This week’s Yorkshire appointments

Grant Thornton has made two new additions to its Yorkshire tax team, with the appointment of Simon Fisk and David Milnes as specialist research and development tax credit advisors.

Simon and David join the firm’s ‘Innovation Group’ – a dedicated team working with businesses across all sectors to ensure that full value is leveraged from Government sponsored tax incentives such as R&D tax credits and patent box.

They will be based in the Leeds and Sheffield offices.

With a background in manufacturing and engineering respectively, followed by five years leading the local offering for R&D tax credit specialist Jumpstart, the pair bring with them extensive experience of working with finance and production teams across all sectors to quickly identify innovation and maximise tax credits within an organisation.

Neil Sengupta, tax partner at Grant Thornton Leeds, said: “We’re thrilled to have Simon and David join the business. Their wealth of experience and technical knowledge within the manufacturing and engineering industries will add unrivalled value to our clients.

“This is another important step in ensuring that Grant Thornton is the go-to firm for growth for dynamic organisations in Yorkshire.”

Simon, who brings a wealth of experience from a manufacturing and product development career spanning 25 years, added: “My move to Grant Thornton comes at an exciting time for the firm’s Yorkshire practice and for the region as a whole. The manufacturing industry is still extremely significant to the region, accounting for 11% of all jobs* and there is a huge opportunity clarefor these businesses to play a crucial role in the economic growth of the Yorkshire region and in the creation of a truly vibrant economy.”

David, who is a mechanical engineer with 20 years’ experience of working in the defence, electronic and packaging industry, commented: “I’m really excited to be joining Grant Thornton and to play a part in the tax teams continued growth. I’m looking forward to harnessing my skills to support the R&D team and wider business.”

Imran Ali, Sue Cooke, Bill Lawrence and Alex Newman, The Media Centre

The Media Centre in Huddersfield has recently appointed four new members to its non-executive board of directors.

Imran Ali, Sue Cooke, Bill Lawrence and Alex Newman have been chosen to assist with the continued growth of The Media Centre, and the provision of wider digital opportunities throughout Kirklees and beyond.

Sue Cooke, an experienced non-executive has direct expertise in higher education, business support and economic development. She is currently head of skills and enterprise at the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership.

Bill Lawrence joins the board with a background in the arts, having worked as head of film at the National Media Museum and creative director at the Sheffield Media and Exhibition Centre, for example. He has also been a board member at many other organisations including Creative England, Screen Yorkshire, Reel Solutions and the York Arts Centre.

Imran Ali joins the board with a background in emerging technologies and founding companies such as Carbon Imagineering, a boutique R&D practice that explores the implications of new technologies, and LSx, a Leeds-based curator and producer of tech events.

The fourth new board member, Alex Newman, is an intellectual property lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, helping businesses to identify and manage the risks and opportunities associated with IP rights.

The new members were chosen following a three month recruitment process that focused on the specific skills and experience that will help establish The Media Centre as a base for innovative companies in the digital sector.

CEO Brent Woods said: “We were overwhelmed by the amount of interest we had in positions on our board and throughout the recruitment process we met a number of inspiring arts and business leaders. We are honoured that Bill, Sue, Imran and Alex accepted our invitation to join us. Each of them brings exciting new ideas and points of view to the table, and will push us to examine our work from new perspectives.”

Cartwright King

Yorkshire law firm Cartwright King has announced three board level appointments and three senior level promotions across the firm’s Sheffield and Leeds offices.

This month, managing director Rupert Hawke becomes chief executive. Chris Byron joins from Aspire Law as managing director south to work alongside Mark Hopwell as managing director for the north.

Chris Byron is an operations specialist with a background in legal services, consulting and retail. He has worked in both public and private sectors in Europe and Asia. Prior to his appointment at Cartwright King, Chris was managing director of Aspire Law which was created out of a partnership between Moore Blatch and the national charity Aspire.

Mark Hopwell has been with Cartwright King since 2001, when he joined as a non-practising barrister before cross-qualifying as a solicitor. He has concentrated predominantly in fraud and white collar crime.

Senior associate Alison Ward has have been promoted to director, Sheffield-based Conor Maguire has been promoted to senior associate and Andrea Prescott who works out of the firm’s Leeds office has become an associate.

Rupert Hawke, Cartwright King CEO, commented: “These appointments are very significant for us as we continue to grow and expand our offer.

“All the promotions recognise the professional application and the contribution to the business of each individual. I warmly congratulate them all.”

