This week's Yorkshire appointments

Law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP has strengthened its private client practice with a number of appointments this month.

The firm has appointed solicitor, Pippa Collins, who is experienced in advising on and drafting wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection applications, dealing with all aspects of estate administration, and advising on inheritance tax and care fee planning.

The firm has also welcomed paralegal, Emma Dransfield, who brings a wealth of family law experience including divorce and children’s issues; paralegal, Chris Harris, who focuses on the preparation of wills and estate administration; and specialist trusts administrator, Sonia Jeffery, who has many years’ experience in this field within the accountancy profession.

Richard Hoare, partner and head of private client services, said: - “Andrew Jackson is committed to providing an exemplary client-focused service and we are very proud that our excellent private client team continues to be recognised by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK, the leading guides to the UK’s best law firms, whose research is based largely on client feedback and where we are consistently top ranked in the region.

“The appointments of Pippa, Emma, Chris and Sonia underline our commitment to the provision of timely, personal legal advice built around our clients’ individual needs and the increasing demand for the expertise we have within both our tax & trusts and family teams.”

Sam Bellagha, Katie Marlow, Megan Craig and Chloe Needham, Wake Smith

Wake Smith Solicitors, the Sheffield-headquartered law firm, has announced five appointments.

Wake Smith’s new staff include three trainees and two professional appointments joining teams within residential conveyancing, clinical negligence, financial and private client divisions of the business.

Nick Lambert, chairman at Wake Smith, said: “The company is performing well and we have ambitious plans to increase our top-line turnover during, and beyond, the 2018 financial year.

“The recruitment of five new staff fits in directly with these plans and I am delighted to note that one of our new staff re-joins us from another law firm after working at Wake Smith for a number of years as a legal secretary.

“I would personally like to welcome Chloe, Megan, Katie, Sam and Anne to the Wake Smith family. This recruitment is very much geared around building on our future and the futures of our new staff.”

Chloe Needham is a modern apprentice in the residential conveyancing team and takes her first job since finishing her studies at College. Chloe has started her NVQ Level 2 Business Administration qualification.

Megan Craig is a new trainee solicitor and her first seat is in Clinical Negligence. Megan has a First Class Masters Degree in Law from Northumbria University and has previously worked as a paralegal at Trade Union Legal LLP and Medico Legal Direct.

Katie Marlow joins as a trainee legal cashier, her first position in legal. Katie will be starting her ILFM Legal Cashier Diploma studies shortly, supported by Wake Smith.

Sam Bellagha joins the private client team as a paralegal with a law degree from Sheffield Hallam University and has completed his LPC at the University of Sheffield this summer, he previously worked as a paralegal at Irwin Mitchell LLP.

Anne Wildgoose is re-joining Wake Smith as a post completions clerk in the residential conveyancing team having previously worked as a legal secretary at Wake Smith for 12 years, she then joined Taylor & Emmet in July 2016.

Simon Best (second from left), hlw Keeble Hawson

hlw Keeble Hawson has further bolstered its commercial property department with the appointment of solicitor, Simon Best, at its Leeds city centre office.

With a track record in acting for investors, property developers and commercial clients, Simon is skilled in acquisitions and disposals; landlord and tenant and property development matters - as well as finance and development and asset management.

Based at Capitol House, Russell Street, Simon joins the 22-strong commercial property team across Yorkshire which boasts a client portfolio including Harworth Group, Coalfields Regeneration Trust and TRIB3.

Simon said: “I was attracted by the excellent reputation of hlw Keeble Hawson and the quality of its clients and commissions.

“I’m looking forward to working with talented and experienced colleagues and contributing to the ongoing success of the team.”

Richard Smith, hlw Keeble Hawson head of commercial property, added: “Our department is recognised as one of Yorkshire’s leading property practices.

“Simon’s depth and breadth of expertise highly complements the talents of our team which continues to be commissioned for wide-ranging deals in Yorkshire and beyond.”

hlw Keeble Hawson is one of Yorkshire’s largest law firms with offices in Leeds, Sheffield and Doncaster.

Esther Venning, Hill Dickinson

Hill Dickinson, the international law firm, has appointed legal director Esther Venning to its health practice.

Esther will be based in the firm’s Leeds office, which opened earlier this month to service the team’s client base.

Esther brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously worked in DAC Beachcroft’s Leeds office for nine years and prior to this Bevan Brittan.

