This week’s Yorkshire appointments

The Wealth Advisory team at Grant Thornton in Sheffield has expanded its client service team with the appointments of Joe Wareham, Greg Clarke and Elliot Barron.

Joe has just gained a degree in Business Economics from Missouri Valley College, USA. Greg and Elliot were recruited as part of the firm’s graduate trainee programme and will be based with Grant Thornton’s Sheffield Wealth Advisory team for the duration of their 12 month placement.

Greg is currently studying a degree in Business with Economics at the University of Northumbria; and Elliot is studying a degree in Accounting and Finance at the University of Durham.

Wealth Advisory’s Sheffield team has grown to over 30 people. This includes a dedicated training resource which is dedicated to training and developing the talent within the team. Over the past 12 months there have been numerous success stories of promotions and new roles.

Maria McLeod, operations manager for Grant Thornton Wealth Advisory based in Sheffield, said: “We are fortunate that Sheffield has two successful universities and the city benefits from strong student retention after graduation. We are keen to attract graduates from this hotbed of young talent!

“Here in Sheffield we have seen significant growth over the past two years and have developed a great team of highly motivated people. Our interns and graduates have been very successful in their roles, bringing enthusiasm and energy to the firm and we’re delighted to have started them on a successful career path.”

Grant Thornton’s Wealth Advisory practice provides a holistic personal advisory service dedicated to protecting and maximising personal and family wealth. The team can help clients to achieve their financial goals by combining fee-based, unbiased investment advice with personal tax planning.

Meryn Astwood and Claire Armer, Newtons Solicitors

Two new directors have been appointed by Newtons Solicitors, which has built a network of nine offices across Teesside and North and West Yorkshire in the past six years.

Meryn Astwood, a residential property solicitor, becomes a director at the head office in Knaresborough, and corporate and Claire Armer, a commercial property solicitor, becomes an LLP member at Newtons offices in Richmond and Ripon. They bring the total number of directors within the Newtons Group to 18.

Newtons Solicitors, founded by Chris and Sarah Newton in 2009, provides a range of commercial and private client services and now has a £3.75m turnover and 70 staff.

Claire Armer said: “Newtons Solicitor’s fantastic growth during the last six years means that there are some great opportunities ahead for clients and staff and I am very excited to be a part of the team that will continue to drive the firm forward.”

Meryn Astwood added: “I joined Newtons Solicitors when we had only one office in Knaresborough and have seen the firm flourish. We have built up a successful property department with a highly-experienced team. I look forward to being part of a senior team which will work closely with Chris and Sarah in taking the firm to the next level.”

Chris Newton also commented: “Meryn and Claire are extremely competent lawyers and part of the next Newtons generation who will help me develop the business even further. I’m looking for forward to working with them in their new roles.”

Newtons Solicitors also has offices in Harrogate, Ilkley, Leyburn, Stokesley and York.

Richard Longton, Sally Sookia, Henry Burton and Amy Hodges, JLL

Four members of staff in JLL’s North East team, based in Leeds, have been recognised in the property consultants annual UK promotions programme.

Richard Longton, Valuation Advisory and Sally Sookia, (formerly JLL Retail Marketing), have been promoted to Director.

Henry Burton, Valuation Advisory and Amy Hodges, have both been made up to Associate Directors.

Jeff Pearey, lead director for JLL’s North East Business, said: “Promoting four members of our Leeds based staff not only underlines our commitment to developing and retaining our best people, but also ensuring our clients receive the best experience and advice. I am particularly pleased that we were able to reward four of our valued people in this latest round of promotions. Investment in our staff and services is imperative to build on and ensure the success of our business in Yorkshire and the North East.”

JLL employs around 110 members of staff in Leeds acting on some of the largest, most prestigious schemes in the region and was most recently involved in the letting to Equifax at 6 Wellington Place in Leeds.

Andrew Johnson, Gateley Plc

The Leeds office of legal business, Gateley Plc has made its seventh partner hire in three years with the appointment of Dispute Resolution partner, Andrew Johnson.

Andrew joins the company from Watson Burton LLP, where he was a partner and head of commercial Litigation for three years. He has over 14 years’ experience in handling a range of disputes including dealing with issues arising from corporate transactions, complex projects, trading contracts and property related agreements. He has also developed particular specialisms in dealing with procurement litigation and judicial review proceedings.

