Bible is also within these pages, featuring an A-Z of local wedding-focused content and a selection of wedding profiles to examine for inspiration ahead of planning your big day.

We’re a little late to the game of 2024 at Gallery, but with Valentine’s Day on the horizon as we go to print, we’re sending love to one and all.


BD

Alexandra Cohen

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is a Senior Associate in the Family Law team of Viberts. As part of 2024’s Women in Business feature, we learn more about her role.

What would an average working day look like?

During a busy week, I tend to start the morning early at around 6am with a couple of hours working from home first thing. This is so I don’t have to stay late as I like to switch off in the evening which I think is very important. I head into the office to start the day with the rest of my team for around 8.45am.  The work that I do day to day varies, with most of my work involving financial cases, divorces and children work. Often, I will be in the Family Court for hearings, or in a private Financial Dispute Resolution hearing (a form of alternative dispute resolution). A big part of my day is training the junior lawyers which I am passionate about. I always make sure that I get out for some lunchtime exercise (either a run or a quick gym session). It clears my head, refreshes me and sets me up for the afternoon. 

 What attracted you to a career in law and specifically Family law?

To be honest, it was my father that suggested a career in law when I was completing my university applications. I was originally going to apply for maths or forensic science. After my law degree, I came back to Jersey for the summer and took a job at Viberts. I was not intending to stay as long as I did, but I fell in love with the work and being back home in Jersey. I am still here 9 years later and have become more senior over the years.

What are your most significant milestones in your career so far?

Achieving the different levels of qualifications and positions at Viberts have been my big milestones so far. I was admitted as a Solicitor (England & Wales) in 2020 which was a big step after c.5 years of training. At the age of 28, I was sworn in by the Bailiff as an Advocate of the Royal Court. The ceremony was an amazing experience and emphasised the important role that Advocates have in Jersey.

Have you had any female mentors that have helped you?

Rose Colley (Viberts Family Law partner) has trained me pretty much from the start and has been a brilliant mentor. Family law in Jersey is a female dominated area, and it is inspiring to see that most senior family lawyers are women.

What advice would you give women considering a career in law in Jersey?

Don’t overthink the process. There will be times when it feels hard and you want to give up, and there will be times when you feel on top and love it. The training does take time and can be tough, but it is worth it in the end. In terms of the area you want to choose, go with the area of law that feels right for you. You can always change in the future. Family law felt right for me, and I have spent 9 years doing it and still love it.

What are you favourite bits about life with Viberts?

Viberts takes a family approach with their employees, so the atmosphere is always great. I have also become friends with a lot of my colleagues which adds a personal level to work.  Viberts have provided me with invaluable training opportunities which include qualifying in 2 jurisdictions. 

Emma Hollywood is a Crown Advocate

Le Gallais & Luce is delighted to report that Advocate Emma Hollywood has been appointed as a Crown Advocate. 

The Crown Advocate position is an appointment made by the Attorney General and Ms Hollywood will represent the Attorney General and prosecute serious criminal offences before the Royal Court.

Emma, who grew up in Jersey, has over 20 years’ experience as a lawyer. She qualified as an undergraduate from Kingston University before following that up with a Masters Law Degree at the University of Nottingham specialising in Human Rights Law, in particular Article 8 and the right to family life. Emma moved into private practice in 2021, specialising in all aspects of family law and joined Le Gallais in Luce in 2023.


Emma who was sworn in on Friday 1st March had previously held the position of Crown Advocate having been appointed in 2010 to represent the Attorney General in high profile criminal prosecutions, specialising in prosecuting complex sexual offences as well as drug offences, assaults, and attempted murder.

Historically, Le Gallais & Luce has contributed significantly to the legal landscape, having previously supplied three Crown Solicitors for Jersey, thus underscoring the firm’s legacy of excellence and commitment to legal advocacy. 


Partner Matthew Godden said, ‘We are really excited about this appointment for Emma. With only a handful of Crown Advocate appointments, this reflects the high regard in which she is held to be appointed to do such important and difficult work.’

