This week’s Yorkshire appointments

Ironmonger Curtis, the Sheffield-based business law specialist, has announced a new round of internal promotions.

Jonathan Senior has been promoted to partner, whilst Ben Ironmonger and Toby Pochron have been made associates.

Jonathan Senior joined the property team in 2007 after practising at a national law firm in Sheffield and advises on a broad range of commercial property matters.

Commercial litigation solicitor Ben Ironmonger moves up to associate. Since joining the firm in 2008, Ben has developed expertise regularly advising on commercial, corporate and intellectual property law cases.

Employment lawyer Toby Pochron also steps up to associate level. Toby works with employers in the SME market to help them manage employee issues and business restructures and provides practical advice to help them achieve change.

Trevor Ironmonger, founding partner, said: “These promotions are testament to the hard work and dedication of Jonathan, Toby and Ben and recognise the valuable specialist contributions they make to the firm.

“We are confident they will each play an important part in our future success.”

Helen Gott, Emsleys Solicitors

Emsleys Solicitors’ head of wills and probate Helen Gott has been appointed as a director at the Leeds-based firm.

With over eight years’ experience, Helen is an expert in the private client field, advising on wills, probate, administration of trusts and estates, court of protection matters, mental incapacity issues, deputyship and Powers of Attorney.

Helen is a fully qualified Society of Trust and Estate Practitioner (STEP) solicitor, a fully accredited member of Solicitors for the Elderly and a Dementia Friend.

Since joining Emsleys in January 2016, Helen has become a member of the Leeds Dementia Action Alliance Steering Group and is also on Alzheimer’s Research UK’s list of specialist solicitors who have experience of assisting clients with dementia.

Helen will help grow and develop Emsleys’ private client departments alongside directors Andrew Greenwood, Alistair McKinlay and Natalie Marrison.

Alistair McKinlay, director and Head of Conveyancing, said: “We are looking forward to Helen’s new ideas and initiatives as she takes on an important and active role in the management and success of the firm in the years ahead.”

James Burrell, Bridge McFarland

Bridge McFarland, the Hull-based regional law firm, has announced the promotion to partner of a specialist personal injury solicitor.

James Burrell specialises in high value cases, often in excess of £1m. His work includes cases involving brain injury, amputation, complex regional pain syndrome, paralysis, spinal cord injury, serious orthopaedic injury and significant psychological disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

James entered the legal profession after gaining his degree at the University of Hull and then securing a postgraduate diploma at the College of Law in York.

He has worked in Hull and the wider East Yorkshire area since 2005, and joined Bridge McFarland from Hudgell Solicitors in autumn 2015.

Bridge McFarland has offices throughout Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

Leanne Keating, partner and head of personal injury at Bridge McFarland, said: “Promotion to partner level is a huge achievement which demonstrates the hard work and dedication that James has shown in his short time at Bridge McFarland.

“James’ knowledge in the area of personal injury is a huge asset to the firm and we are delighted to welcome him to the partnership.”

Dan Mills, iSource Group

iSource Group, the Leeds-based IT, digital and change recruitment specialist, has extended its team with the strategic appointment of Dan Mills to digital practice director.

As well as increasing the number of employees at the business to 20, Dan will head-up a new digital marketing division within the company.

Dan hopes that he will quickly establish his position within the market, becoming the recruiter of choice for brands looking for digital marketing specialists.

Geoff Shepherd, managing director of iSource Group, said: “When we met Dan it was clear he had the enthusiasm and determined attitude that we were looking for.

“If you want to make it in recruitment you have to know what you are doing, and we are confident in Dan’s track record and his ability to support our business growth over the next five-years and beyond.”

iSource Group, based in Leeds, works with leading brands including ASDA, Hermes, TD Waterhouse, National Grid, Morrisons, Call Credit Information Group and Yorkshire Building Society.

The company has reported consistent growth over the last three years and has supported its expansion with an investment of more than £180,000 into new offices and software systems to support its targets for the years ahead.

Javid Patel, Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield has announced 53 partner promotions across its EMEA business, including one for its Leeds office.

