This week’s Yorkshire appointments

Angela Downey and Kate Hutchinson, The Yorkshire Mafia

Business network The Yorkshire Mafia has announced the appointment of Angela Downey in the role of events manager and Kate Hutchinson as a commercial executive.

Angela has worked in marketing, project management and events management for over 10 years, building experience in arranging large corporate functions from conception to completion.

She said: “I’m definitely no stranger to the hustle and bustle of event management and I’m really looking forward to getting my sleeves rolled-up and to getting started at The Yorkshire Mafia.

“Let’s be honest with some of the largest events in the North to manage, it’s going to be a case of putting all of my experience into practice.”

Kate Hutchinson, who the organisation said will play “a crucial role” within its sales team, commented: “I have heard so many positive things about the Yorkshire Mafia that when I found out they were hiring I had to apply.

“It’s exciting for me to be part of such an established and well respected organisation and I’m ready for all the new challenges it will bring.”

Elsewhere, the business network recently promoted Idris Boumedra to the post of commercial event manager. Idris joined the organisation six months ago.

The founder and MD of The Yorkshire Mafia, Geoff Shepherd, said: “I’ve been so impressed with Idris since he joined the team at The Yorkshire Mafia.

“He is extremely hard working and has demonstrated an ability and willingness to go above and beyond with everything that he does. There is no question in my mind that he deserved his promotion.”

He continued: “We also welcome Angela and Kate who have come on board with The Yorkshire Mafia. Not only do they have great experience but their attitudes, organisational skills, and drive make them the perfect fit for their roles and the wider team.”

Duncan Watson, Clarion

Leeds law firm Clarion has appointed Duncan Watson as an associate solicitor in its growing private client team.

Duncan spent the last two years working for a national firm and has experience in complex estates, tax efficient wills and trusts.

An affiliate member of the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners, Duncan studied chemistry at Leeds University and worked in the pharmaceutical industry for a number of years before pursuing a career in law.

Duncan said: “Clarion has established an exceptional reputation across the full range of legal services and has particular expertise in the areas in which I specialise.

“It is an exciting opportunity to join such a renowned team and I look forward to working with the firm’s clients to provide practical solutions to the challenges they face.”

The head of Clarion’s private client practice, partner Viv Wild, commented: “We increasingly find that the firm’s clients come to us wanting advice that brings together their business and personal wealth.

“With the increasing demand for our integrated services we need to continue to grow the team and, with his specialist knowledge, Duncan will be a valuable addition to what is an excellent team.”

Paul Kelly, Scarborough International Properties

Real estate development and investment company Scarborough International Properties has appointed Paul Kelly to its board as development director.

Chartered surveyor Paul will oversee the firm’s £2bn development programme that includes Thorpe Park in Leeds and Sheffield Digital Campus.

With more than 15 years’ experience in the property sector across the UK and Ireland, Paul previously worked as a partner in the development and agency team at property consultancy Knight Frank.

Scarborough chairman Kevin McCabe said: “Since joining us Paul has shown great commitment, knowledge and experience.

“With the support and hard work of all of our development team, we have seen significant progress across our development portfolio under Paul’s leadership.”

The Scarborough board now comprises chairman Kevin McCabe, deputy chairman and joint chief executive Simon McCabe, joint chief executive Simon Marshall, finance director Jeremy Tutton, development director Paul Kelly and non-executive director Scott McCabe.

Will Brennand, Grant Thornton

Professional services firm Grant Thornton has welcomed a new face to its growing Yorkshire-based corporate finance department.

Will Brennand has joined the company as an associate director, having worked in corporate finance for the last seven years. Most recently, he worked for accounting firm Mazars LLP.

He said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the renowned corporate finance team at Grant Thornton at an exciting time for the business and the market as a whole.

“The current climate is promising with optimism and an appetite for transactions. I’m looking forward to be part of an expanding team delivering significant deals.”

Richard Goldsack, Grant Thornton’s Leeds-based corporate finance partner, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Will to the firm.

“His experience, skills and knowledge will be vital in supporting Grant Thornton as it continues to be the go-to firm for growth for dynamic organisations in Yorkshire.”

L-R: Steve Blacker, Annette Barker, Fran Simpson and Clare Partridge

11 promotions, KPMG

Professional services giant KPMG has announced 11 partner and director promotions at its Leeds office.

Annette Barker, Fran Simpson, Steve Blacker and Clare Partridge have been named as partners, while the following have been promoted to the role of director:

• David Allen (Audit)
• Matt Wilcox (Audit)
• Chris Lloyd (Debt advisory)
• Deborah Goldberg (Internal risk)
• Andrew Akal (National markets)
• Bradley Keast (M&A tax)
• Chris Cheng (Investment advisory)

The Northern chairman and office senior partner at KPMG in Leeds, Chris Hearld, said: “The talent within this group of senior appointments exemplifies the breadth and depth of skills and experience we offer to organisations across Yorkshire.

“Investing in and developing our people to ensure we offer the best when it comes to technical expertise and industry knowledge is a vital element of our support for clients who will be navigating their way through uncharted territory during the forthcoming period of significant change.”

KPMG has over 900 Yorkshire-based employees, including 33 partners.