Emma said, ‘I am incredibly proud to be appointed again as a Crown Advocate and to be able to support the Attorney General in prosecuting complex cases in the Royal Court.’

Promotions at L’Horizon

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Two team members at L’Horizon Beach Hotel & Spa have taken on new roles. Julia Ivanov who has a wealth of experience within luxury hotels has taken on the position of the new Food and Beverage Service Manager whilst Sam Fernandes has been promoted to Sales and Events Manager.  

Romanian born Julia will be responsible for managing all the Food and Beverage outlets throughout the hotel to ensure L’Horizon Beach Hotel & Spa is delivering one of the best guest experiences on the island. She will be working alongside Executive Head Chef Andrew Soddy and his team, keeping abreast of trends in the food industry and implementing new menus in the hotel as well as helping to develop her fellow team members through training and coaching.

Sam who hails from South Africa and previously worked at L’Horizon’s sister hotel, Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa, has been promoted from Assistant Sales and Events Manager. She is now tasked with the overall management of the hotel events sales office, leading and motivating the team and overseeing weddings, meetings and conferences and corporate and social events. She also oversees the booking and reservations processes for the hotel’s food and beverage outlets. “Sam’s department is equally important and is the first point of contact whether it’s a reservation requirement or an event. It is up to her and her team to build relationships with clients and ensure their visit is personable and successful.” 

take a seat.

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Following a degree in Furniture and Product Design, local furniture designer Gigi Cooke is now manufacturing her unique design, Archie, in Jersey. We got Gigi (and Archie) into the studio for a show and tell. 

What has your journey been in design so far?

My design journey has been relatively brief but incredibly rewarding. From a young age, I knew that I wanted to delve into the world of design and craftsmanship. After completing my degree in Furniture and Product Design at Bath Spa University, I had the exciting opportunity to exhibit my creation, Archie, at different exhibitions in London during the summer. Since showcasing Archie in London I gained confidence and have now launched my company, selling Archie as my first piece of furniture on sale. In Jersey Archie will soon be available in TLC Homes new store at the new Horizon development.

What made you want to work with wood?

Wood stands out as an incredible resource abundant in the UK, boasting remarkable versatility. The UK hosts a diverse array of wood types. As a natural resource, timber exudes a soothing and calming quality, setting it apart. During my time at school, timber was readily accessible, sparking my fascination with the material. Since then, my journey has been learning more about the different characteristics timber has to offer by exploring different processes that can be used to manipulate timber into different forms and textures.

Whose furniture or designs inspire you?

The inspiration for my furniture primarily stems from the materials themselves and the exploration of various processes that can be applied to manipulate them. In the case of Archie, the design was particularly influenced by the joining process and the distinctive characteristics in Ash and Oak.

Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of sources, I find creative sparks in architecture, art, nature, and the works of other designers. Archie was also inspired by the Barbican in London, particularly its brutalist architectural style characterised by striking geometrical shapes. Additionally, the innovative approach of designer Jan Hendzel, who utilises different wood types and grain directions to showcase the inherent beauty of the material, has also played a significant role in influencing my designs.

Tell us about the concept behind Archie….

Archie encompasses all my beliefs and vision for what I stand for as a designer. Archie highlights the beauty of the timber the UK has to offer by showcasing the materiality of English oak and ash. Archie is a playful approach to versatile, contemporary furniture, mirroring its unique and arching silhouette, from which it draws its name.

In addition, Archie seamlessly transforms from a stylish stool, ideal for providing extra seating, into a functional coffee table that enhances the coziness of gatherings. It also effortlessly transitions into a chic side table, perfect for holding your favourite reads. This multifunctional design not only reflects my commitment to aesthetics and versatility but also represents the essence of my brand’s philosophy – combining form, functionality, and a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of sustainable materials.

You’re manufacturing locally in Jersey, is it challenging to do so here?

