This week's Yorkshire appointments

Alex Taylor, Paladin

Marketing agency Paladin has appointed Alex Taylor as account manager.

Alex has worked in-house in the events, training and technology sectors, and has a wealth of digital marketing experience including content strategy, brand strategy, PPC advertising and campaign management.

In his new role, Alex will work on a range of Paladin accounts across sectors such as retail, fashion and professional services with a specific focus on sports marketing.

Alisdair Straughan, Paladin MD, commented: “Alex joins us having previously led in-house marketing teams and has the right level of experience and knowledge to help us take the next step on our journey.

“Having crossed the divide from in-house to agency, I am looking forward to the challenge of working with a range of clients from different sectors.

“Alisdair’s approach is very similar to mine in that we both have a passion for growing brands through creativity. Our sporting backgrounds means Paladin is a great fit for me and I am delighted to be joining the agency at such an exciting juncture in the company’s growth.”

Holly Copsey, Insurance Institute of Leeds (IIL)

The Insurance Institute of Leeds (IIL) has appointed Holly Copsey as president.

Broking manager at leading global professional services firm Aon plc, 27 year old Holly will be the youngest-ever president of IIL since it was founded in 1888 at the Queens Hotel in Leeds.

Currently IIL’s deputy president, Holly will take over from incumbent president Melanie Jordan in March 2022.

Holly commented: “I’m honoured to have been elected as the next president of the Insurance Institute of Leeds.

“Due to the support provided by experienced colleagues and the training opportunities offered by my employers, most recently at Aon, I have had a rewarding and successful career. I’m passionate about supporting emerging professionals and ensuring, in my role as president, that they benefit from the wealth of experience across the Leeds market.

“Another key aspect of my role is fundraising, and I intend to use my position to make a difference to people and charities in Leeds.”

Claire Booth, 3Squared

Rail technology firm 3Squared has appointed Claire Booth as head of client support.

Software application support management specialist Claire has 14 years of experience in customer support management and 24 years in software support.

Claire joins 3Squared from Proactis, where she was head of customer support for nearly a decade.

At 3Squared, Claire will be managing a team of four and will focus on all elements of customer support and service; from technical investigations to deployment of new technologies across the support operations, to making changes to client reporting and creating an open forum for clients to engage and provide feedback.

Claire commented: “I am excited to join 3Squared at a landmark point in their journey. I feel like I am already at home and can’t wait to work alongside and collaborate with some of the greatest minds in the UK rail technology space.

“Customer support and service is the backbone of any client facing operation and I look forward to working with our talented team, to take the department to the next stage and continue to provide our customers with a gold standard, market leading service.”

James Fox, commercial director and co-founder at 3Squared, added: “We are honoured to have Claire on board to drive forward and evolve our client support department.

“With her vast experience and warm personality, she is a real fit for the business, and we look forward to seeing how she will drive the function forward in new and innovative ways.”

Victoria Robson, Mercia Asset Management

SME investor Mercia Asset Management has appointed Victoria Robson to help expand its Non-Executive Director (NED) network.

As part of Mercia’s Portfolio Resourcing team, Victoria will help to recruit NEDs and other board members for the Group’s 400-plus portfolio companies. She will also be helping to expand Mercia’s talent pool of external directors and contacts.

Victoria, who joins from investment firm BGF, has 20 years’ experience in recruitment and talent management, having started her career with DirectorBank.

Victoria commented: “Having the right NED can make a big difference to a company’s prospects. Entrepreneurs may be experts in their field but often lack experience of leading a fast-growing business.

“An NED can bring a wealth of knowledge and contacts and ensure they have the right structure in place to scale effectively. Mercia has one of the largest number of portfolio companies of any investor. I look forward to supporting their growth journey.”

Head of portfolio resourcing Lisa Ward added: “Victoria’s extensive experience in executive search makes her an excellent addition to the team.

“Since its launch two years ago, the service has added real value to our portfolio companies by helping them build diverse, balanced and effective boards. Victoria’s arrival will enable us to expand the support we offer and continue to build our network.”

Amy Grimston, CTS UK

Business supply chain specialist CTS UK has appointed Amy Grimston as marketing manager.

Amy, who previously worked in marketing for a number of hospitality venues across Yorkshire and the North East, commented: “This is a tremendously exciting opportunity for me. CTS are one of the most respected companies in the PPE and workwear sector in the UK and I am proud to be joining a close-knit and talented team.

“My main responsibility will be to build on the substantial progress that CTS has made since moving into our new premises in Darlington Road, Northallerton earlier this year.

“We have been able to pivot quickly during the global pandemic to provide much-needed PPE equipment such as face masks, hand sanitisers and protective gloves to help to fight the spread of Covid-19.

“We have such a great story to tell, with increased growth, turnover and new job opportunities, and I look forward to telling it. It is especially rewarding to have good news to report during these challenging times.”

Howard Gill, managing director of CTS, commented: “We are delighted to welcome such an experienced and talented marketing manager like Amy to our team.

“She arrives at CTS at a significant time in our development, as we look to build on our success of the past year, enhance our relationship with clients old and new and raise our profile across the UK.

“The journey of CTS is a long-term project, which demands the fullest commitment from us. Amy, with her passion and her expertise, is perfect for this challenging and satisfying role.”

Guy Austin, Kirk Newsholme Financial Planning

Chartered IFA firm Kirk Newsholme Financial Planning has appointed Guy Austin as a chartered financial planner

Guy, who previously spent 11 years working as an IFA for an independent firm, will work closely alongside the chartered accountancy side of the business.

Director Peter Blinkhorn commented: “Guy’s experience of working alongside accountancy firms is a real advantage and he is keen to further develop this here with us.

“Our team offers a full range of advisory services to individuals and businesses and has grown rapidly over the last few years. We look forward to Guy bringing his expertise to our clients and growing the team further.”