The promotions were made as part of the annual review cycle and cover a range of skill lines, business units and geographies. Individuals were appointed following a selection process led by members of the EMEA Board and the Partners’ Taskforce.

Javid Patel from the public sector advisory team has been promoted to partner. Javid has been with the company for almost 10 years specialising in strategic consulting, property outsourcing and health sector consultancy.

He has significantly contributed to the growth of Cushman & Wakefield’s skill lines across the UK and the expansion of its local client base.

Keith Hardman, head of the Leeds office of Cushman & Wakefield, said: “I’d like to congratulate Javid and all those promoted to partner level for taking this significant next step in their careers.

“They are trusted Partners and future leaders who excel both in generating and executing business and in inspiring and supporting their teams.

“Each new Partner is being recognised for consistent excellence and their readiness to play a vital role in the future growth of our business.”

Helen Robinson and Vicki Hudson, Strata

Strata, the Doncaster-based private home builder, has appointed a new sales manager and promoted a member of its existing team.

Vicki Hudson, previously a regional sales manager for Keepmoat Homes, has taken up the position of sales manager.

Vicki will support the customer experience managers working across all Strata developments in the region.

Helen Robinson has been promoted to field sales manager in the East Midlands.

Helen will focus on building a team to support her as she puts in place the necessary infrastructure to further establish the Strata brand within the area.

Andrew Weaver, chief executive of Strata, said: “The customer experience really is embedded into all that we do here at Strata and that can be reflected in the appointment and promotions that we are making.

“Vicki and Helen have a very real part to play in our ongoing growth and success. Even though their roles are different, the focus remains on the customer experience.

“We have ambitious plans and we know with the right people around us, that have a shared attitude to be more visionary, we will see our design-led approach attracting more home buyers.”

GVA

GVA, the real estate adviser, has bolstered its senior team with a number of promotions and appointments in its Yorkshire office.

Richard Watterson joins as head of financial strategy within the corporate solutions team, whilst Alex Sweetman of the firm’s restructuring and recovery service line has been promoted to director.

In addition, Ollie Williams is stepping up to lead the property management consultancy team. He will be supported by Nicky Knight and Louise Pilgrim who have both been promoted to associate within the same team.

A former CBRE financial strategist and head of finance at Lloyd’s Banking Group, Richard will play a leading role in shaping the firm’s recently established Corporate Solutions service.

His immediate focus will be supporting occupier clients’ MI and financial analysis capabilities, which will include advising on IFRS 16, the new leasing standard that comes into force on 1st January 2019 that is already starting to impact occupiers’ holding strategies.

GVA has also welcomed two further hires, associates Samuel Vinall and Rachel Whittaker.

Ben Hall, regional senior director of GVA’s Yorkshire office (pictured), said: “I am delighted to announce the raft of promotions and hires across our Leeds office.

“The strength of our business lies with our people and we remain dedicated to supporting and investing in them to meet our growth aspirations.

“We have a fantastic business that is reflected in our market standing, our trading performance and above all, our people. The talent we attract continues to be amongst the very best in the industry and empowering existing talent is a key part of our success.”

Philip Bolson, The Grand Hotel & Spa

Splendid Hospitality Group (SHG) has appointed Philip Bolson as general manager for The Grand Hotel & Spa, York’s only 5-star hotel.

Philip joined SHG in 2015. Working as operations director for SHG, he oversaw the management of hotels across the portfolio as well as the opening of the boutique Hotel Indigo York in Walmgate and the acquisition of several key hotels including the Ibis York Centre and The New Ellington in Leeds.

Stuart Bailey, CEO of Splendid Hospitality Group said: “We are thrilled that Philip is joining The Grand Hotel & Spa team.

“With the hotel’s exciting redevelopment project in full swing it is perfect timing for him to take the reins. Philip has superb operational skills which are ideal for launching and managing hotels. His flair for imbuing his team with his passion for good service, makes him the perfect fit for the job.”

Philip commented: “Over the years, The Grand Hotel & Spa has been a great success story for York and I am delighted to join the team as it enters a new, even more exciting chapter.

“We have really talented staff at The Grand and every one of them is committed to making sure that the hotel surpasses our 5 AA star credentials.”