Manufacturing in Jersey has proven to be a seamless and straightforward process. Partnering with JH Carpentry for the production of Archie has been not only uncomplicated but also highly rewarding. After conducting some research, I reached out to James via email, and the proximity of their workshop, just 1km away, was a definite advantage. Initially, I commissioned one Archie for an exhibition and was impressed by the exceptional quality and craftsmanship demonstrated by JH Carpentry.

When the decision was made to offer Archie for sale, it was only natural to collaborate with James and his team for a Limited Edition run. The primary logistical challenge lies in shipping the materials, but I have managed this by leveraging the same timber suppliers I used during my university years.

What is your vision for your furniture business, what’s the dream job of commission?

My vision for my furniture business is centred around creating a responsibly manufactured and sourced furniture collection. The ultimate dream involves establishing my own studio and workshop, fostering a collaborative environment where various creatives come together, forming a hub of creation. I aspire to design, experiment, and see my products showcased in stores across the UK. My dream job is to engage in collaborative ventures with different designers and artists, pooling our talents to craft a collection that not only exhibits innovation but also tells a unique story.

When it comes to commissions, the process is always enjoyable. Working with clients who share a creative vision is gratifying. Designing a piece that is appreciated and one-of-a-kind adds a special layer of satisfaction to the creative journey.

And you’re donating to Trees For Life from every sale. Tell us about that?

My company and brand, Gigi Cooke, is dedicated to the design and production of long-lasting furniture with a commitment to sustainability, addressing environmental, social, and economic aspects. With Archie, 5% of the proceeds will be donated to Jersey Trees For Life, which is an amazing charity whose mission is to inspire, facilitate and promote the planting, conservation and protection of trees and hedgerows while educating our community about their environmental, ecological and social importance.

5% of the proceeds made by Archie will be donated to Jersey Trees for Life. Jersey Trees for Life is an amazing local charity whose mission is to inspire, facilitate and promote the planting, conservation and protection of trees and hedgegrow while educating our community about their environmental, ecological and social importance. My great grandfather was also the chairman of the charity in the 50s, which was a great connection made after contacting Trees For Life. 


About Gigi

Age: 25

Education/Course: 

Bath Spa University

Furniture and Product Design Degree 2018-2023 / Bryanston School (Dorset) 

St Michaels / St Georges

Favourite place to eat out in Jersey:

Sands, on St Ouens Beach, just love walking down for the breakfast with friends and family.


 gigicooke.com

A Sophisticated Palette

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Interior Designers Bryony Richardson got in touch to let us know about a feature she’d had published in Homes and Gardens – on none other than her own home. When we saw the photos, we had to feature this fantastic interior design tour de force. With its vibrant decor, it’s an inspiration for anyone with a white wall in their house. We asked about her approach….

Hi Bryony, so you’ve been getting Jersey property in national media, excellent, tell us about the project….

Yes, Homes and Gardens’ January 2024 featured my own home – Le Rocher – an extensive refurbishment I embarked on with my husband four years ago. I sought to create a space that inspires me, and a joyful home in which to bring up our two boys.  The house is just up the road from the St Catherine’s lifeboat station and, before we bought it, I had not the slightest inkling of the change in lifestyle the house would bring with it – year-round sea swimming for example.  It’s a Georgian house with high ceilings and enormous windows that drink in the light – it’s a wonderful clothes horse for colour so I brought in quite a lot of it!  

Your designs here are incredibly bold and bright, would you say this is your signature approach?

I do love using colour. However, my hallmark approach is to create inviting and expressive spaces that befit the style of a property, and, most importantly, a home for my client to feel in their element. As a result, projects take on many guises. Le Rocher is bold and bright but I also create more neutral schemes, drawing on other design elements, such as texture and lighting. The common link is that I’m always challenging myself to devise considered and atmospheric schemes for my clients that aim to inspire and delight, whilst retaining a deep, personal relevance to them.

