This week's Yorkshire appointments

James Badcoe; Rob Bell and Laura Smythe, Razor

Sheffield technology firm, Razor has expanded with new appointments following significant business growth and a rise in service demand.

Joining Razor as a developer, James Badcoe has held a number of positions in professional development. In his new role, he will be responsible for supporting the needs and demands of clients, maintaining applications and helping bring solutions to life.

Rob Bell has been appointed solution lead. He has a wealth of experience in the industry, having worked for a number of software companies including Tribal, Sequensis and Vitesse PSP.

Working closely with clients, Rob will help to ensure that Razor continue to deliver the best and most effective solutions and support.

Laura Smythe joins Razor after completing a mathematics degree at Bristol University. She is taking on the role of tester, broadening Razor’s testing capabilities, in line with increasing demand.

In her new position, Laura will test web, mobile and data applications built by Razor, to ensure that they maintain a high standard of work and continue to increase efficiency.

Jamie Hinton, founder and CEO of Razor, said: “It’s been an incredibly busy and exciting time for the business, in part, thanks to Michael’s hard work over the last six months.

“We’re thrilled not only to see him progress, but to welcome three new faces to the Razor team.”

Stephen Hopwood, McCormicks Solicitors

Harrogate law firm, McCormicks Solicitors has appointed a new partner.

Stephen Hopwood, who leads the firm’s family department, has been made a partner after five years at the practice.

He is a specialist family lawyer and heads the McCormicks’ family department, ranked as one of the leading family/matrimonial practices in the region by the leading independent guides to the profession, the Legal 500 and Chambers UK.

Senior partner, Peter McCormick, said: “We are very pleased that Stephen has become a partner.

“His commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for our Family clients is clear and he is an important member of the McCormicks team.”

Stephen has expertise in all aspects of family work, with a focus on finance and children. He is equally specialist in resolving normal family breakdowns and those with complex elements such as trusts and international elements.

He is vice president and president elect of Harrogate and District Law Society.

Barry Spenceley, Reed Smith

Reed Smith Global Solutions has appointed Barry Spenceley as global solutions centre director in Leeds.

Barry brings 18 years of experience working in shared services operations and delivering transition and change projects.

He will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the vision for Reed Smith Global Solutions and creating an environment that promotes continual improvement.

Barry joins from 2 Sisters Food Group, the largest food manufacturer in the UK, and has previously worked for Morrisons and Hewlett-Packard.

He will apply his experience of training and qualifying teams, and running multiple lines of improvements, to ensure Reed Smith Global Solutions provides the best support to Reed Smith and its clients, globally.

Barry said: “This is a very exciting time for Reed Smith and I’m delighted to be a part of this new venture.

“I’m really looking forward to creating and further developing a unique approach that works for the firm, its clients and employees, aiming to constantly improve the efficiency and quality of the work we do.”

Tom Bridge, First West Yorkshire

First West Yorkshire has appointed a new operations director, to deliver even better service delivery for our customers.

Tom Bridge has joined the bus operator in a new position of West Yorkshire operations director having held a similar role for Stagecoach in the South of England and most recently as managing director of Stagecoach Scotland West.

Tom will be supported by Will Pearson, head of operations, and will provide strategic leadership to the operations function across the region, supporting the senior team to deliver a reliable bus service for customers.

Paul Matthews, managing director of First West Yorkshire, said: “I’m proud to welcome Tom on board and I’m confident that he will be able to bring new ideas and a fresh way of thinking to help the business to continue to move forwards.

“I’m proud to lead such a strong team in West Yorkshire and I look forward to continuing our work with stakeholders to transform bus travel across the region.”

Lisa Staniforth, Uber

Sheffield-based integrated advertising agency, Uber has strengthened its senior team by hiring Lisa Staniforth as an account director.

Lisa, who grew up in Sheffield and studied at Sheffield University, will be responsible for managing Uber’s key TV advertising clients.

Tasked with driving the agency’s broadcast offering, including delivering national TV commercials and video content, the new role will see Lisa working with prestigious clients, including BAFTA, Tombola and Perfume Shop.

Having worked in the media industry for 17 years, the past 10 of which were spent working at ITV as business development manager, Lisa brings an in-depth knowledge of the industry to the growing team.

Lisa commented on her new role: “Uber Agency has been a pillar of the Sheffield creative industry for some time and I have admired their work for years.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the team, and look forward to supporting with the business’ ambitious growth plans.

“Uber has a reputation for creating fantastic work and I am really excited to be working for a Sheffield based company that delivers pioneering campaigns for international brands.

“I am passionate about being part of a team that delivers effective creative and making a real difference to our clients’ bottom lines.”