This week’s Yorkshire appointments

Sovereign Health Care, the Bradford-based health care cash plan provider, has announced the appointment of two new non-executive directors.

Jan Fortune, current co-ordinator of the Sovereign Health Care Charitable Trust, and Rhys Davies, an IT specialist who has previously served on the operational board of directors for Morrisons and William Hill, joined the Sovereign board this year.

The board now consists of seven non-executive directors and two executive directors, and is chaired by Dr. Bob Dugdale.

Bob said: “I am very happy to welcome Jan and Rhys to the Board. Each brings their own expertise and knowledge to the company, with Rhys bringing his vast IT experience, and Janher in-depth understanding of working with charities and Sovereign Health Care Charitable Trust.

“This is a very significant year for Sovereign Health Care as we are investing a great deal of time and effort into ensuring that the organisation is in the best possible shape for the future.

“That makes this the ideal time to introduce some fresh thinking to the board of directors and I am certain that Jan and Rhys will bring a great deal of enthusiasm and know-how to the role. I am looking forward to having their input in guiding Sovereign’s future.”

Jan Fortune joined Sovereign Health Care Charitable Trust as co-ordinator in 2015, after previously being director of the North region for the National Trust, the UK’s largest conservation charity, and prior to that, being chief executive of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust. She was also a trustee for the Lloyds Bank Foundation for six years.

Rhys Davies has sat on executive and operational boards since 2003 and non-executive boards since 2010. Rhys has served on the board for large and small organisations, including the University of Leeds, Leeds Teaching Hospital IT Board and Bradford Grammar School.

Jo Williamson, Gordons

Yorkshire law firm Gordons has recruited Jo Williamson from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking as its business development director.

Jo has worked for Lloyds Banking Group for 30 years overall and within its commercial banking team for the past two decades.

As the bank’s regional business development director, she was responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships with Yorkshire companies with turnovers ranging from £25m to £1bn.

In her new role, Jo will work alongside Gordons partners and fee earners in building and enhancing new and existing client relationships.

The firm’s clients either headquartered or operating in Yorkshire include national supermarket Morrisons; global electric heating and domestic appliance manufacturer Glen Dimplex Group; motor retailer JCT600; construction and high performance materials manufacturer Saint Gobain; and international brewers Molson Coors.

Paul Ayre, Gordons managing partner, said: “We’ve known Jo for many years. She has a great reputation and is trusted in the business world.

“She shares the Gordons values of being straightforward and authentic, which are key to building longstanding relationships. We’re delighted that she’s chosen to join us.”

Gordons has offices in Leeds and Bradford, employs 196 people and has a turnover of £22.5m.

Maria Shone, Langleys Solicitors

Langleys Solicitors has strengthened its private client and agriculture team with the appointment of Maria Shone who will specialise in agricultural law.

A newly-qualified solicitor, Maria studied law at Leeds Beckett University and completed the Legal Practice Course at BBP University Law School, Leeds.

Maria joins Langleys – which has offices in York and Lincoln – after training at Gosschalks Solicitors, Hull.

David Wood, partner and head of Private Client and Agriculture at Langleys, said: “Maria is a valuable addition to our expanding private client and agriculture team and will contribute to delivering high quality advice and service to our agricultural and rural based clients.”

Shulmans LLP

Corporate law firm Shulmans LLP has strengthened its team to support the continuing growth of the full-service practice.

The Leeds-based firm’s commercial team has been expanded with the appointment of Helen Goldthorpe as an associate solicitor.

With a wealth of experience in commercial and IT contracting, Helen has specialist knowledge of data protection compliance, software development and exploitation, complex contractual joint ventures and outsourcing arrangements.

In addition, four Shulman trainees have recently qualified and secured permanent positions.

Ryan Adams is a specialist in sports law, along with Sarah Briscall, who joins the commercial team.

As well as specialising in consumer rights, Sarah leads a female networking group which is working with the local community to empower young women, helping them to consider a career in law.

Emma Wardle will continue to support the residential development team and Oliver Whelligan-Fell boosts the rapidly-growing corporate offering.

Shulmans has also welcomed Joe Gosling and Eleanor Russell-Smith, who join the firm as trainee solicitors.

Chris Peace, partner and training principal, said: “We are very proud of the training programme at Shulmans. We are committed to providing the very best training so that we can continue to develop truly excellent legal minds and ultimately, ensure that we have a successful and highly-skilled Shulmans team.”

