Member Article

This week’s Yorkshire appointments

Sanderson Weatherall, Dominic Towler

Leeds-based chartered surveyors and property consultancy Sanderson Weatherall has expanded its agency team, with the appointment of Dominic Towler as graduate surveyor.

Sanderson Weatherall’s partner in the office and industrial agency department, Richard Dunn, said: “The agency team here in Leeds is one of the most active branches of the business, and so we are constantly searching for talented individuals to join the company.

“Dominic certainly fits the bill, thanks to his experience in all property sectors.”

Sanderson Weatherall has regional offices in Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Teesside, Darlington, Bristol, Exeter and London, employs around 200 people and has a turnover of £14 million.

Williamsons Solicitors, Tom Herd, Rachel Hudson and Kerry Smales

Three Williamsons Solicitors trainees will have an extra reason to celebrate New Year’s Eve. For on January 1 they qualify as solicitors with the leading Hull practice.

Tom Herd, Rachel Hudson and Kerry Smales are all from Hull and the East Riding and all studied at the University of Hull and the University of Law on their way to qualifying.

Bill Waddington, director at Williamsons, said that the firm was pleased to offer jobs to the trio after completion of their 18-month training contracts. “They now have the foundation for long and successful careers.

“We know they have the ability to make a big contribution in the years to come. It is especially gratifying that they come from our region.”

Gordons

Four graduates and three teenagers are heading for careers as lawyers after joining Yorkshire law firm Gordons.

Libby Hanson, Owen Heeley, Merissa Neil and Aarti Parmar have begun two-year stints as trainees, while Joanne Beevor, Albert Bell and Ciaran Mallon have joined the firm’s ground-breaking apprenticeship programme.

Welcoming the new trainees and apprentices, Gordons managing partner Paul Ayre said: “Our reputation means we receive well over 100 applications for each training contract we’re able to offer.

“We’re therefore demanding, appointing only candidates able to become involved in client work straight away and displaying the qualities, attitudes and personalities needed to be future partners.”

Knight Frank, Graham Foxton

BNP Paribas star Graham Foxton has joined Knight Frank as a partner in the investment team.

A property source said: “This is a another massive coup for Knight Frank, underlining the firm’s pulling power in Leeds. Graham Foxton is one of the most accomplished investment agents in local market.”

“Graham has a superb track record with BNP Paribas, advising on some of the most important investment deals during the past few years. This is a big loss for BNP Paribas and a tremendous gain for Knight Frank. Headed by Henrie Westlake, the most respected investment team in Leeds is now even stronger.”

Paul Hudson, Prof. Kambiz Ebrahimi, Dr Antonios Pezouvanis, Evangelia Tsaliagkou, Chris Woodhead

Advanced Actuators, Evangelia Tsasliagkou

Silsden-based hydraulic engineering firm, Advanced Actuators has hired Evangelia Tsasliagkou as a mechatronics development engineer to work on the design and prototyping of power generators for remote valve actuation.

Evangelia said she is thrilled with the progress of the project and is enjoying her time working at Advanced Actuators.

Chris Woodhead, managing director of Advanced Actuators, said: “We are pleased with the results that have come from partnering with the University of Bradford.

“There was such a high calibre of graduates who applied for the project and I believe we can provide work place training which will advance their specialist skills. Recruitment schemes like KTPs are essential for the future of our industry.”

Twisted Automotive, Alex Duckett

Twisted Automotive is supporting its ambitious growth plans with the appointment of Alex Duckett as operations director. Mr Duckett will lead the company’s expansion into overseas markets and a number of brand extensions.

Ti Installations, Stephanie Rose

Huddersfield-based Ti Installations has welcomed two new employees to the team, to support the company as it continues to grow.

Experienced businesswoman Stephanie Rose will now coordinate all office-based operations.

City & Guilds qualified electrician Jonathan Scott is the second new recruit. He joins Ti to help service the increasing number of projects being won throughout the UK.

NorthEdge Capital (Leeds), James Marshall

NorthEdge Capital has further strengthened its team with the appointment of James Marshall as investment executive. James will be based in the firm’s Leeds office.

NorthEdge, the private equity firm which focuses on investing in businesses based in the North of England, has seen a very active year. It has now made 10 investments from its maiden fund, representing over £100 million of investment into the Northern business community during the last 18 months.

James Hall, Director of New Investments, said: “We are delighted that James is joining the NorthEdge team in Leeds at such an exciting time for our business.

“James’ appointment further demonstrates our commitment to build a strong team focusing on Yorkshire and the North East, with the skills and breadth of experience to make quality investments and support regional businesses.

Lake Legal, Claire O’Donnell

Leeds based family law firm, Lake Legal, has supported its development plans with the appointment of Claire O’Donnell as an associate.

Lyn Ayrton said: “Claire is a talented lawyer and we share an understanding of the culture we want to build in the business. We have big plans for the firm and it is important to get the best people in place to support our continued expansion”.

Pinsent Masons, John Cleland

International law firm Pinsent Masons has announced that, following a vote of the firm’s partners, Leeds banking partner, John Cleland, was elected as managing partner of the firm, effective from 1 May 2015.

Managing partner David Ryan says: “My congratulations to John and I am delighted to be handing over the reins to him. John has without doubt the strengths and capabilities required of the role.

“I’m looking forward to helping him to make the transition and continuing to work with him in the senior leadership team.”

West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Elin Pheasant

Elin Pheasant has been appointed as the new environment advisor for West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

Elin’s role will involve working with local experts and stakeholders to help Chamber and Eco-Network members tap into the technical guidance, products and services they might need to make environmental improvements in their businesses.

SM Commercial (Leeds), Matthew Walsh and Lyndon Campbell

National Law firm SM Commercial has announced two new appointments at its Leeds office to support a renewed push into commercial property.

The commercial property team has welcomed a highly experienced new associate Matthew Walsh and has made one of its long-standing associates, Lyndon Campbell, a partner at the firm.

Simpson Millar (Leeds), Emma Brooksbank

Leeds-based law firm Simpson Millar has appointed award winning solicitor Emma Brooksbank to its immigration team.

Peter Watson, managing partner at Simpson Millar says: “Emma has joined us having worked within the immigration sector for over 10 years.

“She was running the immigration department at her previous firm and increased that firm’s client base by 50% between 2010 and 2013.

“We are very much looking forward to utilise Emma’s knowledge here at Simpson Millar.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .