Law firm appoints new office heads

Law firm Harrison Drury has appointed new heads for its Clitheroe and Lancaster offices as part of plans to develop ‘future leaders’.

Senior associate solicitor Nicola Beneduce has been named head of the Clitheroe office, while Hannah Hughes, also a senior associate solicitor, will lead its Lancaster operation.

John Chesworth, Harrison Drury's executive chairman, said: “Having effective leaders is vital for any organisation at times like these. As we look to the future, it’s important for all our offices to have people who can seize the initiative and help our regional teams to flourish.

“In the time that Nicola and Hannah have been with us they have demonstrated a keen drive to forge strong relationships with our people, clients, fellow professionals, and the business community.

“It’s been a pleasure to see both of them grow and develop their careers with us and I have no doubt that both Hannah and Nicola will help others to do the same.”

Nicola is a commercial property lawyer and joined Harrison Drury’s Clitheroe office in 2015. She advises on all aspects of commercial property transactions with a focus on the hospitality and leisure sectors which is a growth area for the firm in the Ribble Valley. She will oversee a team of 18 at the Clitheroe office.

Nicola said: “We have a great team in Clitheroe working with a diverse range of businesses, from farming to hospitality, property to manufacturing. It’s a real honour to be chosen to be head of the office. We’re a close-knit team and everyone plays an important role in their own way.”

Hannah, who is also a commercial property specialist, joined the firm in 2015. Hannah has developed a specialism in the agricultural sector and also leads the firm’s rural sector team.

She said “Our Lancaster office gives us the best of both worlds, working with an array of businesses based in the city, as well as working with lots of rural businesses, including farmers, landed estates and leisure and tourism businesses.”

The firm also has offices in Garstang, Kendal and Preston.