This week’s Yorkshire appointments

Regional law firm Andrew Jackson has announced the appointment of solicitor Amy Clague, who joins the firm’s growing private client team.

Amy, who brings eight years’ legal experience to the firm, has specialised in private client work since qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.

Whilst Amy has experience across the full range of private client matters, she has particular expertise in advising clients on the preparation of wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection work, personal injury trusts and estate administration.

Amy’s appointment marks further expansion for Andrew Jackson’s private client team, as the firm has also recently appointed senior solicitor Erika Sinclair to the team.

Partner Richard Hoare, who heads Andrew Jackson’s private client services, said: “Delivering legal services specifically tailored to meet clients’ needs is our key focus as a firm and, as demand for our private client services continues to grow, I’m really delighted to welcome Amy to the team.

“Amy is committed to providing specialist advice of the highest quality and recognises that certain private client matters need to be handled sensitively - something which is very important to our clients.”

Hugh Taylor, Calbee UK

The appointment of Hugh Taylor as Category Insight Controller has further bolstered the team at Leeds-based Calbee UK, the first European subsidiary of Calbee Inc, the £1.2bn Japanese savoury snack supplier.

With previous experience of working within category management roles for other leading food brands in the UK, Hugh will support the company’s strategic marketing plan with a focus on future growth and innovation.

Providing key insights into real consumer trends, this information will be used to reinforce Calbee UK’s position within the savoury snacking category and allow the business to make more informed choices on future product developments that will meet with shopper needs and missions.

Richard Robinson, managing director of Calbee UK, said: “As we continue to agree listings with national retailers we also recognise that we must invest in our infrastructure and also the market and consumer insight that we have. Hugh will be a huge asset to the team and his previous experience is invaluable to us.

“We have big plans for the future and as a business that is led by our values to be admired, respected and loved by those we work with we know that personality is essential to our success. We have a strong family of colleagues that we can rely on as we continue on our journey to become one of the best manufacturers of savoury snacks in the UK.”

Paul Lane, Leelex Ltd

Leeds-based hospitality group Leelex Ltd has announced the appointment of Paul Lane as managing director of it’s bar and restaurant portfolio, as the company prepares to open another site in the capital later this year.

Paul Lane is currently a director of Leelex Ltd and will enter the role of managing director for the bar and restaurant group that includes popular Leeds venues Pintura Kitchen & Bar, Cielo Blanco, Jake’s Bar & Still Room, Neon Cactus and Oporto as well as the Portobello Star based on London’s Portobello Road.

Paul started his Leelex career 15 years ago working as manager of the company’s very first success story, Oporto, which saw a run down, quiet bar turned into one of the busiest in the city. It instantly became an integral part of Leeds’ night scene and initiated the transformation of Call Lane into the iconic street it is today.

Paul brings to his new role a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry and an in-depth knowledge of Leelex Ltd. Before joining Leelex, he also worked at Leodis, JW Johnsons, Teatro Members Club and the Bingley Arms (the oldest pub in England).

Current managing director and founder Ged Feltham will still play an active role in the running of Leelex Ltd focusing on new business development and as managing director of the company’s global gin brand Portobello Road Gin.

Ged Feltham, founder of Leelex Ltd said: “I’m confident that Paul will be invaluable in his new role to continue the development of Leelex Ltd’s bar and restaurant portfolio. His experience and passion for the job is second-to-none”.

Matt Ramsden, Watson Burton

The Leeds office of national law firm Watson Burton has boosted its commercial property offering to clients in Yorkshire with the retention of a newly qualified solicitor.

Matt Ramsden from Huddersfield qualified at the firm’s Newcastle headquarters earlier this month and has since relocated to Leeds to join the real estate team headed up by partner David Pridmore.

He said: “I had always strongly considered a career as a commercial property lawyer and was lucky enough be well supported by Watson Burton in my chosen career choice. Throughout my training contract I completed two seats in the real estate team, working closely with key clients and gaining substantial experience.”

Matt joined Watson Burton as a trainee in 2013, working across the firm’s key practice areas of real estate, employment and insurance.

David Pridmore, real estate partner, said: “As a firm we have been lucky enough to attract trainees who demonstrate real talent, enthusiasm and commitment. Matt’s positive attitude, efficiency and excellent client service levels has continued to impress us and we are very pleased that he has chosen to stay with us after qualifying.”

Watson Burton’s Leeds-based real estate team services clients across Yorkshire and the Midlands.

Glen Robinson, Steve Biggs, and Andrew Scott, Gala Tent Ltd

Gala Tent Ltd, has announced a series of appointments to its board of directors. The Rotherham-based marquee and gazebo manufacturer has promoted three senior employees into directorship roles to support the company’s restructuring and expansion.

