This week's Yorkshire appointments

Ken Davy, Sporting Age

The chairman of Huddersfield Giants Superleague Club has joined a Yorkshire-based Sporting Age.

Sporting Age was founded in 2017 by sports and physical education specialists Shaun Fox, Andrea Springthorpe and Jonny Nolan, and works with primary school teachers to improve levels of physical literacy among pupils.

Mr Davy commented: “I am delighted to be working with the team of specialists at Sporting Age in a capacity that brings together my passion for sport and business.

“It is an appalling situation that in the UK, 35 per cent of children leaving primary school age 11 are classed as overweight or obese.

“The work the Sporting Age team is doing across Yorkshire to ensure that children are confident in physical activity from a young age is a key factor towards helping improve this statistic.”

The news follows an announcement in January that Sporting Age has been awarded a £75k funding boost from the £3m social investment loan fund, Sporting Capital.

Alistair Hogben, Dacre, Son & Hartley

Experienced North Yorkshire estate agent, Alistair Hogben has joined Dacre, Son & Hartley’s Wetherby office where he will manage the branch and sales team.

In his new role, Alistair will head up the Market Place office’s team, who handle residential sales and lettings throughout Wetherby and its surrounding towns and villages including Boston Spa, Collingham, Tadcaster and Spofforth.

In addition, he will support Dacre, Son & Hartley’s area director Paul Baxter, who heads up the firm’s Harrogate office.

Alistair, who is a member of the National Association of Estate Agents (MNAEA), brings a wealth of experience to the role after previously working as a senior residential valuer at a national firm based in Harrogate and RM English in York.

He said: “Dacre, Son & Hartley is a long-established brand with an unrivalled reputation throughout the region for offering a high-quality service that is delivered with the utmost integrity.

“I look forward to using my skills and experience to further enhance such a well-regarded and established business, at an exciting time of growth.”

James Roach, Woodrow Mercer Finance

Experienced finance director and partner at Woodrow Mercer Finance, James Roach has been appointed as managing partner of the 22-strong firm.

In his new role, he will lead the rapidly expanding national finance search and selection consultancy that has its head office in Leeds.

Having held a wide range of FD roles since 2009, James initially joined FDYL - now part of Woodrow Mercer Finance - six years ago as a portfolio FD. He took on a full time position with the business a year later and helped to launch the consultancy’s recruitment division.

After seven years as managing partner, Neil Muffitt moves to the role of chairman.

Neil added: “Having been part of FDYL since 2003 and then spent the last two years overseeing the merger of the firm with Woodrow Mercer and the subsequent expansion, the time is right to hand over the reins as we embark on the next stage in our development.

“James and I have worked closely over recent years and it’s exactly the right time to be placing the firm in James’ capable hands, while I will remain closely involved with the business at both a strategic and operational level.”

James Murray, Gallagher

Insurance, risk management and consulting firm, Gallagher has appointed James Murray as head of office in Leeds.

Based on East Parade, in the heart of the business district, James leads a team of risk and insurance experts focused on supporting major clients, including large private and public companies and complex multinationals.

Jon Simpkin, area director for Gallagher in the North, said: “James is a great hire for Gallagher. Clients benefit from our detailed knowledge of their business and the sectors in which they operate, receiving local service and expertise backed by global resources.

“James’ experience and passion make him ideally placed to lead our expanding team in Leeds as they continue to help businesses understand and manage the risks they face more effectively.”

Tom Bailey, CBRE

CBRE in Leeds has appointed Tom Bailey as quantity surveyor within the building consultancy project and cost management (P&CM) team.

This latest appointment further strengthens this expanding team which continues to grow following the appointment of Gary Allen as its new lead director one year ago.

Tom joins CBRE from Burnley Wilson Fish where he provided pre-contract cost management services, as well as the delivery of several projects from inception to completion.

Tom’s new role at CBRE Leeds will include cost management and general commercial advice for occupiers, developers, funders and investment clients.

Alex Knight, STRAT7

New ‘data driven strategy’ group STRAT7 has appointed Alex Knight as chief financial officer.

Previously CFO at ICM Research and Walnut Unlimited, he began his early career at PwC and Omnicom and has built up over 15 years of experience working in the media and technology sector across public, private and startup companies.

In his new role, Knight will support the groups M&A activity and plans for International expansion, as well as taking the commercial lead on launching new technology inspired data solutions.

Barrie Brien, CEO of STRAT7, said: “Having worked with Alex before on the buy-and-build phase of Creston plc, I’m confident he will implement the commercial and financial platforms instrumental for the growth and success of STRAT7.

“His experience in launching data solutions using video, neuroscience and eye tracking technology make him a great fit for the group and will help to extend our specialisms further.”