This week's Yorkshire appointments

Absolute Commercial Interiors, the Harrogate-based commercial interior specialist, has invested in securing talent from across the region taking their dedicated team to 21.

The new appointments follow on from a series of large client wins.

Recent clients include the redesign of the new-look The Man Behind Curtain restaurant in Leeds, as well as the seven-figure refurbishment of the Leeds United banqueting suites.

Phil Brown, owner of Absolute Commercial Interiors, explained: “We understand that we are only as good as the people that work for us and that’s why we invest in our team. Offering flexible working, great offices and competitive financial packages.

“The new additions to the team include creative talent and operational skills, which will help us continue to grow and continue to offer our clients the best service and design.

The new recruits include Tom Hare, who brings 15 years’ experience in shop, exhibition and museum fitting to his new role as project manager.

Linzi Kate Oldfield joined Absolute Commercial Interiors in the role of sales administrator. Linzi’s career spans over 15 years and includes time as an illustrator and also business owner.

Before joining Absolute Commercial Interiors, Sharron Wormald ran her own small business – Bessies Cottage – refurbishing vintage furniture. She also has many years’ experience in administrative roles including with Farnell Landrover. She joins the team as a furniture project manager.

Ian Burgess is the fourth new team member joining as design director. Ian has joined the team from HOK London.

Gavin Winter, Gearalt Fahy and Paul Ball, Gateley Plc

The Leeds office of national law firm, Gateley Plc, has further expanded its Yorkshire presence with the appointment of its first employment partners; Paul Ball and Gearalt Fahy.

Paul and Gearalt join Gateley Plc from 3volution Ltd where they were both partners.

Paul has over 20 years’ experience advising employers on all aspects of employment law, in particular discrimination issues, contractual issues arising on business transfers, as well as significant experience of delivering in-house client training.

Prior to 3volution, he held positions at Eversheds and DLA Piper, as well as experience as acting in-house employment counsel at Sodexo Limited.

Gearalt has almost 18 years’ experience in advising employers on complex and strategic legal work. He has particular expertise in the protection of business interests and the enforcement of contract terms post termination, with significant practice in the construction, engineering, energy and mining sectors.

Previous firms include Ford & Warren and Watson Burton.

Additionally, the Leeds Commercial Dispute Resolution team has hired partner Gavin Winter, from Watson Burton LLP. Gavin has more than 17 years’ experience handling disputes of all varieties, including both commercial and contractual disputes, negligence actions and property litigation.

William Ballmann, head of the Leeds office, said: “The arrival of Paul and Gearalt to the Employment team further expands our practice in Leeds, as part of our strategy to develop a full-service offering in Yorkshire.

“After only five years in the city, I’m delighted to be announcing yet further growth but most importantly, with people that have the right skills, experience and personality. Gavin, Paul and Gearalt are an excellent fit for us.”

Martin Hirst, First West Yorkshire

Bus operator First West Yorkshire has made a new addition to its senior team, with the appointment of a new commercial director.

Martin Hirst, who has over 20 years’ experience in the retail sector, has joined First West Yorkshire this month to lead the commercial team.

Reporting directly to First West Yorkshire managing director Paul Matthews, Martin’s new role will see him take on overall responsibility for the company’s proposition, network and performance.

He will also oversee; fares and tickets, the local marketing strategy, stakeholder engagement and contract tendering.

Martin has joined the business from outside the industry, having recently worked for retailer Boots and its hearing care partner Sonova. He has held many roles within the business, having started as a store manager and working his way up to commercial director and more recently, national retail director.

Paul Matthews, managing director of First West Yorkshire, said: “I’m proud to welcome Martin on board and I’m confident that he will be able to bring new ideas and a fresh way of thinking to help the business to continue to move forwards.”

Martin Hirst, added: “I am delighted to be joining First Bus at such an exciting time, particularly in West Yorkshire and look forward to working with the team and local stakeholders to support the ambition of doubling passenger numbers in Leeds and delivering truly market leading services.”

Carter Jonas

Carter Jonas, the national property consultancy, has made nine promotions within its Yorkshire network, from Leeds, Harrogate, Boroughbridge and York.

