This week's Yorkshire appointments

Clarion is continuing to grow its eight-strong employment team with the appointment of a partner, Chris Booth, formerly head of office at Pinsent Masons.

Having been a lawyer for 30 years, Chris joined Pinsent Masons in 1987, becoming a partner nine years later. He led the UK Employment Group before becoming the head of office in Leeds in 2012.

Chris has experience in corporate board issues (listed and non-listed), senior executive entry/exits, restrictive covenants, discrimination and trade union law, and has a strong track record in handling complex employment tribunal cases.

His extensive experience includes advising high profile public sector bodies as well as blue chip corporates.

Sarah Tahamtani, partner and head of employment at Clarion, commented: “Ranked number one by Chambers and Legal 500, Chris is among the leading employment lawyers in the UK.

“It is testament to the strength and calibre of the practice that Chris’ has chosen to join us. With his focus on providing innovative, pragmatic advice, he will fit in well with the team, adding further strength in depth as we continue to expand.”

Chris commented: “I was impressed by what I’d heard of Clarion’s employment practice, it is already one of the largest in Leeds and I feel that it has huge potential to grow.

“I like their culture and believe that their expertise rivals that of the large, national firms while their focus on service, commercial solutions and a proactive approach set them apart – the team takes a holistic view, providing strategic advice to alleviate the risk of people problems, and this is proving to be a winning formula for their clients.

“I am looking forward to being part of a dynamic and agile employment team.”

Louise Thrussell, Hilton Garden Inn Doncaster Racecourse

Louise Thrussell has been named as general manager of the forthcoming Hilton Garden Inn Doncaster Racecourse hotel.

Louise brings more than two decades of hotel industry experience to the post, including most recently overseeing the Hampton by Hilton Sheffield and adjacent Marco’s New York Italian restaurant.

Louise started her career as a guest service assistant in 2002, working her way up through the ranks and building an impressive CV of extensive hotel management and operations experience.

Her career has also seen her named ‘General Manager of the Year’ and shortlisted in the top three general managers in Europe with past employers.

Louise commented: “There’s a real buzz in Doncaster at the moment and the new hotel is going to be a great addition to the area.

“The hotel’s outstanding facilities and the stunning panoramic views the property has to offer will be a hit with both leisure and corporate visitors I’m sure, and will play a key role in attracting a different market to the area.

“I’m looking forward to building links with the local community to showcase the hotel, our growing team and the Hilton Garden Inn’s ‘Brighthearted’ culture, with the aim of helping position Doncaster as a destination of choice.”

Andrew Stacey, Colliers International

Colliers International has appointed a new director to join its rating team in Leeds, covering Yorkshire and the North East.

Andrew Stacey joins Colliers from Telereal Trillium and has been dealing with rating appeals since the 1973 Rating List, covering a broad range of sectors including retail, offices, industrial and leisure.

In his new role at Colliers International, Andrew will work closely with fellow director, Mick O’Donoghue as well as graduate surveyor, Alastair Dyson from the firm’s Yorkshire base at 1 Broad Gate on The Headrow in Leeds.

Mick O’Donoghue, said: “Andrew will be a valued addition to the Leeds team. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience, having previously worked as a Surveyor in estate management and residential/mixed use development earlier in his career.

“I look forward to working with him as we continue to strengthen our offering and provide quality all round business rates advice to our range of clients across the region.”

Andrew Stacey added: “My experience in development combined with years of dealing with rating appeals has given me a rounded outlook, enabling me to look beyond the traditional boundaries for property solutions.

“I look forward to bringing this knowledge and experience to the team and working closely with Mick and the wider team to provide the very best business rates advice to our clients.”

John Webber, head of rating, Colliers International, concluded: “Businesses are crying out for decent advice on how to deal with their rate bills given the fallout from the 2017 Revaluation, where sudden increased bills have hit many companies for six.

“And adding to a new appeals system (CCA), which many acknowledge is not fit for purpose, many businesses need urgent professional support to negotiate the new system. I welcome the expertise that Andrew brings to our already experienced team in Leeds and the value that this experience will bring to our clients in these difficult times.”

Colliers International has over 90 rating professionals, working from nine offices across the UK.