“In addition to enjoying a phase of organic growth due to our focus on customer service and improved systems, we are still keen to look at mergers and acquisitions with a particular focus on civil work and key practice areas such as business defence.”

Tom La Dell, BHP Financial Planning

BHP Financial Planning has expanded its team with the appointment of Tom La Dell as a private client financial planner in the firm’s Leeds office.

In his new role, Tom will provide a full range of financial advice to individuals covering retirement planning, investments, inheritance tax and life insurance.

He brings more than 10 years of experience to the firm after previously working as a self-employed financial advisor as well as spending two years at another Leeds-based financial planning company.

Joy Clegg, managing director of BHP Financial Planning, said: “Demand for our services is continually growing due to an aging population, increasing complexities surrounding investments and the number of people who are now recognising the benefits of planning for their retirement.

Tom’s appointment will help us meet this increasing demand and he brings a wealth of experience to the role, so he has immediately become a very welcome addition to the team.“

BHP Financial Planning provides all aspects of personal financial planning, employee engagement and corporate financial planning. The company operates across BHP’s office network covering Leeds, York, Sheffield, Cleckheaton, Chesterfield and Harrogate.

Kristopher Jones, Fresh Design International

Fresh Design International is strengthening its architectural services in the Humber region.

Having designed more than 300 Harley-Davidson stores in 51 countries and with big name clients including Beretta, Jane Norman, Siemens and Timberland, the Hull-based firm has recruited architect Kristopher Jones to complete its team.

Mr Jones aims to build on the work he has already accomplished in the region, including new build and refurbishment projects, and contribute to the ongoing development of his home city as it gears up for City of Culture 2017.

He completed his master’s degree at Leeds School of Architecture (now Leeds Beckett University) and is a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Before joining Fresh, he was involved with proposals for the transformation of the listed Bretton Hall in Yorkshire Sculpture Park into a luxury hotel and, more recently, in the Priority Schools Building Programme, including his old school, Hessle High School and Sixth Form, along with Francis Askew Primary School in Hull.

Simon Wardle, managing director, said: “With Kristopher’s appointment, we are offering a comprehensive design service to our home region.

“Our starting point is getting to know clients’ objectives, visions and goals, taking a holistic approach to design and develop environments, which can subconsciously influence the decisions of its users.

“Good design should seem effortless, creating positive relationships with its users and as a result forming positive associations with the prospective brand or company.”

Fresh Design International now has offices in the USA, Brazil, Japan, South Africa and Mexico with others soon to be opened in Eastern Europe, North America and the Far East.

Ade Barwick, Ginetta

Ginetta has announced that Ade Barwick will join the team as commercial director.

Ade’s role forms an integral part of the continued investment programme in Ginetta which is now focused on the globalisation of the Yorkshire marque.

Building upon an introduction of the Ginetta Prototype and the resulting interest from overseas, the research and development team will continue to improve the Ginetta model range to reach new markets.

Matt Lowe, LNT Group CEO, said: “Having raced with Ginetta for many years, Ade not only has the business acumen to push forward the globalisation of the Ginetta brand, but as a loyal customer he completely understands what we are all about.

“Most importantly, he knows first-hand what our customers want.”

Ade Barwick, Ginetta commercial director, added: “I can’t thank Lawrence Tomlinson enough for giving me the opportunity to be involved with the next phase of Ginetta’s development.

“There are so many fantastic opportunities both in the UK and overseas for Ginetta that it will be a very interesting time to be part of the team.”

Sara Ahmed, Grace Allison, and Lucinda Ross, Clarion

Leeds law firm Clarion has strengthened its 12-strong commercial property team with the addition of an associate and two new paralegals.

Grace Allison joined the firm’s property law team as a paralegal three years ago while undertaking her LPC part time and has now been appointed as an associate following the completion of her training.

After graduating from Leeds University with a BA in European Union Studies with Law, she worked part time in the Citizens Advice Bureau and completed her GDL at BPP Law School in Leeds before going on to study for her LPC at College of Law, Manchester.

Sara Ahmed joins Clarion as a paralegal having graduated from University of Huddersfield with Law (Exempting) Master of Law and Practice (MLP). Over the last two years, she has gained experience as a remortgage legal assistant, a legal assistant and a conveyancing assistant.

Lucinda Ross also takes on the role of paralegal after completing her MLP from University of Huddersfield and working as a residential conveyancing legal assistant and a commercial property legal assistant.

Martin Grange, partner and head of Clarion’s property practice, commented: “After a strong year, the commercial property landscape remains buoyant and we are continuing to build the practice as demand for our services grows.

