Harpenden Building Society and Lawrence Stephens bolster teams




Harpenden Building Society and Lawrence Stephens have made new additions to their teams.

Harpenden Building Society

Harpenden Building Society has appointed Emily Smith as head of distribution and marketing.

In the newly created position, she will be responsible for developing the society’s profile and reach, providing brokers with additional access to Harpenden’s specialist lending products and services.

Emily joins Harpenden from Hinckley & Rugby Building Society, where she worked for fifteen years in various underwriting, business development and sales roles, most recently as a national account manager.

“I’m excited to be joining Harpenden Building Society; in what is a constantly changing and complex housing market there are significant opportunities for brokers to grow their businesses by working with an award-winning specialist lender,” said Emily.

“I look forward to optimising commercial opportunities for both existing brokers and new partners too.”

Raj Bains, director of operations at Harpenden Building Society, added: “We are delighted that Emily will lead our distribution and marketing function, ensuring brokers have good, ongoing opportunities to introduce their customers to our portfolio of lending products.

“Emily’s appointment illustrates our commitment to strengthening existing broker relationships and building additional strong connections with the intermediary community. 

“She brings considerable experience and knowledge to the role having worked in the building society sector throughout her career.”

Lawrence Stephens

Lawrence Stephens has appointed James Lyons as a director within its corporate and commercial department.

James is legal practitioner with over 20 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, equity fundraisings, joint ventures, corporate re-organisations, shareholders’ agreements, and corporate governance.

His client list includes entrepreneurs, management teams, SMEs, large private companies, and PLCs within various sectors, including technology, manufacturing, real estate, healthcare and catering.

James joins Lawrence Stephens from Devonshires Solicitors LLP, where he was a corporate partner.

Prior to this, he held roles at Trowers & Hamlins LLP, Olswang, and Allen & Overy.

Commenting on his appointment, James said: “I’m thrilled to have joined Lawrence Stephens as a director in its corporate and commercial team. 

“Its forward-thinking, proactive and client-centric approach precisely mirrors my own values and I look forward to delivering results that will enable the firm to continue going from strength to strength and enhance its already glowing reputation.”

Jeff Rubenstein, senior director at Lawrence Stephens, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome James on board to our growing corporate and commercial team. 

“His extensive expertise in corporate legal matters, strong reputation and track record of delivering exceptional client service will be invaluable to our firm and we can’t wait to see his career continue to thrive and excel at Lawrence Stephens.”

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