Tim Halstead, managing partner of Shulmans, added: “We are delighted to celebrate the hard work of our newly qualified solicitors and welcome our new recruits.

“Our commitment to providing consistently excellent service to our clients is dependent upon having the best people. This will further strengthen Shulmans at an exciting time in our development.”

Jamie Hunt, Ultimate Finance

The Leeds office of Ultimate Finance has appointed Jamie Hunt as a regional director.

He joins the company having spent more than 30 years working in the banking and commercial finance sector. Having spent 18 years with Yorkshire Bank, he moved over to asset based lending with Aldermore before running his own brokerage.

During his career he has been involved in deals which have been used for MBOs, MBIs, start-ups, restructures and to provide cash flow solutions for established businesses.

Jamie said: “I knew a lot of the team in Yorkshire and several of the others nationally, having worked with them during my time as a broker. I have always been impressed with their approach and willingness to get things done.

“The company has recently progressed to another level having received financial backing from its parent company Tavistock. With significant funds now available to lend I believe Ultimate Finance will quickly become a major player in the asset based lending market.”

Noel Haverly, Ultimate Finance’s head of sales for Yorkshire, the North East and Scotland, added: “Having operated in Yorkshire as both a lender and a broker, he is extremely well known and highly respected in the region.

“He also understands that brokers and clients alike need quick decisions and flexibility to find solutions for funding requirements both of which we can provide at Ultimate Finance.”

Steve Tipper, NGC Networks

Business communications specialist NGC Networks has appointed Steve Tipper as its new head of mobile.

Steve joins the Wakefield-based business with more than 20 years’ experience in the civilian telecoms industry. He previously spent 11 years in the Royal Air Force as a telecoms specialist, responsible for secure worldwide communications.

NGC Networks director Nikki Guest said: “We have grown to become a major player in the mobile marketplace with a competitive offering to business mobile clients.

“Steve has a wealth of experience in this sector and his appointment is important as we seek to grow our mobile offer and attract new customers.”

NGC Networks provides business telecommunications and internet connectivity solutions to companies across the North of England.

The company employs 30 people and has reported turnover this year of £4.5m.

Becky Shelswell, Gibson Booth Limited

Barnsley accountants Gibson Booth Limited has announced the appointment of a new accounts assistant.

Becky Shelswell has joined the business from an accountancy firm in Sheffield and will help with the dealings of limited companies, including preparing their annual accounts.

Becky is working towards her level four AAT qualification and plans to continue her studies to train to be a chartered accountant.

Gibson Booth, which has its offices on Victoria Road in the town centre, has 31 staff, in the region of 1,000 clients and a turnover which has been growing year on year.

Robert Watson, managing director, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Becky on board. She has quickly gained experience and knowledge and I’m sure she’ll prove to be a great asset to the team.”

Gibson Booth offer a wide range of services including accounts, audit, personal and tax planning. The firm also specialise in VAT, payroll, capital taxes, research and development tax planning, employee incentivisation, corporate finance and wealth management.

Paul Walters (left), JCT600

JCT600, the Bradford-based car retailer JCT600 has announced that the new managing director of its subsidiary company JCT600 Vehicle Leasing Solutions (formerly JCT600 Contracts) will be current sales director Paul Walters.

Paul takes over from Andrew Mann, one of the founding members, who is retiring after 28 years in the business.

With more than 26 years’ experience in the vehicle leasing industry, Paul Walters joined JCT600 VLS as sales director in December 2014 after working at GE Capital where he held a number of senior sales positions in both its UK and International divisions.

Paul said: “Andrew’s retirement marks the end of an era. His passion, knowledge, commitment and expertise have been instrumental in the success of the company. There are undoubtedly challenging, but exciting times ahead.

“The imminent benefit in kind changes, the rise of connected and autonomous vehicles, alternative powertrains, the petrol versus diesel debate, urban low emission zones or even vehicle restricted areas and, of course, the unknown impact of Brexit for good or ill, all add to a melting pot of change, the like of which has not been seen before.

“I believe the next few years will see huge transformations in our market place and it will be those companies that are agile enough to swiftly adapt to these new opportunities that will reap the benefits.

“JCT600 VLS is extremely well placed to do just that by being part of a successful dealership group, close to the manufacturers and the increasingly innovative technology they are introducing. In addition, being a family owned company, the decision process is fast and we can react swiftly to the quickening pace of change we all face.”

Paul concluded: “I am, of course, thrilled by the challenge and by the chance to continue to work with the very talented JCT600 team. We already have some very exciting developments in the pipeline, so watch this space.”