Tell us about your route into interior design?

My father is passionate about art and antiques and my mother was an interior designer. I would spend hours attending auctions and rifling through fabric samples, dreaming up schemes.  My professional life has spanned conversion of a barn into a lifestyle and organic farm shop (helped by an EU grant), to a founding Anthropologie UK role, before designing the production suites at a couple of top London post-production houses. KLC School of Design training finally led to work at an award-winning London based interiors studio known for their high-end residential designs. So interior design has been in my DNA all my life and it felt like the natural progression to set up my own studio upon relocating to Jersey seven years ago. 

What or who has influenced you the most?

From an early age I noticed the effect that décor can have on people.  Growing up, friends’ homes had décor that ranged from sparse and drab, to vibrant and fun, and everything in between.  I find it fascinating that just a few elemental design choices – such as the arrangement of furniture or colour palette of the walls – can lead to such drastic differences in atmosphere and, as a result, subsequent human interactions.  I think that is a big driver for me – attempting to create spaces where people can be the best version of themselves and feel truly comfortable and relaxed.  

What is the most impressive building you’ve visited, from an interior design perspective? 

Villa Necchi Campiglio in Milan.  Design is hardwired into the building.  Nothing was an afterthought. It is opulent and yet restrained at the same time and so ridiculously classy.  It’s also incredible for somewhere to be so identifiably “of its time” and yet somehow still classic and timeless. 

What advice would you give to women starting out in business in your industry? (it’s our women in business’ feature in this edition)

Interior design offers so much more than nicely matching curtains and cushions.  Take time to invest in your knowledge base and get some training before embarking on what can be an incredibly enriching and rewarding career path.  It will give you the skillset and the confidence to start as you mean to go on.  

A project transformation requires a collaborative approach and many skills.  Make your views heard at meetings with architects and contractors – without your vision and expertise the project will not reach its true potential.   

Invest in some suitable footware – when on a building site, you don’t want to be that woman picking their way through the mud in a pair of heels!  

Carry a tape measure wherever you go.  

 bryonyrichardson.com

Viberts has joined forces with Lakey Advocates

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Viberts has announced that it is joining forces with Lacey Advocates. Jersey Advocates Beverley Lacey and Michelle Cabot joined Viberts in January 2024 as Partner and Senior Associate respectively. This move further strengthens Viberts’ commercial and regulatory services and make Viberts’ Dispute Resolution team one of the largest in the Island.

With over 35 years’ experience, Beverley is one of the Island’s most senior litigators. Beverley has acted in many of the leading cases to come before the island’s courts. She has conducted countless regulatory and enforcement investigations, acting for the Jersey Financial Services Commission, leading members of Jersey’s finance industry and HM Attorney General. For years Beverley was Head of Commercial Litigation at Mourant until establishing Lacey Advocates in 2013.

Michelle joined Lacey Advocates at the outset and has since worked alongside Beverley on some of the biggest high profile cases in the Island. This includes devising and then managing the Historic Abuse Redress Scheme for the Island’s Government and acting for all Government departments before the Jersey Care Inquiry. More recently, Beverley and Michelle acted in respect of major fraud proceedings before the Royal Court.

Zoe Blomfield, Viberts’ Managing Partner, commented, “Beverley’s and Michelle’s arrival is a significant milestone for Viberts. It consolidates our commitment to providing outstanding and pragmatic Dispute Resolution and Regulatory services. Beverley and Michelle have a proven track record of ensuring their clients successfully resolve major legal and regulatory challenges. These skills align perfectly with our commitment to deliver exceptional Dispute Resolution services and more broadly. Beverley and Michelle have added strength and depth to our dedicated, first class team led by Advocate Giles Emmanuel.

Many of the partners at Viberts have previously worked with Beverley. They have a high regard for her wide-ranging skills as a senior lawyer and problem solver and they look forward to working alongside her once again. I am extremely pleased to have welcomed Beverley and Michelle to Viberts.”