This week's Yorkshire appointments

The Wensleydale Creamery, the cheese-maker set in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, has appointed David Salkeld as its new chairman.

With over 25 years of director-level food and dairy leadership experience, David joins from his role as chief executive at convenience food manufacturer Symingtons.

David was also previously managing director of Northern Dairies, a specialist in the liquid milk market, and chief executive officer at Arla Foods, where he helped drive the growth of three of the Top 100 UK Brands; Lurpak, Anchor and Cravendale.

Home of the Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese, which is protected with European Protected Food Name status, The Wensleydale Creamery is globally known for its traditional cheese-making skills.

Sourcing milk from over 40 local farms and contributing more than £12m to the local economy through milk payments, wages and purchases, the business employs over 230 staff across two sites, and currently supplies a broad range of retailers and manufacturers across the UK, as well as exporting to countries across the globe.

David Hartley, managing director at The Wensleydale Creamery, said: “We’re delighted to welcome David to The Wensleydale Creamery.

“A demonstrated leader with a wealth of experience, David will be instrumental in our future as he helps us to develop strategic opportunities; bringing new thinking and guidance to assist in the development and delivery of our ambitious growth strategy.

“We’re confident David’s appointment will bring real insight and benefits to all of The Creamery’s stakeholders. We also want to say a big thank you to Matthew Gribbin for all his hard work and support which has been key to our development over the last 10 years.”

David Salkeld, the newly appointed chairman of Wensleydale Dairy Products Ltd., commented: “It’s fantastic to join such a strong team at The Creamery and I’m delighted to come on board as Chairman.

“It’s no secret that the dairy industry is a really challenging one, and we will continue to work hand-in-hand with all partners to ensure that we are focussed to deliver, and maximise the wealth of opportunities that are available domestically and abroad.”

Charlotte Ardron, Jonathan Exall, Rochelle Newson, Neil Wilson, Hassan Daji and Sarah Burrow, Chadwick Lawrence

Chadwick Lawrence, the West Yorkshire law firm, has recently appointed five new trainees at the firm following a number of internal promotions.

The new trainees are Charlotte Ardron, Hassan Daji, Sarah Burrow, Jonathan Exall and Rochelle Newson.

Charlotte Ardron has worked within the employment and regulatory team at Chadwick Lawrence since joining the firm in 2015. She is studying towards her Legal Practice Course at the University of Law. Alongside her previous experience in the employment and regulatory team, Charlotte frequently assists with business seminars across West Yorkshire.

Hassan Daji has worked for Chadwick Lawrence in the commercial property department since 2015, and is currently based at the Wakefield office where he will complete his training contract with the firm.

Sarah Burrow is a member of the home and property department where she will be completing her training contract with the firm. Having joined the team in 2015, Sarah’s previous qualifications include a BA (Hons) in Law and Accountancy and the LPC.

Jonathan Exall graduated from Newcastle University with a degree in History, and has since completed the GDL at University of Law in York. He has experience working in financial consultancy in London, as well as working with a number of firms across Yorkshire focusing on property and property finance.

Since joining the firm, Jonathan has been based at the Leeds city centre office where he has regularly dealt with sales and purchases of all types of commercial property.

Rochelle Newson has been undertaking regular work experience with Chadwick Lawrence since 2012, but joined the firm full time in 2015. Based at the Dock Street Office, Rochelle completed her degree in Law at Sheffield Hallam University.

Neil Wilson, managing partner of Chadwick Lawrence, commented: “We are extremely proud of our training scheme and are seeing a number of colleagues progressing their careers through this training route.

“As the legal profession develops in the modern age, we are seeing more and more taking alternative approaches to starting their career in law and we are delighted to be helping to shape the future minds of the legal profession.”

Oliver Freer and Megan Bracha, CBRE Leeds

CBRE Leeds has made two senior planning appointments, Oliver Freer as a director and Megan Bracha as senior planner.

The duo join CBRE from Savills and Knight Frank respectively.

In their new roles, Oliver and Megan will work closely with CBRE’s wider UK Development team.

Iain Jenkinson, head of national planning, said: “We are delighted to recruit Oliver and Megan to head up the new Planning team within the Leeds office.

“They will work alongside myself and the Planning and Development team in Manchester to ensure we deliver a full northern service offering to our growing client base.”

Oliver Freer, added: “I am pleased to be joining CBRE to expand the Northern Planning team in the Leeds office.

“The strength and breadth of CBRE services provides fantastic opportunities for growing the planning business, building on my experience of working on major regeneration projects in the City.

“I look forward to working closely with my Manchester colleagues to ensure we deliver a comprehensive and seamless service to clients across the North of England.”

Sara Ellison (right), Banner Jones

Banner Jones, the Sheffield-based law firm, has expanded its employment law division with the appointment of Sara Ellison, a HR and employment law legal executive.

Sara joins the employment law team with immediate effect, bringing with her more than 14-years’ experience advising both individuals and private, public and third sector clients.

Having studied at Sheffield Hallam University before joining Irwin Mitchell, and subsequently Watson Esam and Taylor Bracewell, Sara has particular expertise in discrimination and unfair dismissal cases, providing advice at all stages from internal disputes to full Tribunal representation.

Katie Ash, director and head of employment law, commented: “Sara is a welcome addition to our established Employment Law team – bringing with her considerable expertise and experience, and further bolstering our ability to meet increased demand.

“Having previously worked with Sara at Watson Esam and Taylor Bracewell, I am delighted that she is joining the team in this period of growth as we continue to deliver high quality employment law services.”

Sara Ellison added: “As a Chartered Legal Executive I enjoy the challenges that specialising in this particular area of the law presents from negotiating an amicable solution early on in a case to save time, costs and also the emotional distress that accompanies workplace disagreements to being involved in employment tribunal litigation.