She advises commissioners and providers of health and social care services on commercial, contractual and governance issues, such as integration projects, joint ventures, section 75 agreements, shared services arrangements, income generation and primary and secondary care contracting.

Esther will work with commercial health partner Rob McGough, who joined the Leeds office earlier this month from Capsticks. Rob jointly heads up the Leeds office with health litigation partner Mike McKenna.

Rob said: “Esther’s arrival marks an exciting time for us as we build our presence in Leeds. Her impressive skill set will enhance our existing commercial offering and her understanding of the challenges faced by clients makes her a real asset to the team. We are delighted she has chosen to join us.”

Andrew Craggs, Hill Dickinson’s head of health, commented: “Esther will play a key role in developing our new team in Leeds as well as supporting our continued plans for growth both regionally and nationally.”

Esther added: “Hill Dickinson’s health practice has a fantastic reputation and I look forward to playing my part in helping the team achieve its goals in Leeds and beyond.”

David Streather (right), Garbutt + Elliott

Garbutt + Elliott, the York and Leeds-based accountancy practice, has appointed a new director of banking.

David Streather takes up the position after 36 years at Lloyds Bank, where he most recently was the area director for SME Banking across East and North Yorkshire.

Based in the firm’s York office, David will advise Garbutt + Elliott’s clients on banking facilities and assist in securing finance to achieve their business aims.

Working predominantly with Yorkshire and North East-based owner-managed businesses, Garbutt + Elliott operates across a diverse range of sectors including property and construction, manufacturing, food and drink, charities and digital media and creative arts.

Russell Turner, Garbutt + Elliott’s managing partner, said: “David has a great deal of experience within the banking sector in our region and he is a highly-respected operator.

“His appointment underlines our ongoing commitment to offer business owners a level of support that is built around genuine experts who care. David is passionate about helping businesses so he’s a great fit for the G+E team.

“Our growth strategy is ahead of plan but this is only possible because we work hard to bring people like David on board who will make a difference to our clients’ businesses.”

David’s role as director of banking is a newly created position at the firm and has been created to further strengthen the quality of service provided to clients.

Jaspaul Dhesi, Mills & Reeve

The Leeds office of national law firm Mills & Reeve has appointed Jaspaul Dhesi to its corporate team.

Jaspaul has joined as an associate from Rollits in Hull.

Jaspaul will advise on the full spectrum of corporate transactions including mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, disposals and re-structuring.

Mills & Reeve were recently ranked 7th in the Experian review of 2016 and have completed nearly 100 M&A, VC and banking deals with combined value of £2.8bn in the past six months.

Partner Paul Johnson, who leads the corporate team, in Leeds said: “I am delighted that Jaspaul is joining the team.

“We have had a very busy year and Jaspaul’s appointment reflects the growing demand for corporate services from our burgeoning client base.”

Paul Graves, People’s Holdings

People’s Holdings, the Leeds-based marketing services group, has boosted its focus on customer service with the appointment of Paul Graves as director of operations.

Mr Graves previously held senior roles at Asda, as head of contact centre operations, and partnership operations director at Capita.

The marketing services group has grown in the last two years, now employing 85 people at its Leeds headquarters.

The firm specialises in supporting businesses in the finance and legal sectors with business development by connecting social media and digital marketing with sophisticated customer management.

Vikki Macleod, chief executive of People’s Holdings, said: “Paul brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

“Our business is built around helping the customer, often through complex issues, and as we grow the customer relations team will be the backbone of the firm.”

In his new role, Mr Graves will manage the continual improvement of the customer journey and efficient operations.

Paul Graves said: “People’s Holdings is a great place to work thanks to its unique culture. With both the culture and team aligned to my own principles I’m sure together we can take the business to the next level.”

Seb Gloger, Front

Front, the Sheffield based creative agency, has added to its account management team with the appointment of Seb Gloger, who joins as a junior account manager.

Seb has just completed a three-year degree in Politics and International Relations at The University of Sheffield.

He will be working across the agency’s roster of clients who operate in various industries including the attractions, tourism, retail, consumer products, food and drink and automotive sectors.

Seb core roles and responsibilities will encompass managing all aspects of client work including strategic and creative briefs as well as the day to day management of ongoing projects.

He will also be managing a portfolio of suppliers and have input into the work of Front’s creative studio.

Joe Chetcuti, director of Front, commented: “Seb is a real talent and is a great addition to our account management team.”