“Having recently appointed a third partner to the property team, it is vital that we also continue to attract and nurture the brightest young talent – it’s great to see Grace qualifying into the team and we’re delighted to welcome Sara and Lucinda.”

Charlie Mitchell, Twisted Automotive

Twisted Automotive has announced the appointment of a new marketing manager.

Charlie Mitchell will be responsible for supporting the company’s expansion, brand partnerships, and the launch of a range of new services over the next three years.

Mrs Mitchell joins the business from Skipton Building Society, where she held a senior role as marketing communications manager.

Twisted Automotive recently announced a leap in orders following the end in production of the iconic Land Rover Defender.

Based in North Yorkshire, Twisted can spend over 800 hours improving everything from simple bolts, to full engine rebuilds and handcrafted interiors.

Twisted’s main business involves buying new Defenders and modifying them to individual customers specifications. It offers a range of models, provides custom builds, and also restores and improves customers’ existing vehicles with a ‘drive-in-drive-out’ service.

Commenting on the appointment Charlie Mitchell said: “I’ve loved Twisted vehicles for years. I jumped at the chance to work with a globally recognised brand, and play an important role in the company’s expansion.”

Claire Sargeant, The Floow

Sheffield-based telematics company The Floow has promoted Claire Sargeant to head of client development.

The newly formed role will see Sargeant oversee all insurance client relationships and head up an expanding team of account managers and business development directors.

With over 5 years’ experience working in the telematics arena she joined The Floow team in 2014; with former roles including UK business development manager at Octo, and having spent four years at Hastings Direct where she implemented and delivered a variety of projects including the company’s telematics motor insurance products.

Commenting on her new role Claire, who will now focus primarily on The Floow’s long term strategy for growth and new customer acquisition, said: “The Floow has a track record of being a market disrupter and, as a result, we have enjoyed rapid growth over the last couple of years.

“My new role will help us to structure ourselves in such a way that we are best-placed to continue this upward trend, and remain focussed on meeting the needs of our growing international client base.

“I’m very proud of our entrepreneurial and innovative culture at The Floow, as well as our ability to keep our clients, and their customers – the end-users of our telematics products which are designed to facilitate safer driving - at the heart of everything that we do.

“I remain committed in my new role to ensuring that this remains the foundation of our client development strategy, aligned with our mission of making vehicles cheaper and safer for all.”

Marta Rijo, Source Marketing Communications

Leeds-based Source Marketing Communications has appointed Marta Rijo as an account executive.

A recent postgraduate in Public Relations and Strategic Communications at Leeds Beckett University, Marta will be working across a number of different accounts, including Whitakers Chocolates, Bellway Homes, Beacon Bingo and Ultimate Finance.

Her areas of specific interest include digital communication and strategic communication planning.

Peter Downey, a director of Source, said: “This is an exciting time for Source. We’re celebrating our 15th anniversary, have recently won a number of new accounts and, of course, have added Marta to the team.

“She joins as a young professional starting out in her PR career and we’re absolutely certain that she’ll bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to everything we do.”

Marta Rijo added: “It’s great to join Source and assist the team with their accounts. Hopefully my multi-cultural knowledge and experience, will play a big part in helping this recognised and skilled agency evolve and grow.”

Paul Evans, The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa

The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa, Bolton Abbey, has announced the appointment of Paul Evans as head chef of its ‘Burlington Restaurant’.

Paul joins The Devonshire Hotel & Restaurant Group from the 4 red star/3 AA rosette/Michelin-starred Lords of the Manor Hotel in the Cotswolds, where he was senior sous chef, working under Richard Picard Edwards.

Other Michelin-starred establishments he has worked in include L’Enclume in The Lake District, The Waterside Inn at Bray and The Crown at Whitebrook.

Other notable roles in Paul’s career include The London Carriage Works restaurant in Liverpool, where Paul started his career, The Hibiscus Restaurant in Mayfair and a stint with Barclays Bank at Canary Wharf in London.

Adam Dyke, general manager, commented: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming Paul, he has a fantastic background and we are excited to see him develop at The Devonshire Arms.”

Paul Evans commented: “I love working with local produce and certainly the Dales region and the Bolton Abbey estate itself is going to be inspiring and there’s a lot to explore.

“I am looking forward to creating some new dishes to reflect the best that the area has on offer for our customers’ enjoyment. The Devonshire Arms has an incredible reputation. I am looking forward to the new role and heading up a great team there.’

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