This week’s Yorkshire appointments

hlw Keeble Hawson is further strengthening its commercial and private client teams with the appointment of four newly qualified solicitors.

The lawyers, now on board permanently after joining as trainees in 2013, are Claire Darwood who joins the commercial property department, Henry Hill who works with the corporate team, Charlotte Ollerenshaw who takes up a role with the litigation and dispute resolution department - and Ruth Tucker who joins the clinical negligence team.

One of Yorkshire’s largest law firms which has offices in Leeds, Leeds, Sheffield and Doncaster, hlw Keeble Hawson has also recently appointed seven new associates and a new partner.

Paul Trudgill, managing partner, commented: “Training to become a qualified solicitor requires considerable commitment over a number of years. Claire, Henry, Charlotte and Ruth have all displayed such dedication and we wish them continued success as they enter the next stage of their career with our firm.”

David Caseldine, Hentons

Leeds-based accountants and business advisers, Hentons has continued its growth with the appointment of a new partner.

The Leeds firm has appointed David Caseldine, who joins from PwC, as a partner to help build a wider healthcare offering at Hentons.

The move builds on its portfolio of clients in the healthcare sector across Leeds and Sheffield.

Hentons has clients ranging from medical professionals and property investors, to manufacturers, academies and charities. It offers accounts, audit, business strategy and tax advisory services with a partner led approach for all clients.

Nadeem Ahmed, managing partner of Hentons, said: “David brings a wealth of experience that will benefit our growing health sector business, which is growing as healthcare practitioners need sound business advice to help them navigate a period of unprecedented change.”

“We continue to attract talent to the business as we expand our range of services and depth of expertise.”

Adrian Berry and Rachael Markham, R3

Business restructuring and turnaround expert Adrian Berry has been appointed as regional chair of R3, the insolvency trade body, and lawyer Rachael Markham has been appointed as regional deputy chair.

Adrian is a restructuring partner at Deloitte LLP based in Leeds and has over 25 years’ experience working with under-performing businesses at various stages of difficulty, working with both lender, corporate and investor communities.

Rachael is a senior associate at Lupton Fawcett Denison Till. She has over ten years’ experience working within corporate restructuring, advising insolvency practitioners on all aspects of insolvency covering a wide variety of sectors.

Adrian has been a member of R3 for over 20 years and has served on the Yorkshire Regional Committee for the last four years. Rachael is the chair of the R3 Ladies Committee for the Yorkshire region and is also an active member on the R3 Yorkshire Regional Committee.

Bringing together qualified, regulated members to help businesses and individuals facing financial distress, the organisation promotes best practice for the insolvency profession as well as increasing public understanding of personal and corporate insolvency issues.

Adrian said: “With a sixth of the UK’s insolvency practitioners based in our region, we are one of the largest centres for the profession and R3 plays a key role in communicating the positive work carried out by our members.

“I look forward to working with Rachael and the rest of the Yorkshire R3 committee to continue to raise awareness of the need for an effective insolvency regime and profession, and of their wider benefits to the regional economy.”

David Armitage and Tamanna Keir, Gateley

National law firm Gateley has announced two more appointments to its Leeds office. David Armitage has joined the firm’s Corporate team as a partner in addition to Tamanna Keir who joins as a Corporate solicitor.

For more than 25 years, David has focused on cross-border Mergers & Acquisitions, UK inward and outward corporate investments, industrial and commercial corporate finance and capital markets work.

David led the expansion of Hammonds’ international operations and offices before joining Cobbetts in 2010, and joined Gateley Plc from DWF in September.

The appointments see a further expansion of Gateley’s presence in Leeds, following on from last year’s office move to accommodate growth. The firm, which opened its Leeds office in January 2012, has bucked the trend in a challenging market, growing from a team of seven in 2012 to currently over 40. The appointment of David Armitage is Gateley’s eighth partner hire in three years in Leeds.

William Ballmann, Corporate Recovery partner and head of Gateley’s Leeds office, commented: “These appointments are key as we look to further develop and grow our presence in Leeds. Attracting high calibre candidates to the Leeds office has been a key strategy for developing the regional operation whilst also being an asset to the firm nationally. The expertise we have within our team, both nationally and regionally, means we are well equipped to advise our clients on any eventuality.”

Edward Allen, Langleys Solicitors

Langleys Solicitors in York has appointed Edward Allen as an assistant solicitor in its private client unit.

Edward joins Langleys from Sandersons Solicitors in Beverley where he worked for two years in its private client practice. Prior to this, he trained and qualified at Kuit Steinart Levy, Manchester.

Edward said: “Langleys is recognised for its experience and expertise in the field of private client and I’m delighted to be part of its highly respected team.”

Hugh Thompson, senior associate in private client at Langleys, added: “Edward brings considerable private client experience to our team where his role will include a particular focus on estate planning and probate.”

Edward is studying for the STEP Diploma in Wills and Estates – an industry standard in private client work.

Ian Vinall, JM Glendinning

Yorkshire insurance broker JM Glendinning has welcomed the former Bluefin national business development director to head its commercial insurance division.

Ian Vinall brings over 25 years’ commercial broking experience from previous roles with global firms Wills, Marsh and Aon Risk Solutions to the Guiseley-based company. He will lead on business development and client retention, as well as developing and growing the six-strong commercial insurance team.

