Senior appointments at Boyes Turner

Boyes Turner welcomes two new senior colleagues, with the appointment of Chris Harber as Head of Immigration and Nicola Patten as Head of Risk and Compliance.

A surge in demand for immigration advice driven by Brexit has led the firm to create the new role of Head of Immigration to expand its existing immigration team.

Chris Harber brings a wealth of expertise in the policy and practicalities of immigration regulation to the firm, having held roles with the Home Office, Ernst & Young and most recently with a leading technology company where he managed its international recruitment strategy.

Chris will work with Claire Taylor-Evans and Jessica Clough to help businesses and individuals navigate the immigration rules.

Barry Stanton, the Head of the Employment Group at Boyes Turner commented: “Driven by the demands of Brexit, immigration has become more important for businesses and individuals alike. Boyes Turner has provided immigration advice to its business clients for many years and Chris’s appointment marks the next step in the development of the team.”

Chris Harber added: “2021 is going to be a pivotal year for a significant number of businesses operating in the UK. The UK’s departure from the EU presents a number of new challenges but it also presents significant opportunities to those who recognise the value of their global mobility programmes.

“Thanks to Barry, Claire & Jessica’s excellent work over the past few years Boyes Turner has developed a great reputation with its clients as trusted advisers on all aspects of immigration, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to continue to develop the firm’s immigration service offering with them.”

The post of Head of Risk and Compliance is also new, and Nicola Patten will champion a culture of compliance across Boyes Turner, ensuring compliance with external regulatory requirements and internal policies.

Nicola has been working in law firms since graduating with an honours law degree. Most recently she spent almost 10 years as the Risk and Compliance Manager of a multi-office, nationwide law firm. She is also a Magistrate and sits on the Avon and Somerset Bench.

Boyes Turner’s Managing Partner Jonathan Grigg said: “As our new Head of Immigration, Chris Harber will help to grow and develop this important area of our business. We’re also delighted to welcome Nicola Patten to the firm, to oversee compliance and risk. As a growing firm this is a crucial area for us, and Nicola’s expertise is will be very valuable to us.”