This week's Yorkshire appointments

Your latest roundup of appointments from across Yorkshire.

Martin Foster, Dacres Commercial

Dacres Commercial has expanded its team with the appointment of Martin Foster as head of valuation and lease advisory services.

Martin brings 30 years of worth of experience to the role and has previously worked at several national and independent firms including BNP Paribas Real Estate and Fawley Watson Booth.

Based at Dacres Commercial’s Leeds city centre office, Martin is an RICS registered Valuer and will specialise in property valuations across all commercial sectors including office, industrial, retail, leisure, student accommodation and mixed-use schemes.

He said: “Diminution valuations are increasingly considered to be an integral part of the dilapidations claim process, with both landlords and tenants devoting attention to this aspect earlier in the claim process.

“Such a valuation will often form part of the strategic management of a dilapidations claim or be part of a claim defence or prosecution.

“I’m also looking to bring my wider valuation and lease advisory expertise and experience to bear on extracting value for both landlords and tenants from property assets through the likes of lease restructuring and re-gearing.

“Dacres Commercial is fully embracing both these areas and this career move is an opportunity to join a longstanding, highly reputable and leading property firm with a strong foothold in the regional property market.”

Parminder Matharu and Olivia Storey, Clarion

Clarion has welcomed another two new lawyers, Parminder Matharu and Olivia Storey, to its expanding banking and finance practice.

Parminder, who has five years of commercial property experience, joins from Optima Legal where she spent three years, having previously worked at Capstick Solicitors as a real estate paralegal. Prior to that, she worked at Gordons LLP.

Pam has dealt with large property transactions from start to finish, securing lending and managing refinancing. With many banking transactions using real estate as security, Pam’s strong grounding in the sector will strengthen the banking team’s expertise in advising clients, including individuals, asset-based lenders and mainstream banks.

Olivia joins Clarion from Horwich Farrelly in Manchester where she has spent the last year working as a paralegal.

The appointment of two new lawyers boosts Clarions banking and finance team to 11, making it one of the largest dedicated teams in the region.

Head of Clarion’s banking and finance practice, partner Marie Pugh, said: “The addition of another two lawyers further builds the specialist legal knowledge we can offer to clients.

“It’s always good to have young talent coming on board and, with her strong property skillset, Pam will further boost the team.”

Paul Hodgson, Leeds Building Society

Leeds Building Society has appointed Paul Hodgson as its new head of software delivery to support the Society’s ongoing digital strategy.

Paul has a background in transforming organisational processes to meet the evolving needs and changing expectations of a digital audience.

He has more than 20 years of experience within software development and service operations, most recently delivering large-scale video services for companies such as Channel 4, BskyB and Virgin Media.

Paul said: “Leeds Building Society is a successful independent building society with a commitment to its digital strategy. I feel I will bring a lot of experience into the organisation and help the organisation reach its goals in this area.

“I’m looking forward to using my skillset and experience to deliver projects and services that help members rather than reward shareholders.”

In this role, Paul will be responsible for providing software solutions to improve the experience of members and colleagues alike.

Helen Gauden, Xercise4Less

Xercise4Less has appointed Helen Gauden as its new chief financial officer, replacing the outgoing Chris Storr.

Gauden joins Xercise4Less after seven years at British high-street chain, Wilko, most recently as head of finance. With over 400 stores countrywide, Helen brings a wealth of experience of working in fast growing, multi-site business operations.

Gauden joins Xercise4Less in a period of rapid expansion. The gym chain, which celebrated its 50th club in June, announced £42m growth capital investment from the Swedish credit provider Proventus Capital Partners in May.

Jon Wright, Xercise4Less’ founder, said: “Firstly, I’d like to thank Chris for his dedicated service to Xercise4Less. He was instrumental in securing the growth investment that is allowing the business to press forward with its aggressive expansions plans.

“A very warm welcome to Helen, who impressed me with her infectious enthusiasm and drive. I’m fully confident Helen’s skillset will only serve to strengthen and grow the business in the next stage of development.”

Bryan Fincham and Amy Jenkinson, Pneumatic Components

Sheffield-based Pneumatic Components (PCL) has appointed Bryan Fincham to the role of area sales manager to spearhead the business’ growth in the south.

Fincham, who has over 20 years of experience in sales across various sectors including automotive and FMCG, will focus on increasing sales in the South of England through new and organic business development.

Meanwhile, Amy Jenkinson, a Sheffield Hallam University graduate, has joined full-time as marketing executive following a successful internship at PCL, which she undertook alongside her studies.

Simon Shorter, sales director at PCL, said: “Bryan has significant experience in the sales industry and a clear passion for delivering excellent customer service.

“I am confident he will further grow our business in the south as we look to increase sales and deliver the next phase in our planned growth.

“Amy is an intelligent and creative marketeer who will play an important role in promoting our business externally.”