Andrew has acted for a range of Plc clients and other organisations such as Bellway, Microsoft, Colas and the University of Leicester. His recent successes include recovering large sums for clients in professional negligence claims against their advisors, advising on a challenge to a major NHS procurement, and advising a number of housebuilders in relation to complex issues arising from claims by mineral rights holders.

William Ballmann, head of the Leeds office, said: “Andrew’s appointment adds further strength to our Dispute Resolution team in Leeds and supports our plans for further expansion in this area. Since entering the Yorkshire market the team has more than doubled its turnover in this practice area and is the fastest growing commercial disputes team in Leeds. Andrew is a very welcome addition to the team.”

Martin Green, Sheffield United Limited

Martin Green, founder and managing director of national company Redtooth, has been appointed to the board of Sheffield United Limited (SUL) with a brief to enhance non match day activities.

A lifelong Blade and a Vice-President with Sheffield United Football Club (SUFC), Martin has recently played a key role in the Club’s developing event activities.

With new and improved facilities at Bramall Lane Stadium – including a new Desso pitch – the Shirecliffe Academy (which is sponsored by his Redtooth business) and at Crookes the club is ideally placed to drive revenue from “off the field” activities.

Sheffield United co-owner Kevin McCabe said: “We are delighted that Martin has accepted our offer to join the board of SUL.

“He has a great track record in the world of leisure and entertainment as well as organising events where last year he led the organisation of the club’s 125th high profile celebration dinner at Ponds Forge which attracted more than 1,200 people and guests, former players and was recognised as one of the best events of its kind.

“Martin’s creative abilities will bring much needed change to what and how we do things, making the best use of our superb facilities,” added Kevin.

Martin said: “As a Blade through and through I am delighted to take up this opportunity to make a real difference to United. There is terrific potential to take the club to a different level in terms of events here at Bramall Lane as well as Shirecliffe and Crookes

“I will be working with the club’s executive team, directors and owner to drive forward a new era at Bramall Lane.”

Charles Calvert, JLL

Charles Calvert is to join property consultants JLL as head of its North East Residential team based in Leeds.

Previously head of northern land operations at Sequence, Charles has over 25 years’ experience working in the residential property market in the north of England.

With extensive experience in land acquisition and disposals as well as new home sales and lettings, Charles has been involved in a number of high profile residential and mixed-use schemes including Clarence Dock and Granary Wharf in Leeds; St Paul’s in Sheffield and Victoria Mills in Shipley.

Commenting on his appointment, Charles Calvert said: “I am excited to be joining JLL at what promises to be a turning point in the Leeds city centre residential market. The local economy is strong and there is significant demand from purchasers and tenants alike.

“The only missing feature is a significant new residential development project. As investors and developers size up the opportunities available, we are uniquely set up to provide both development consultancy and agency services from our city centre office to capitalise upon this new phase of development.”

Jeff Pearey, lead director at JLL North East, added: “Residential remains a cornerstone of our North East business and Charles will bring invaluable knowledge and experience of the land and development market to our already established residential team in Leeds.”

Sam Whitehouse, Cooper & Hall

A rising demand in the expert services provided by a North Yorkshire quantity surveyor has lead it to further expanding its team.

Cooper & Hall, which is based at Pannal Business Park in Harrogate, has recruited Sam Whitehouse as a trainee Quantity Surveyor, taking the head count to 12.

Cooper & Hall, which is led by directors Phil Cooper, Graham Hall and Ian Wilcock, provides support and guidance to private clients, insolvency practitioners, main contractors, sub-contractors and solicitors.

In his new role, Sam, who has a degree in Ancient History and a Masters in Creative Writing, is working alongside more experienced colleagues on a number of major projects around the country.

In addition, he is studying for his third higher qualification, that of an MSc in Quantity Surveying, which he is completing over two years via distant learning mode.

Phil Cooper, managing director, said: “In just a few years we have now more than doubled the size of Cooper & Hall and are working on projects all over the country.

“It is thanks to the UK economy’s strong position, and the boom in construction industry, that we have seen our workload increasing month on month, hence the recruitment need.

“I’m pleased that we are able to offer career opportunities to young people like Sam, and, once with us, they will receive both practical and theoretical experience.