This week's Yorkshire appointments

Debra Allen, SSB Group

SSB Group has appointed Debra Allen to its board of directors.

The SSB Group includes SSB Law, Imperium Law, SSB Financial and newly acquired Legacy Protection Limited.

Debra said: “I am delighted to have been invited to join the board here at SSB.

“Knowing Jeremy as I do I am not surprised at the firms’ refreshing approach to litigation, where systems and processes support a grown up working environment rather than dictating the pace to an under skilled workforce.

“There are some very exciting things happening here at SSB and it is great to be part of such a professional and friendly team who really understand the work life balance.”

The group has plans for further expansion both organically and through additional strategic partnerships in 2019.

Lynne Taylor, Czajka Care Group

Lynne Taylor has been promoted to group governance and safeguarding lead, overseeing all areas of compliance and sharing best practice across Bradford-based Czajka Care Group’s homes.

The company owns and operates Fairmount Nursing Home, Brookfield Care Home and Staveley Birk Leas Nursing Home, which are all in Nab Wood near Shipley, and Currergate Nursing Home in Steeton and Beanlands Nursing Home in Cross Hills.

Lynne previously spent five years as a registered manager at Fairmount Nursing Home and, prior to that, she worked at the Yorkshire Clinic as a senior ward sister for 13 years.

In her new role, Lynne is responsible for ensuring that all CQC compliance requirements are met and exceeded, along with guidelines produced by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), across the company’s homes.

She added: “This role is an opportunity for me to put my experience as a registered manager, a trainer and a nurse, to good use and work closely with our existing teams to further enhance how our homes operate, which is very rewarding.”

Claire Glaister, Lake Legal

Claire Glaister has been appointed as a partner at family law firm Lake Legal.

The move comes after Claire first worked with the firm’s founder, Lyn Ayrton nearly 20 years ago during a work experience placement.

Lyn recruited Claire to join Lake Legal as a solicitor in 2010 and she has been pivotal to the firm’s growth.

Commenting on the appointment, Lyn Ayrton, managing partner at Lake Legal, said: “I spotted Claire’s talent during her work experience placement with me.

“She has gone on to develop a successful career in family law and has played a key role in the development of Lake Legal. She is respected by colleagues and clients alike, and I am proud to see her take the next step in her career at Lake Legal.”

Dave Ross and Joanne Neill, CPP Group UK

CPP Group UK has appointed commercial director Dave Ross and new sales manager Joanne Neill to strengthen the InsurTech firm’s expansion into the broker market.

The organisation, part of global financial assistance provider CPP Group, develops products to help insurers and brokers add further value to their products and services through its innovative suite of new products in FinTech, InsurTech and cyber security.

Commercial director Dave Ross brings with him deep industry knowledge from his career in the insurance sector, including as MD of Keycare Ltd and with two decades in various roles at AXA Insurance.

Also joining the team of insurance professionals is ACII qualified Joanne Neill, an additional sales manager with over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry - 15 of which were spent at Zurich Insurance.

Dave Ross, commercial director at CPP Group UK, added: “Jo’s appointment reinforces an already strong and dynamic team.

“She brings with her a great deal of experience in the personal lines schemes and affinity areas, which will greatly enhance our drive forward in these key areas.”

John Laud, Barclays

Barclays has appointed John Laud as the new head of Barclays Corporate covering North and West Yorkshire.

Based in Leeds, Laud is to head the team that serves the diverse needs of business customers around the North and West Yorkshire region.

Laud brings with him almost 30 years of banking experience. He said: “Yorkshire is a vital business market for Barclays and I am hugely proud to be working with such a dedicated, energetic and highly professional team.

“Our customers tell us that they value our service and support and that the value of our relationship model has been proven in more volatile economic times.

“We are committed to putting our efforts into finding more ways to enhance the growth of our customers and our goal is to be the first choice banking provider to corporate businesses right across Yorkshire.”

Becky Wright, Westfield Health

Westfield Health has hired Becky Wright as its new chief people officer.

Becky has joined with over a decade’s experience in HR and organisational development, having previously held roles with First Direct and Aviva.

She has been tasked with helping to accelerate the IiP Gold-awarded organisation’s ambition to deliver a people experience that other companies look to replicate.

Becky said: “There are very few businesses where commercial success results in the ability to improve people’s lives.

“I am also personally interested in the Health and Wellbeing agenda. The opportunity to join a business, whose ambitious plans align with one of my biggest passions in life was a dream come true.

“I’m beyond excited about the opening of our new active space which will give staff a place to unwind and focus on their fitness.”

Mike Briffett, Leeds Building Society

Leeds Building Society has appointed Mike Briffett as project director to manage the society’s move to a new Leeds head office.

Mike has a background in cost and project management and has, most recently, worked on a range of high profile buildings in Leeds, including Leeds Arena and KPMG’s new headquarters in Sovereign Square.

He has joined the Society from Turner & Townsend and will lead on the delivery of Leeds Building Society’s new head office.

Mike said: “This project provides a rare opportunity to work on a scheme which will continue the legacy of one of the city’s finest institutions.

“Leeds Building Society has been operating in the city for over 140 years and I’m looking forward to contributing to the next exciting chapter for the business as it looks to its future in Leeds.”

David Sillitoe, Robinson Ralph

Husband and wife partnership Simon Robinson and Juliet Ralph have appointed David Sillitoe, employment lawyer, to their law firm Robinson Ralph.

David Sillitoe, who has joined the firm as a partner, comes from Langleys Solicitors LLP where he was an associate specialising in employment law.

Prior to that, David was with Lyons Davidson Ltd for over 10 years where he held numerous roles within its employment law division.

Simon said: ’David is an exceptional employment lawyer with a great reputation. We are thrilled to welcome him into the Robinson Ralph fold.

“When recruiting there are three things that we look for: integrity, enthusiasm and a sense of humour and David brings these by the bucket load.”

He added: ’We have been very lucky to have been approached by some well-known household names recently and we have clear plans for growth over the next 12 months. David will play a key role in supporting us to achieve this.“