Four lawyers – employment solicitor Kate Venables and housing and regeneration trio Lisa Robotham, Suzanne Gregson and Josephine Morton – have been made partners at Liverpool legal firm Brabners.

The four new partners were announced as part of the firm’s largest ever promotions round, with a further 24 lawyers across the business stepping into more senior roles.

Kate Venables trained at Brabners and qualified as an employment lawyer in 2005. Over a 16-year career she has established herself as an experienced employment tribunal practitioner and is a Legal 500 recommended lawyer.

Josephine Morton, Lisa Robotham and Suzanne Gregson all specialise in advising the social housing sector, with more than 45 years’ experience between them, and their clients range from small housing co-operatives to national registered providers.

Nik White, managing partner at Brabners, said: “The sheer number of people this year who have proved they are capable of taking on more senior roles in the firm is an indicator of where we are as a business and the quality of our people.

“With three years of sustained growth under our belt, the opportunities for career development at Brabners have significantly increased. It’s testament to the talent we have that so many people have been able to take advantage of those opportunities.

Warrington-based DNA, drug and alcohol testing company, AlphaBiolabs, has expanded its marketing team with three appointments to support its growth.

Sam Burgon has joined as digital marketing manager. He has more than 10 years’ experience in graphic design, website development and digital marketing and has moved from Eversmart Energy in Manchester.

Elizabeth Sherratt has been appointed pay-per-click manager after joining AlphaBiolabs from I-COM in Manchester.  Her role at AlphaBiolabs sees her manage Google Adwords campaigns for the company’s UK and US websites.

Anna Leaver has joined as bid writer, focusing on legal DNA and drug and alcohol testing services.  She has joined AlphaBiolabs from Indepth Managed Services, based in Warrington, where she worked on high-value public and private sector bids across the UK.

AlphaBiolabs  commercial director Rachel Davenport said: “As the business continues to expand, these new roles will support our growth. Sam, Elizabeth and Anna each bring a great deal of technical expertise and experience in specialised areas of marketing, which is a key part of the business.

Dermot Power, the former senior partner of business advisors BDO, has joined the board of contaminated land specialist BXB.

Mr Power joins the Liverpool-based company as it enters a period of sustained growth following its acquisition of sites in Preston, County Durham and Derbyshire and the formation of its joint venture with developer Promenade Estates.

Plans are already being brought forward for the JV’s first large scheme at the former Cowley Hill glass works in St Helens.

“Demand for BXB’s unique skill set continues to grow as the government’s policy focus returns to brownfield development,” explained Mr Power. “My role is to help the board deal with the positive challenges of growth and governance whilst advising on how it best shapes future joint ventures.”

BXB specialises in returning difficult brownfield sites with a history of contamination to usable condition and blends technical expertise with planning skills.  It recently announced its intention to seek permission for the redevelopment of 104 acres of the former Cowley Hill glass works in St Helens, which has been identified in the local authority’s Local Plan as capable of sustaining more than 800 new homes.