“Joining a multi- award-winning, ambitious law firm with a long-established reputation for excellence in employment law is a fantastic opportunity and I am thrilled to be able to bring my expertise to Banner Jones.”

Julie Carr, Peter Woods, Donna Bibby and Katrina Allen

Leeds law firm Shulmans LLP has announced the appointment of a new partner, two associates and a business development manager.

Julie Carr joins Shulmans as a partner within the residential development unit of the real estate team, bringing 15 years’ experience in the property sector.

Carr’s knowledge includes work on complex residential and mixed use developments, acquisitions, site disposals and extensive agreement types; acting on behalf of prominent clients from across the UK.

Further strengthening the real estate team is Peter Woods, who joins as an associate within the commercial property unit.

Joining Shulmans after over a decade at DLA Piper, his experience includes advising national retailers in the management of property portfolios relating to acquisitions, disposals and estate management, in addition to extensive work with private equity investors and funders on property finance matters.

Shulmans’ debt recovery unit also welcomes a new member to its ranks, Donna Bibby, who will operate as client relationship and business development manager. Bibby has experience within the credit movement and debt recovery industry, with expertise in collections, enforcing CCJs and handling insolvency issues.

QCAS, a division of Shulmans, will also benefit from a new associate within the team, Katrina Allen who joins from Winston Solicitors. Allen brings over 17 years’ experience within the sector providing advice to financial advisors, estate agents and property companies on all manner of property transactions including freehold, leasehold, new build, help-to-buy, shared equity, shared ownership, auction properties and retirement flats.

Tim Halstead, Shulmans managing partner, said: “We are delighted to start the new year by announcing our new recruits. As a UK top 200 corporate law firm, we are very much focussed on giving our clients the highest standard of service, so we’re incredibly pleased to welcome such a diverse group of talent to the firm.

“Shulmans’ sustained success is testament to the outstanding legal talent within our ever-growing team. These four new appointments announced today secure our position as one of the UK’s fastest rising full service corporate law firms.”

Jonathan Wilson, Monday at Nine

Monday at Nine, the Leeds-based marketing and sales recruitment consultancy, has doubled its senior management team with the appointment of Jonathan Wilson.

Launched just seven months ago, the consultancy has been focusing its efforts on clients in the marketing sector.

The new appointment will allow the business to grow its sales division, following a string of successful candidate placements.

Joining the team from a three-year stint in the Middle East, Michael Page alumni Jonathan has over a decade’s experience and will be working predominantly with consumer and technology clients, dealing with commercial teams at a mid-senior level.

Jonathan commented: “I am delighted to be part of Monday at Nine and share its values and visions for the future.

“I’m excited to rekindle relationships in the region and the wider UK as well as continue to build my portfolio across the Middle East. It’s also great to be back in Yorkshire!”

Cheryl Grace, Stowe Family Law

Solicitor Cheryl Grace has joined the Harrogate office of Stowe Family Law, the UK’s largest specialist family law firm.

Cheryl is chair of the West and North Yorkshire Young Resolution Committee, an organisation committed to resolving relationship breakdowns in a non-confrontational, conciliatory manner wherever possible.

Having studied at Northumbria University, Cheryl worked in both an international law firm and at two large regional law firms before choosing to join Stowe Family Law. Prior to joining the firm, Cheryl and her former colleague are believed to be the first family lawyers in England to obtain court permission to serve divorce finance proceedings via Facebook.

Cheryl said: “Stowe Family Law has a strong reputation for excellence, and I’m delighted to be joining the team in the Old Court House, right in the centre of Harrogate.”

David Milburn, the Harrogate office’s managing partner, said: “Cheryl is passionate and brings a wealth of experience in divorce, financial agreements and children arrangements. I’m delighted to welcome her to the team in Harrogate as the office continues to grow.

“Stowe Family Law has a reputation for listening to what our clients are seeking to achieve, and tailoring our approach to deliver the right result for our clients.”

David added: “One of the greatest assets of this firm is its people, from the head office staff here in Harrogate through to our team of solicitors across the country.

“We will very soon have over 50 specialist family lawyers, all selected not only for their legal knowledge and skills but also their ability to relate to our clients and understand and support them through what can be an extremely difficult emotional journey.

“Since founder Marilyn Stowe sold the business last February, and thanks to the backing of private equity firm Livingbridge, the firm has begun a new and exciting chapter in its history.”

Neil Ewing, Orchard Facilities Management

Huddersfield-based Orchard Facilities Management has announced the appointment of a new managing director.

Neil Ewing, who has headed up the firm’s IT division for more than 10 years, takes over from founder Gareth Henderson.

Gareth remains as chairman of Orchard FM to lead on strategy, planning and the long-term direction of the business.

Gareth said: “Neil and I have worked alongside one another at Orchard for many years, leading the company through a merger, rebrand and move to new premises,” said Gareth.

“Over the past 12 months we have developed the senior management team to introduce a greater female influence and a strong vision for growth. I feel the time is now right for Neil, operations director Justin Holley and the rest of the management team to build on the hard work that has been carried out so far.

“I will continue to meet regularly with Neil and the senior team to agree strategic objectives and oversee growth whilst also being able to devote more time to some of the personal projects that I am passionate about.”

Neil added: “The strategic planning that has taken place over the last 12-18 months has established Orchard Facilities Management as the go-to company in Calderdale and Kirklees for estates management, cleaning and maintenance and IT services.

“In 2017 we appointed Danielle May as director of sales, Kath Henderson as customer care director and Dominika Pawliszko as associate director of finance, balancing the team to introduce more women at senior level.

“We are now in an excellent position to strengthen our brand regionally and support local businesses with the customer focused and responsive service that Orchard is known for.”