This week's Yorkshire appointments

Cheyenne Ritfield, SimpleUsability

A Yorkshire-based user experience and behavioural research consultancy has appointed a new sales executive.

Leeds-based SimpleUsability has made the appointment to support the growth of its sister company Research Helper, which offers research facilities and helps to recruit participants for research.

Hailing from the Netherlands, Cheyenne Ritfeld joins the firm following an MA in medical anthropology at SOAS, University of London.

She said: “Why SimpleUsability do what they do has everything to do with human behaviour This immediately sparked my enthusiasm to join the team.

“Personally, I have always been intrigued by human behaviour and this has guided many of my decisions in terms of my academic and non-academic career.

“Working in new business development at SimpleUsability is a logical next step, especially since this means I can help researchers and UX teams run more successful research in our great facilities with carefully recruited participants.

“For the next few years, I hope to help many more agencies and brand owners do this and support Research Helper’s growth.”

– Marsh, the world’s leading insurance broker and risk adviser, today announced the appointment of John Walsh as Head of Office, Corporate Division, Leeds. He reports to Allan McPherson, Regional Managing Director for North of England & Scotland, Corporate Division.

John Walsh, Marsh

Leeds-based Marsh has appointed John Walsh as head of office.

In his new role, John will be assuming the overall responsibility for Marsh’s corporate clients across Yorkshire.

He joined Marsh in January 2014 and was previously based in Manchester as UK & Ireland claims leader for the corporate division.

He has worked in the commercial insurance industry for over 25 years in various underwriting, claims and broking roles.

Allan McPherson commented on the appointment: “With his extensive background in claims, together with his regional business insight, John is well suited to lead Marsh’s Leeds office and deliver the best of the firm to our Corporate clients across Yorkshire.”

Danielle Swainston, Keebles LLP

Yorkshire law firm Keebles LLP has appointed Danielle Swainston as a solicitor to its Doncaster-based Litigation and Dispute Resolution department.

Danielle, of Cantley in Doncaster, joins the firm with more than six years of experience and practices in a broad spectrum of legal services including contested probates, contractual disputes, tenancy disputes including residential and agricultural and debt recovery.

Strengthening the firm’s litigation team, Danielle joins at a time of expansion for the department.

She said: “I’m looking forward to bringing my strong litigation background and skills to Keebles and working in such a thriving law firm.

“Making the move from a smaller local team to a large Yorkshire organisation like Keebles is a big step up, however, the firm still has a really localised feel about it which was one of the things that really attracted me to working here.

“I am pleased to start my new role at such a positive time for the firm. As someone who has grown up in Doncaster, I am pleased to be working alongside local people and working for a firm that is so embedded within the town.”

Nathan Stone, Bellingham IT

Technology solutions specialist Bellingham IT has appointed Nathan Stone as senior consultant, supporting the business’s continued growth.

Directly responsible for managing delivery of key projects; both for Bellingham IT and a number of clients, Nathan will serve as a vital cornerstone for the company.

Prior to joining Bellingham IT, Nathan held the position of an IT contractor and has significant experience in managing a portfolio of clients and delivering, implementing and coordinating IT projects.

Nathan added: “I am really pleased and excited about joining Bellingham IT and look forward to working closely with the rest of the team to deliver IT solutions for all our clients.

“With its strong team and a hard-working ethos Bellingham creates a positive environment for all employees.

“The company also understands and accommodates the unique needs of its clients, this is what sets it apart from everyone else and I’m certainly looking forward to being a part of this.”

Casey-Lea Allison, Sound Leisure

Europe’s only manufacturer of vinyl playing jukeboxes has appointed a new recruit to its manufacturing capabilities.

Sound Leisure has appointed Casey-Lea Allison directly from the Leeds-based University Technical College (UTC). Sound Leisure plays an active role with the UTC, hosting factory tours and setting projects for the students.

Whilst studying level 3 engineering at the college, Casey visited the Sound Leisure facilities on a factory tour and enjoyed it so much that she followed up with a mail asking if she could have some work experience with the firm.

Having completed her college studies, Casey got in touch again asking to be considered for any vacancies.

The firm gave Casey a six-week trial in various areas of the business including research and development. Following a successful trial, Casey has been appointed full time.

Managing director of Sound Leisure, Chris Black, added: “Casey’s interest and initiative to seek a job opportunity with us has been admirable. She quickly made a fantastic impression on the team and we are delighted to have set her on full time.

“Casey is actively documenting all procedures in the factory and has already saved production time on some jobs by looking at the way we manufacture things.”