Ian said: “My reasons for joining JM Glendinning were primarily the quality of the team that Paul and Nick have built, and the ambitious growth plans they have for the business.

“Without doubt, there will be fallout from the extensive consolidation that’s currently happening in the insurance industry. An independent and progressive broker that is firmly rooted in family values can only prosper, and JM Glendinning is certainly one to watch. I’m looking forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of the group.”

Nick Houghton, JM Glendinning Managing Director, added: “When someone with Ian’s experience, calibre and connections comes onto the market, you have to grab the opportunity with both hands. Ian has a great reputation for looking after clients, which complements our ‘family business’ philosophy perfectly. He could have gone to work for any broker, and I’m delighted that he chose to come and work with us.”

JM Glendinning Insurance Brokers is part of the JM Glendinning group.

Diana Smart, Gordons

Diana Smart has joined Yorkshire law firm Gordons to lead its private client team.

Diana moves to the firm as partner and head of private client after 12 years with Sheffield law firm Taylor & Emmet where she was head of the wills and probate department.

At Gordons, Diana will lead a team of 15 people focused on advising high net worth individuals, families and business owners in relation to their wills and tax and succession planning.

Diana is also a chartered tax advisor and has been a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners for 20 years. She is recognised by key sector directory The Legal 500 as having ‘particular expertise in trusts’.

Gordons’ private client team also specialises in probate and has experience of complex estates, often with international elements. In addition, members of the team can act as executors, trustees and attorneys and can advise on all aspects of power of attorney and Court of Protection matters.

Victoria Davey, Gordons partner and operations director, said: “Diana has a reputation for providing clients with practical advice and delivering it with the highest standards of care, which is exactly the way we operate at Gordons.

“She is a proven leader with a great deal of energy and ambition, making her the ideal person to direct our private client offer. We are very pleased that she has joined the firm and look forward to her further developing our private client team.”

Gordons has offices in Leeds and Bradford, employs 235 people and has a turnover of £22.9m.

Rachel Hannan, Richard Simpson and David Manley, BHP Chartered Accountants

The consulting division of BHP Chartered Accountants has announced the appointment of three experienced business leaders.

Rachel Hannan, Richard Simpson and David Manley join Head of Consulting David Mitchell and Mark Roberts, previously the Managing Director at Andrew Page Ltd, to form a team which will help businesses across the region to develop and implement growth strategies.

Rachel Hannan has been involved in business growth from all angles, having initially gained consulting experience in large corporate businesses, including PwC’s Global HR Solutions practice, before going on to found, significantly grow and exit two businesses. She has since gone on to operate as a Board Advisor, Non-Executive Director and Angel Investor.

Richard Simpson brings extensive sales and customer experience to the team; he has grown companies of all sizes, including taking Shred It UK to become an established business with a turnover of £50 million over a period of 10 years.

David Manley brings with him experience in operational improvement and diversified growth, and has a strong background in export markets. He is extensively experienced in mergers and acquisitions - both as an acquirer and a target - as well as being familiar with the requirements of Private Equity as an employee and a business owner.

David Mitchell said: “The real strength comes from our collective experience. As a team we can offer clients a depth and diversity of practical experience, having been there and done it ourselves, we can cover all key areas of consulting needed by business owners who want to grow their companies. We focus in supporting businesses with their overall strategy and sales growth activities and specialise particularly in their operational, customer base and human capital development.”

Paula Simpson, Guest Walker & Co

York-based solicitors Guest Walker & Co has appointed Paula Simpson to its residential property team as demand for their services continues to grow.

Paula will be working on a wide variety of residential conveyancing matters including the sale and purchase of freehold and leasehold properties, shared ownership deals, plot sales and local authority transactions.

Prior to joining Guest Walker & Co, Paula qualified as a Licensed Conveyancer in 2005 after completing a Law degree and a Diploma in Conveyancing and Executry Law. She has worked in a number of law firms in both Leeds and York, and on a voluntary basis for the York and District Citizens Advice Bureau.

John Walker, Senior Partner at Guest Walker & Co, said: “We are delighted to welcome Paula as we continue to expand here in York city centre. Her wealth of experience is very impressive and she will make a great addition to our already very successful residential conveyancing team. In an age when conveyancing is often carried out through faceless, automated case management systems that people find hard to relate to, we feel that our clients really appreciate the personal, human touch and that is the direction that we’ve decided to go.”

Alistair Hogben, Carter Jonas

National property consultant Carter Jonas has appointed a new senior valuer to its residential team in Harrogate.

A member of the National Association of Estate Agents, Alistair Hogben joins the firm from York based estate and land agents RM English. With a background in property valuation, business development and financial advice, he was previously business development manager with property management companies SitexOrbis Limited and Ad Hoc Property Management.

At Carter Jonas, Alistair will work within the experienced residential team providing expert advice to house buyers and sellers. His responsibilities will include carrying out market appraisals and client care for those seeking to sell their property with the team, as well as liaising closely with buyers to ensure all clients receive the highest quality service and advice.

Tony Wright, partner and head of residential at Carter Jonas, said: “This is an exciting time for Alistair to join the firm, following our record turnover in the financial year just ended and a buoyant autumn market. His enthusiasm and his wide range of experience in the property sector will make him a valued member of our team.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →