This week’s Yorkshire appointments

Leeds law firm Clarion has promoted seven members of its team from senior associate to the position of legal director.

Helen Bates joined the firm’s corporate recovery practice in 2008 and has since taken a lead advisory role in many of its most complex and sizeable assignments.

Over the last 12 years, Alison Batty has been a key member of the property team, using her technical expertise and heading up Clarion’s residential development and care home development offerings.

Dominic Blakeley has dealt with a number of the biggest cases in the dispute resolution and litigation practice over the last four years including taking a key role in the Silverstone litigation.

During her 15 years with Clarion, Lynsey Harrison has developed a niche litigation specialism in the area of contentious private client.

In addition, Clare King, who joined Clarion 10 years ago, has established a reputation for her Court of Protection work; while Marie Pugh has developed the expanding banking and finance team during her 12 years with the firm.

Finally, Sue Streatfield has been lead adviser on a number of key matters for the IP team as well as playing an active role in training and developing the IP team.

Roger Hutton, joint managing partner at Clarion, commented: “At Clarion, we pride ourselves on recruiting and retaining the most talented people – it is vital that we invest in their development and enable them to grow their careers with us.

“All of these seven lawyers have played an important role in the firm’s ongoing success, exceeding expectations in a number of areas whether through their strong people management skills, their unique insight in developing the practice, their advisory expertise or their strategic contribution to our growth.

“Our internal career progression path ensures that individuals making these types of exceptional efforts are recognised and rewarded; their new roles within the firm will enable them to continue to develop with Clarion.”

Andrew Smith, Aaron Johnson, Gail Sandford, Darren Morgan, Anushka Nicholas and Nicola White, Black Solicitors

Leeds-based law firm Blacks Solicitors LLP has welcomed six new starters across the business.

The commercial dispute resolution team has been strengthened with two new appointments, partner Darren Morgan and paralegal Aaron Johnson.

Darren previously worked at Langleys Solicitors and joins Blacks with more than 25 years of experience in the legal industry. Aaron has also joined the ranks after graduating from the University of Hull in 2015.

In October, the family team appointed Andrew Smith as associate solicitor. He brings a wealth of expertise having previously worked at Emsleys Solicitors and Bradbury Roberts & Raby.

Blacks’ Commercial Property team is also proud to welcome associate solicitor Anushka Nicholas. She will be working primarily in the private client residential team.

Finally, the Wills & Probate team has introduced two new starters, both formerly of Cohen Cramer. Nicola White joins as an associate solicitor and Gail Sandford as a paralegal. Nicola will be specialising in contentious probate issues and Gail will be utilising her skills in estate administration.

Chris Allen, managing partner at Blacks Solicitors, said: “I’ve no doubt that these fine individuals will fit perfectly into their respective teams and bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience.

“It is an exciting time for all of us here at Blacks, as we continue to expand and develop.”

Danielle Burrow, Cassie Land and Jonathan Perry, Williams & Co Solicitors

A Cleckheaton-based law firm has made three new appointments as part of its strategy for growth.

Williams & Co Solicitors has welcomed solicitors Jonathan Perry, Cassie Land and Danielle Burrow.

Jonathan Perry joins the firm as an associate solicitor in charge of expanding the commercial property side of the business in Wakefield and to mentor other fee earners including another recruit, Cassie.

Jonathan has worked in commercial law firms in London and Leeds as well as in-house at both Shepherd Building Group and in local government for Barnsley Council.

Cassie, who joins the firm from Leeds-based DWF LLP, will add a wealth of experience to Williams & Co’s residential team. As an associate legal executive, she will work on various matters including redevelopment, refurbishment projects with lender involvement, large-scale purchases and new development sites.

Newly-qualified solicitor Danielle Burrow also joins the firm and will work in the dispute resolution team having worked in the legal profession for five years.

Jeremy Garside, partner at Williams & Co said: “We are delighted to welcome Jonathan, Cassie and Danielle to the team who all bring with them a wealth of experience to strengthen our commercial, residential and dispute teams.

“As we continue to grow it’s important for us to attract talented individuals who we can work with to deliver a high-quality service to our clients.”

Tracey Smith, Adam Douglas and Katy Holmes, York Sciene Park

York Science Park has appointed and promoted staff within its facilities management, centre coordinator and business development teams.

Adam Douglas has been promoted to deputy facilities manager, following five years’ experience in the facilities team.

Adam will work with the senior management team as part of the company’s succession planning and will be undergoing leadership development over the next year.

The business development team has also welcomed Katy Holmes joining the Science Park as the business development assistant.

Katy is well versed in sales and negotiation techniques - skills which she has already put to great use since joining York Science Park.

Jess Carling is the newest addition to the team, joining as the centre coordinator for the Innovation Centre.

Tracey Smith, CEO of York Science Park, said: “Adam has been a key member of our facilities team and we were thrilled to be able to offer him the chance to progress with us.

“Katy has already proved herself to be a great asset to the team, and Jess has impressed colleagues and residents alike with her amazing customer service skills. We look forward to watching their careers develop with us at the Science Park.

“We have always felt it is really crucial to support and nurture teams, after all, you depend upon them to run your business for you, and so it’s critical that they have the tools to do the job and hopefully advance their careers with us.”

Mark Carter, Grant Thornton

Advisory firm Grant Thornton have announced another key addition to its Yorkshire practice, with the appointment of Mark Carter to the wealth advisory team.

A chartered financial planner and a fellow of the personal finance society, Mark brings expert knowledge to the role, gained through a financial services career spanning over 30 years.

He previously held senior level roles with Arthur J. Gallagher & Co, Prudential Assurance, AIG, AXA wealth and Clerical Medical.

