DALE Thorpe, a partner at the Manchester office of accountancy firm Baker Tilly, is providing audit advice and business support to Stockport-based medical research charity UK Biobank, which is looking to sign up 500,000 volunteers to undergo health assessments as part of an inquiry into why some people develop illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and dementia.

CHARLES Cooper led a team at Bolton accountancy firm Cowgill Holloway who advised family-run demolition contractor Walter Forshaw on succession plans. The deal saw the third generation of Forshaws take over the £6m-turnover business, which is based in Bolton.

CAROLINE Litchfield, Simon Whitehead, Paul Nicholls and Caroline Brennan, of law firm Brabners Chaffe Street's Manchester office, advised professional services group Begbies Traynor on its acquisition of Fanshawe Lofts, which has offices in Southampton and Bath.

KAREN Andrews, a partner at the Manchester office of law of Trowers & Hamlins who leads its public sector commercial practice in the north, is advising Blackpool Council on a £143m schools building project.

PAUL Matthews, a partner at Manchester law firm Rowlands, advised north west pharmacy chain PCT Healthcare on the acquisition of shops in South Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire.