This week's Yorkshire appointments

Will Bates, McCormicks Solicitors

McCormicks Solicitors has promoted Will Bates to senior associate.

Commercial litigation specialist Will, who joined the practice in 2017, has experience in a range of commercial litigation matters, including disputes in sport, property, contract, IP and construction.

Will also has experience in debt recovery, professional negligence claims, contentious probate, harassment, defamation and insolvency (individual and corporate).

Will has been regularly involved in a wide variety of football disputes, acting for football clubs and both for and against football leagues and County FAs.

Will graduated from Durham University with an honours degree in Law in 2014 before obtaining a distinction in the Legal Practice Course at Hertfordshire University. He trained at a regional firm in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire before joining McCormicks.

Will also acts for the Solicitors Indemnity Fund, advising them on recovery cases involving solicitors’ negligence claims.

Managing Partner Stephen Hopwood commented: “Will’s promotion reflects his hard work and contribution over the last several years and, in particular, the last year.”

Simon Rafferty and Peter Clouston, ENGIE Fabricom

Engineering and construction firm ENGIE Fabricom has appointed Simon Rafferty as chief executive officer and Peter Clouston as chief operating officer.

Both join the business having successfully held a number of board positions across the globe and with vast experience across a number of business functions.

Simon joins ENGIE Fabricom having led the Canadian division of the business in the same capacity and with over 15 years’ experience in the engineering and construction marketplace.

Simon brings to ENGIE Fabricom a range of experience having several business functions from sales and business development to project management and contract negotiations.

Peter comes to ENGIE Fabricom with over 30 years’ experience in the oil, gas, power, chemical and renewables industries. He joins the business having worked for companies including Rolls Royce Marine – where he began his career on the shop floor – through to the last 20 years in senior management positions for corporate companies and SMEs.

Both Simon and Peter will work closely with the UK Board, taking responsibility for overall strategy and execution and overseeing ENGIE Fabricom’s end to end service delivery.

Speaking about his new role and Peter’s appointment, Simon commented: “I am very excited to have this opportunity of leading ENGIE Fabricom into its next stage of development and working alongside Peter to do this.

“The future, we’re pleased to say, is positive for the business. We have refocused our efforts to concentrate on our core strengths and have made internal changes to make sure our processes and systems are as efficient as they can be.

“We have a deep pool of talent, a well-established customer base and a visible pipeline for this year and - with the continued support from ENGIE Group - we are confident 2021 can be a solid year for ENGIE Fabricom.”

Liz Rogers, Kirk Newsholme

Chartered accountancy practice Kirk Newsholme has appointed Liz Rogers as senior tax manager.

Liz has a large firm background and over 20 years’ experience in providing personal tax, estate planning and trust advisory services.

Commenting on Liz’s appointments, tax director Justin Smith said: “Our focus continues to be on the high level of service we offer our clients and Liz will be a welcome addition to the team bringing with her an expanse of expertise in the private client sector.

“Liz will naturally fit into a leadership role here and our clients will benefit from her vast experience and knowledge”