This week's Yorkshire appointments

Rachel Davis, Jiraffe

Sheffield postural care specialist Jiraffe has appointed Rachel Davis as business development manager.

Rachel joins the firm with experience in the healthcare industry, having worked as an occupational therapist for the NHS for three years upon graduation from the University of Derby with a master’s degree in occupational therapy.

After leaving the NHS, Rachel then worked in training, where she progressed to a marketing role before taking on her current role.

Rachel commented: “I’m thrilled to have begun working at Jiraffe. It is such a busy, proactive company and every day is different to the last.

“I was drawn to Jiraffe as they have a sense of authenticity at their core that can be quite hard to find – helping children truly is at the heart of their mission.”

Holly Jenkins, director at Jiraffe, added: “We’re extremely excited to have Rachel join us as she has such a wealth of skills and experience from across our industry.

“We’re delighted to welcome Rachel to the team and build further on the growth and success of recent years.”

Fernando Fernandez-Arnal, Blue Mantis

Leeds web development agency Blue Mantis has appointed Fernando Fernandez-Arnal as head of project management.

Fernando, who joins from a previous technical project management role at Force 24, brings with him knowledge in streamlining systems and processes.

Director, Martyn Lee, commented: “In recent months, many of our clients have leaned on us to help them pivot their businesses through these uncertain times.

“From supporting our client, Delifresh, in making the switch from B2B to B2C, to helping an american client completely pivot their business model and delivery timeframes to increase their chances of gaining exposure - the team have really pulled together to deliver some challenging but exciting projects.

“Based on this, it feels like the right time to bring someone in to the business who can help us improve internal efficiencies, so that we can offer an even better service to our clients and partners, and Fernando is the ideal fit for this.”

Fernando, who started the new role remotely as a result of thee COVID-19 lockdown, explained: “To start a new job, having only met a fraction of the team in real life, is certainly an unusual circumstance, however the level of collaboration and communication across the business has certainly made this easier.

“It seems everyone has adapted incredibly well to this new way of working. I’m enjoying getting to know the team more through our daily check-ins (and of course virtual Friday beers!) and look forward to helping the business as they scale up further this year.”

Nick Smith, Reward Finance Group

Reward Finance Group, has promoted Nick Smith to the role of group managing director.

He takes over the role from founding directors, David Jones and Tom Flannery, both of whom will continue as directors for at least the next two years.

Having joined the company in June 2016 as group sales and marketing director, Nick acquired a significant minority stake in the alternative finance provider in March the following year.

Towards the end of 2018 he became managing director - North West, with the task of growing the firm’s presence across the Pennines through its new Manchester office.

Nick commented: “From a standing start, nine years ago, David and Tom have built an exceptional business within the alternative finance sector.

“In addition to our Yorkshire heartland, where the business was first established, we now have a strong presence in the North West, through our Manchester office.

“Like all good businesses, we put a succession plan in place a few years ago, which has now come to fruition. I am delighted to say that both Dave and Tom, who are extremely well connected and respected within the industry, will be working closely with me, as well as completing deals, for at least the next two years.”

Commenting on the appointment, David Jones added: “Nick was hand-picked by me as someone who could drive Reward forward into this decade. His commitment, and the start of the succession planning, was sealed when he bought into the business seven months later.

“Two years ago, Nick took over our fledgling North West office and has since built a fantastic sales and operational team which is making a massive contribution to the success of Reward.

“Although these are trying times for all of us, I believe with Nick, and the high calibre team he has assembled, the business could not be in safer hands.”