This week's Yorkshire appointments

Oliver Hall and Jody Horth, Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP

Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP has appointed two new partners.

Jody Horth and Oliver Hall have been promoted to partners of the regional firm, based at the Hull and York offices respectively.

Oliver Hall said: “It’s a great time to be taking this role within the firm, following the recent opening of our new offices in York and our exciting plans for the coming year.

“Having worked in the fields of family and agricultural law within the region for many years, I’m pleased to be joining a partnership that clearly and demonstrably shares my drive and focus to deliver the highest standards in quality and service for our clients.”

Peter Nevitt and Gary Corlyon, Victory Leisure Homes

Holiday home and lodge manufacturer Victory Leisure Homes has undergone a major management restructure to secure future growth.

Under the move, Peter Nevitt, who has led the company since it was launched in April 2009, has been promoted to chief executive, with former director of operations, Gary Corlyon, becoming managing director.

Other senior positions are expected to be announced shortly as part of the far-reaching reshuffle.

James Doyle, director and board member of J.R. Rix & Sons Ltd - the company that owns Victory Leisure Homes - said Peter had presided over 10 years of solid, organic growth for the business.

James added: “Peter launched Victory Leisure Homes and has driven it from being a small startup business employing less than 30 people to a major player employing more than 200.

“The success of the company over the past decade is largely a product of his hard work and dedication, and that of the team he picked and led.

“There are still opportunities in the market place to grow organically but going forward this will take place along a considered acquisitions strategy that will help us strengthen and extend our portfolio.”

Paul Clarkson, Britcon

Yorkshire and Lincolnshire-based civil engineering, building and structural steel business Britcon has announced that Hunt Group’s chief executive Shaun Hunt is stepping back into the interim role of MD as Britcon seeks to replace Paul Clarkson.

Shaun, who owns the long-established family business, returns to the role with over 28 years’ experience at Britcon whilst continuing to oversee developments activities under parent company Hunt Group.

Shaun: “Sadly, we say goodbye to Paul Clarkson who has served the business well for many years and we thank him for helping to make Britcon as successful as it is today.

“We would like to wish Paul well for the future and feel certain that wherever he may be, he will continue to have great success.

“We are pleased to report that Britcon continues to maintain steady business growth despite the uncertain economic climate.

“Into 2019 we continue to see increasing opportunity in the business as we consolidate and invest further with deliberate focus on key growth areas including renewables, energy, and Infrastructure whilst maintaining our traditional markets.”

Mark Gresty, O&H Vehicle Technology

Yorkshire-based O&H Vehicle Technology has appointed Mark Gresty as head of operations - in a newly-created position - to drive efficiency, strategy and culture.

With 35 years of experience as an army major and with leadership experience across multiple disciplines, including personnel, logistics and operations, Mark is therefore set to continue implementing military precision within the organisation’s shop floor, and to help lead its 150-strong team - alongside its experienced management team.

Oliver North, a former Royal Engineer himself, commented: “Mark Gresty has an incredible record, pedigree and legacy in the military and has more recently executed some outstanding projects in the private sector.

“With the commencement of our ‘O&H 2.0’ project, we required an experienced change manager with a particular competence for making our experienced teams work more seamlessly together.

“Mark’s skillset will allow us to absorb said changes whilst increasing performance, without disruption.”

Steve Adams, MattressOnline

Steve Adams has taken the position of founder, managing director and sole shareholder behind Rotherham-based company MattressOnline.

Founded by Steve Adams and Steve Kelly, the company was amongst the very first retailers to pioneer mattress and bed sales online.

Steve said: “With a reinforced management team, strategic development and continued, excellent partnerships with manufacturers and suppliers, I look forward with confidence as I continue to develop the success of MattressOnline.”

Peter Hill, Pure Retirement

Peter Hill will be joining Leeds-based equity release lender Pure Retirement as a non-executive director from May 1.

He will be joining Pure Retirement at a time when the company is experiencing rapid growth. In 2018 its turnover increased to £24.5m, up from £21.1m the previous year, with overall lending increasing by 47 per cent.

The company, which employs 96 people, recently moved to a new 16,000 sq ft head office at Thorpe Park in Leeds.

Peter said: “Having spent much of my career helping people to have the home they want, I’m delighted to be part of an organisation which provides support in later life, helping customers to continue to live in the home they love, and have the financial resources to enjoy life to the full.”

Craig Baker, Kohler Mira Ltd

Kohler Mira Ltd, parent company of Mira Showers, has announced Craig Baker as its new managing director.

Craig, who was previously deputy managing director, was appointed following a short but in-depth process that involved both external applicants and internal candidates from across the Kohler Co. global business.

He takes over the role from Liz Hazeldene, who stepped down in March.

Craig said: “These are exciting times for Kohler Mira; I am delighted to lead our talented team as we take on the challenges ahead and continue to ensure that we maintain our marketing leading position.”

Simon Jackson, Responsible Finance

Responsible Finance has co-opted Business Enterprise Fund’s head of investment, Simon Jackson to its board of directors.

Responsible Finance works to increase access to fair and affordable finance. It supports a strong and growing network of over 50 finance providers, including The Business Enterprise Fund (BEF), who are building resilient economies throughout the UK.

Jennifer Tankard, chief executive of Responsible Finance, said: “Responsible Finance is delighted to welcome Simon Jackson to its board. The Responsible Finance board of directors plays a critical role in setting strategy and direction for the organisation.

“Simon brings a wealth of skills and experience to the board and will ensure that, as a trade association, Responsible Finance continues to effectively support all its members across the UK.”

Simon brings over 34 years of experience within financial services to the Responsible Finance board. As head of investment at BEF, Simon is actively engaged in delivering fair finance to SMEs based in the North of England.