Glen Robinson, formally printing manager of Gala Tent, has progressed to become the Managing Director of Gala Tent’s sister company, Gala Graphics. Grown from the company’s existing printing department, Gala Graphics is now an independent business which employs six members of staff housed in its own premises.

The company was established after Glen took the initiative to expand Gala Tent’s printing department into an independent company after demand for printing products grew. The promotion will allow Glen to take full control of the printing department that he has worked hard to establish.

Steve Biggs, and Andrew Scott, IT manager and procurement manager respectively, will also become members of the board of directors.

Gala Tent Ltd has experienced a significant increase in staff numbers in the past 12 months, with the IT department in particular seeing a growth from a two to a six man team. This growth has meant that senior members of staff have been awarded directorships to help support the management side of the business.

Jason Mace, Gala Tent’s Managing Director, said: “Gala Tent’s rapid growth has resulted in us strengthening the board and rewarding dedicated and loyal team members with directorships. Each of our new directors has over ten years of experience here at Gala Tent and I am confident that they are the right team to take the business forward.”

Chris Rose, XSEM

Leeds-based events and conference specialists XSEM has moved to bolster its senior team with the appointment of a wholesale and retail veteran to its board.

Chris Rose, who retired from his role as marketing director at Landmark Wholesale seven years ago, has taken up a role as non executive director with XSEM.

Chris spent more than 40 years at the sharp-edge of the industry in a variety of roles. He retains a number of industry positions including overseeing the organisation of the business and speaker programme for the annual Conference of the Scottish Wholesale Association.

Michael Gwilliam, XSEM co-owner, said: “Chris’s deep-rooted knowledge and experience in the wholesale and retail industry is something we’re keen to tap into. We have some ambitious plans to develop a stronger client base in this industry, building on the successful work we enjoy with the likes of Nisa, Molson Coors and PPG.

“We see Chris as being perfectly placed to help us achieve that. We’re thrilled he’s accepted our invite to bolster the executive team here at XSEM.”

Rose added: “XSEM is a young, hungry and ambitious company with some great clients. They’re clearly going places and it’s an exciting prospect to think I can help them achieve their growth plans.

“Their team is doing some ground-breaking work in the retail and wholesale arena so we’re going to look at ways we can expand their reach in the industry. I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Kate Gillyon, BEST WESTERN Monkbar Hotel

An experienced hotelier has joined a York city centre venue’s sales and marketing team.

Kate Gillyon has been appointed sales co-ordinator at the BEST WESTERN Monkbar Hotel, which is nearing the final stages of a £3m upgrade programme.

Kate began her career in the Regency Park Hotel, in Thatcham, Berkshire, in 2002, completing a trainee management programme two years later.

In 2005 she moved to East Yorkshire, and took up a position at the Beverley Arms Hotel, before spending four years as assistant reception manager at Hull’s De Vere Village Hotel.

In 2011 she became reception manager at the Hull Ramada Jarvis Hotel. Prior to her joining the Monkbar Hotel she was reception manager at a four star York hotel.

Nikki Brannan, Monkbar Hotel sales manager, said: “We are delighted to welcome Kate on board, at what is without doubt a very exciting time for the Monkbar Hotel. Kate has a wealth of experience within the hotel trade, which is exactly what we were looking for in our new sales co-ordinator.

“She will be responsible for selling the hotel and its services to a wide range of customers, including conference organisers, booking agents and couples getting married.”

Kate said: “I’m very much looking forward to the challenge this opportunity will give me. In the short time I’ve been here I’ve been made to feel very welcome indeed.

“When the refurbishment is complete the hotel will look absolutely fantastic, which will certainly help me in my job!”

3Squared

Sheffield software development company 3Squared has appointed ten new staff in the past few weeks to cater for the company’s rapid growth, with major new contracts secured in the rail sector.

This includes Dr David Yates, who has a Degree in Psychology from the University of Sheffield and industry experience in developing native mobile apps for the health sector joins 3Squared as a mobile developer along with Usmaan Dad who specialises in Android mobile development.

Shann Marsland joins 3Squared as a software developer, Sean Twycross joins as project manager, whilst Cherry Challis is appointed as office manager. Ben Walker having successfully completed a one year placement at 3Squared whilst studying at Manchester Metropolitan University, has been appointed as a full time developer. 3Squared also has appointed three junior software developers on one year placements; Ben Foyster, Jack Spink, Adam Whiting and Damon Jones.

James Fox, Commercial Director at 3Squared said: “We have seen a major increase in new business in the last six months, particularly from the rail sector. Expanding our team means being able to enhance our services to meet the demands of our ever growing client base as we strive to be the leading software App development company in the UK.”

3Squared is a software development consultancy with offices in Sheffield and London. It is at the forefront in the use of technology to deliver change and innovation to clients predominantly in the construction and rail sectors.

The company has over 10 years of experience in helping organisations to use the latest technology to overcome business problems, improve efficiency and save money.

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