Mark will work within the wealth advisory team across Leeds and Sheffield, delivering bespoke advice to clients on financial planning and wealth management.

Andy Wood, managing partner at Grant Thornton Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mark to Grant Thornton as we continue to expand and secure our place as the go to firm for growth.

“With his industry knowledge and expertise, Mark will play a pivotal role in the future of our Wealth Advisory service within the region.”

Claire Jacques, 360 Chartered Accountants

Hull-based 360 Chartered Accountants has appointed a new business development manager.

Claire Jacques, formerly managing director at Intrasource Limited, has over 15 years’ experience in senior sales/marketing and business development, the majority of which was spent operating at a senior and strategic level.

Andy Steele, founder and director of the Hull and East Yorkshire-based firm, said: “We are really excited that Claire has joined us. Her track record speaks for itself.

“She will be responsible for pushing our systems and IT on to the next level as well as introducing us to her vast network of contacts.

“She will also be a key part of our 360 Mentor team, offering specialist advice and support to business owners. She is justwhat we need as we continue to expand 360, especially now that we have opened our new office at Craven Park.”

360 has just opened its third office, located at Craven Park. Just last year the firm moved its headquarters to Albion Street in Hull city centre.

Will Richardson, PwC

Will Richardson will succeed Arif Ahmad as PwC’s Leeds office senior partner with effect from 1 January 2017.

Will has been with PwC 23 years and has worked in the firm’s assurance, transaction services and forensic practices.

He currently leads PwC’s forensic practice across the North of England and is the regional deals leader for Yorkshire and North East and the Government and Public Sector Leader for the firm’s deals practice nationally.

Will has a wide range of experience across the private, public and not for profit sectors both in the UK and various overseas locations.

Arif Ahmad said: “I’ve hugely enjoyed my time as PwC Leeds Office Senior Partner and am very proud of what we as a team have achieved.

“Our recent move to Central Square is an ideal opportunity to hand over the reins, and I know Will will do a great job leading the team in the next phase of our growth plans.”

Will commented: “I feel honoured and privileged to be given this opportunity. Our new office in Central Square provides a fantastic environment in which to continue to grow our amazing team in one of the UK’s fastest growing cities.

“Leeds has a thriving business community, which includes some of the UK’s largest businesses, an incredibly diverse mix of small, medium sized businesses and family owned groups.

“We have seen significant investment in large scale development projects, which is set to continue and is reflective of our standing on the national and international stage.”

Mike Richardson and Hannah Cawthorne, Brewster Bye Architects

A Leeds-based architecture practice has appointed two new team members.

Mike Richardson joins Headingley-based Brewster Bye Architects as a senior architectural technologist and Hannah Cawthorne as an architectural assistant.

The new appointments take the total number of employees to 24.

Mike has 24 years’ experience and has worked on numerous multi-million pound projects in the education, retail, leisure, healthcare and the emergency services sectors.

With experience working on every stage of a project, from feasibly studies right through to the practical completion of a build, Mike joins from another Leeds-based architectural firm.

Hannah has worked for architectural practices in Bradford and Leeds on public and private sector projects, including schemes for the NHS, Police and Bradford Council, as well as on a range of small scale conservation projects and larger residential and leisure developments.

Hannah has just completed a Master of Architecture Degree at Leeds Beckett University.

Chris Austin, Brewster Bye’s managing director, said: “These two senior appointments will bolster our already very experienced team and support us as we continue to build on our ever expanding client base.

“Both Mike and Hannah are very talented individuals who are committed to delivering quality design and have excellent levels of project management skills so they will be a valuable asset to the firm.”

Mike Barnett, Strata

Strata, the Doncaster-based home builder, has promoted former architect, Mike Barnett, to head of design.

Having held the position of architect at Strata for the past three years, Mike will now be responsible for developing and crafting the strategic long-term vision of the design focussed Strata brand, whilst also expanding and mastering the existing housing range.

Mike will also play a lead role in the master planning for all new Strata schemes, working closely with Strata’s CEO, Andrew Weaver, focussing on the holistic nature of product and place.

Andrew Weaver, CEO of Strata, said: “Mike has always shown his talents as a forward-thinking designer and that is why it makes perfect sense to promote him from architect to head of design.

“Mike had our full support throughout his Masters as we understand the importance of nurturing talent and to transferring these newly acquired skills into the business.

“Our objective at Strata is to enhance spaces through an absolute dedication and commitment to high quality design and this is something that Mike will bring to the role.

“We also place a strong emphasis on creating and shaping active spaces which are beautiful and elegant, whilst being contemporary but functional, juxtaposed but contextual to their setting. This is an ethos that lies at the heart of Strata.”

Strata, the leading independent home builder with a 5-star status, has 16 developments across Yorkshire and the East Midlands.

Gary Bolton, Grayling

Grayling, the Leeds-based PR agency, has added to its team with the appointment of a new account director.

Gary Bolton has been appointed to the position to deliver strategic communications for existing clients, in addition to developing new business opportunities.

Gary has over 18 years’ communications experience working within UK and international environments across both public and private sectors, including retail, local government, facilities management, healthcare, integrated services provision and sport.

Christine Newton, director of Grayling, said: “We are delighted to appoint Gary to our close-knit team.

“With his wealth of experience across a wide range of sectors we feel that he can make a hugely positive impact for both existing clients and in securing new business opportunities.

“Gary has delivered strategic public relations campaigns for some of the UK’s largest organisations, including Morrisons supermarkets, as well as medium sized companies and SMEs, and this broad range of experience will be invaluable in helping us build on our success of the past 30 years.”

Grayling Leeds is part of Grayling UK which also has offices in London, Bristol, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Southampton and is part of a global network spanning more than 20 countries.