Lucy Redmond, Front

Front, the Sheffield-based creative agency, has grown its account management team with the appointment of Lucy Redmond who joins the business as a senior account manager.

She will be working on a roster of accounts including Costcutter, the University of Plymouth, Redrow and Derby Theatre.

Lucy joins Front from Papyrus Group where she predominantly worked on events and experiential projects in the FMCG and retail sectors for clients including Arla and the Co-op Group. Prior that she worked at Havas Lynx.

Her 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. She 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: “We are delighted that Lucy is now part of the Front team as she has some great experience and brings with her some fantastic ideas that will benefit our clients.”

Lucy added: “Front is a creative and forward thinking agency and I knew it was the right move for me and my career. I’m now looking forward to getting stuck in.”

Louis MacWilliam, Blacks Solicitors

Blacks Solicitors, the Leeds-based law firm, has launched a new service with the appointment of immigration legal expert Louis MacWilliam.

Louis joins Blacks as an associate solicitor from London law firm Bindmans LLP, and brings over nine years of immigration law experience with him.

He is a member of the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association and has represented clients at various levels, including the high profile case of Brian White.

With high numbers of EU nationals living and working in Leeds and Brexit just around the corner, Louis will be offering a range of specialist immigration advice to both businesses and individuals.

This will include advising on hiring non-EU workers (including applying for and managing a Sponsor License), securing the rights of EU employees and planning for life after Brexit, as well as Home Office compliance and mock-audits.

Louis will also provide assistance for individuals in relation to applications for skilled workers, investors, entrepreneurs, family members, EU nationals and challenges to visa refusals.

Chris Allen, managing partner at Blacks Solicitors, said: “This is a really dynamic time for Blacks with unprecedented growth in all our teams. With uncertainty around Brexit it seems the perfect time to expand with a brand new service. I’m looking forward to seeing how our immigration offering takes off and what Louis achieves.”

Michael Willans, Scanlans

Scanlans, the property management and surveying firm, has strengthened its Leeds team with the appointment of Michael Willans as a senior property manager.

Michael has more than 20 years’ experience of residential block management. He was previously a senior property manager at Hunters RBM in Elland, West Yorkshire.

Before that he was a team leader at Eddisons in Leeds and then a director at Town & City Management in Darlington.

He takes on a business development role at Scanlans as well as property management responsibilities.

In addition to property management, Scanlans’ Leeds-based team also offer commercial and residential property valuations, surveys and LPA receivership services.

Michael said: “Yorkshire is a thriving region with plenty of investment being made in areas such as Leeds city centre, which is making a real difference.

“The mood is buoyant and confidence in the property market is growing, which makes it an exciting time to be working in the region.”

Ian Stanistreet, Scanlans chairman, added: “Michael has a wealth of experience and knowledge of the market, and is a welcome addition to our Leeds-based team. We are continuing to grow our Leeds operation and expect to recruit further in line with our plans.”

Abby Chandler, Lakeside Village

Abby Chandler has been named as marketing manager at Lakeside Village retail outlet in Doncaster.

Abby brings almost three decades of marketing experience to the post, including most recently operating as head of marketing for Doncaster Racecourse.

Abby, said: “I’m thrilled to be taking on the role of marketing manager at Lakeside Village. It is great to see the centre doing so well and improving year on year.

“Lakeside Village has a new general manager and is currently undergoing a programme of improvements. Added to that are the new brands that have been brought into the centre over the last few months and plans for future names. There is a lot happening so it is a very exciting time.

“I am a Lakeside Village shopper myself and have been for years, I visit the centre with my husband and two sons so I know that it is a great family friendly place to shop.

“I’m excited to work with the team to create new plans and ideas to ensure that our customer experience is a good one and to attract customers from further afield to Doncaster.”

Abby started her career in marketing in 1990 working for an advertising agency in Sheffield before moving to a client side role in the office products industry, working her way up including a stint in London working on an account for Disney.

David Aunins, centre manager, said: “We are really pleased to have Abby working with us, her background and credentials speak for themselves.

“She is very quickly becoming a real asset to the centre and we are sure that our customers will see the benefits of us having a marketing manager on site.”