This week's Yorkshire appointments

Mike Ratcliffe, HI Commercial

HI Commercial has appointed Mike Ratcliffe as commercial account handler.

Mike’s career began with Norwich Union claims investigations in the early 80s and transferred into broking in 2003.

Throughout his career Mike has looked after a range of businesses from agriculture and fish merchants to large manufacturers, haulage and engineering firms.

Commenting on his appointment, Mike said: “The commercial insurance profession is heading down the call-centre route, taking large firms out of our city to other parts of the UK.

“HI Commercial appealed to me as the directors, Luke Byron and Richard Medforth, understand the value of retaining that personal service - local people supporting local businesses.”

“The firm recognises the importance of getting to know clients, visiting premises and asking questions based on what they can see, rather than just ticking boxes over the phone.”

Director Luke Byron added: “We are just coming up to our first year in business, having separated from Hedon Insurance to focus on advising commercial organisations.”

“Our business has grown quite rapidly in this first year and we relocated our office premises to ergo at Bridgehead in January, giving us room to take on more staff. We are now pleased that Mike’s appointment brings even more experience to our team.”

Matt Collier, Knight Frank

Commercial property consultant Knight Frank has promoted Matt Collier to associate.

Matt originally joined Knight Frank in Sheffield in April 2018 as a senior surveyor. He now becomes an associate in the latest round of promotions by Knight Frank across the country.

Matt commented: “Our commercial valuation team, alongside our colleagues in our Leeds office, works closely with our agency and capital markets teams to provide market led valuation advice across the wider Yorkshire region.

“I’m really excited about the next chapter of my Knight Frank journey. The team all work their very hardest to deliver ultimate value at every level and I am ready for the challenge of helping to grow an even more successful business.”

Andrew Godsall, head of the Valuation team in Sheffield, added: “Since joining, Matt has fitted seamlessly into the team and wider office and continues to provide expert advice to an increasing number of clients. I’m delighted to see his hard work, professionalism and in-depth knowledge be recognised in the latest round of promotions which is thoroughly deserved.”

Olivia Broadhead, Hentons

Accountancy and advisory firm Hentons has appointed Olivia Broadhead as a senior digital accountant.

A digital specialist accountant, Olivia joins the firm from Jones accountants, where she specialised in the contractor and small business sector.

Her new role will see her support contractors, micro-businesses and SMEs with their accounts, payroll and tax requirements.

Commenting on her new role, Olivia said: “I’m excited to join a rapidly growing firm with clients that range from the music industry to the manufacturing sector.

“The digital team is growing and investing in both expertise and new technology to ensure clients have the tools and insight they need to thrive.”

Tim Baum-Dixon, head of digital at Hentons, added: “Olivia brings a wealth of experience in the sector and a passion for the role of technology in enabling businesses to operate more profitably.

“She is a great addition to the team as we continue to expand nationwide.”

Ray Riddoch OBE, px Group

Energy and infrastructure solutions business px Group has appointed Ray Riddoch OBE to its board as a non-executive director.

Ray joins the board having most recently spent five years as UK managing director and senior vice president - Europe & Africa at CNOOC International. Prior to that he spent three and a half years as UK regional operations manager for Nexen. Ray has also worked for Total, ELF, Occidental Petroleum and Ocean Inchcape.

With experience in operating offshore assets in the North Sea, Ray has also worked for the likes of Total, ELF, Occidental Petroleum and Ocean Inchcape, and has held roles in installation management, business development, human resources management, technical audit and health and safety across his career.

In 2018, Ray Riddoch was named on the New Year’s Honours list and received an OBE for services to the oil & gas industry.

Commenting on his appointment, Ray said: “px Group represents an extremely attractive proposition as it looks to explore further growth opportunities. I’m looking forward to adding to the expertise that already exists on the px Group board.

“In particular, I hope my insight into how offshore operators work, what they look for in service providers, and driving business-wide efficiencies can really help the business continue growing.

“I have worked extensively with px Group…before, which made joining the board an easy decision for me. I have been impressed each time with the high quality, efficient work px Group carries out - there is a reason why they have earned such an excellent reputation in the energy industry.”

Claire Wright, Soanes Poultry

Middleton on the Wolds family firm Soanes Poultry has promoted finance director Claire Wright to general manager of Clive Soanes Broilers Ltd.

Claire originally joined Soanes Poultry in 2016, and was appointed to the board of directors of T. Soanes Poultry Ltd. in April 2019.

Soanes Poultry’s MD Nigel Upson commented: “The restructure will enable us to focus on the two key aspects of this business, namely animal husbandry of the highest standard and likewise financial performance.

“The addition of Claire to manage financial and business performance will allow our area farms manager, Mark Ireland to focus on making our standards of operation, husbandry and welfare market leading, as befits the position we command in the independent sector.

“The support from Claire will allow Mark to focus on husbandry and explore new technologies and animal health management techniques to build on our reputation as an ethical farming operation.”

Claire added: “As a qualified accountant with a career encompassing financial management and business planning combined with being a hands on farmer’s wife, this new position utilises my skills and I am looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that the role will bring.”

Rachel Macpherson, Carter Jonas

Property consultancy Carter Jonas has appointed Rachel Macpherson as a partner and head of York residential.

Rachel joined Carter Jonas in 2004, where she built the firm’s central London residential teams in Marylebone and Regents Park.

York resident Rachel moved back to her hometown two years ago to bring up her two children. On her return, Rachel joined Carter Jonas’s York team.

Lisa Simon, head of residential at Carter Jonas commented: “Rachel has a wealth of experience in the industry and, vitally, a keen eye for detail - this includes a comprehensive grasp of the local market as well as the motivations and day-to-day realities of our clients.

“Since returning to Carter Jonas’s York branch, Rachel has made a significant impact, working to secure many high-profile instructions and sales. She is a valuable member of the team and it is a great pleasure to promote her into this leadership role.

“Her deep-rooted understanding of our client base, business targets and our ambitions for the future will be invaluable.”

Rachel added: “This is a fantastic opportunity to lead one of Carter Jonas’s most established teams and build on our already enviable reputation and influence.

“I was lucky enough to be raised in Yorkshire and it was natural to return to my friends and family after success in London.

“As restrictions for Covid-19 are lifting, the residential market has become extremely buoyant and it is an exciting time to take on this role.”