Chris Hartnell, based in the Leeds office, is promoted to associate partner and will lead the firm’s commercial agency team in the north. Chris joined Carter Jonas in 2009 and advises landlords and tenants on leasehold and freehold opportunities and provides strategic advice to occupiers across the region.

In the planning and development team, whose Yorkshire operation is based out of the firm’s Leeds and Harrogate offices, Daniel Sherwood is promoted to associate partner and Kate Broadbank and Emma Winter to associate.

With a multi-disciplinary surveying background, Daniel joined the firm in 2013. He now specialises in development land agency and development appraisals for both residential and commercial schemes. Kate joined Carter Jonas in 2002 and Emma in 2010 and both advise clients across the region on all aspects of town and country planning, including the development potential of land and property in urban and rural areas.

From the residential team, Anne Haggas and Amy Wall based in the firm’s Harrogate office, have been promoted to associate partner and senior negotiator respectively.

Anne, head of New Homes for the north, joined Carter Jonas in 2014, and is instructed on a number of flagship schemes across the region. Amy returned to Carter Jonas in 2014, having previously worked in the York office for five years.

In the rural team, Lizzie Clarke and Neil Colver are promoted to associate partner and Laura Graham is promoted to associate. Lizzie, based in the Harrogate office, joined Carter Jonas in 2007 and has over 15 years of estate management experience with some of the country’s largest landowners.

Neil Colver, based in the firm’s Boroughbridge office, joined Carter Jonas in 2013 and has a broad range of experience in the rural sector including estate management, rural agency and town and country planning.

Laura is based out of Carter Jonas’ York office having joined the firm in 2011. Laura specialises in rural estate management.

Mark Granger, chief executive of Carter Jonas, said: “Over the past 12 months we have continued our expansion, growing existing teams, adding new business lines and extending our geographical reach across the country.

“Our revenue has increased by 58 per cent in four years and our ability to do this is dependent on the talent, knowledge and experience of all our people. I extend my thanks and congratulations to all of those who have been promoted.

“These latest promotions demonstrate that our business will remain strong and achieve its ambitions if we give our people the opportunity to develop their careers with us.”

Francis Patton, KwizzBit

KwizzBit, the Leeds-based technology company, has appointed a new non-executive director to its team.

Francis Patton, who has over 30 years’ industry experience in the licensed hospitality sector, will be advising on KwizzBit’s continuing growth within the pub market.

Currently holding positions on a number of boards including SIBA Barnsley Hospital, Francis is also the non-executive chair of Cask Marque. He has worked with numerous pub business brands including Vanguard Pubs and Restaurants and Punch Taverns.

Established in 2016, KwizzBit is a web-based gaming platform, founded by Mark Walsh. The business, which employs a team of six industry professionals, operates out of the company’s base at Entrepreneurial Spark in Leeds.

KwizzBit has so far been implemented in more than 450 pubs and venues across the UK and aims to reach one million KwizzBit players by 2020.

Mark Walsh, managing director, said: “Francis’ appointment is a huge coup for the business, the experience and depth of knowledge he brings to his role is a significant step for KwizzBit and its future growth within the market.

“We are delighted to welcome him to the team and we are really excited to be working together to realise KwizzBit’s full potential.”

Francis added: “I am thrilled to have been given this opportunity, KwizzBit is a unique product that’s already making exciting inroads into the licensed hospitality sector and I’m really looking forward to assisting in the organisation’s ongoing success.

“The company now looks set to enter new markets attracting the attention from a variety of other sectors, including learning and development and the promotional market for audience participation at events and conferences. KwizzBit is now well on its way to becoming the next generation of interactive marketing software.”

Gemma Gale-Watts and Sarah Clark, MK Public Relations

MK Public Relations, the Sheffield-based PR agency, has strengthened its team with the appointment of a new business director, and a dedicated PR intern.

Gemma Gale-Watts has taken up the position of business director to work alongside MK managing director Caroline Woffenden.

Moving to MK from a managerial role at The Football Association, Gemma will be taking on the day-to-day running and financial management of the business.

Caroline commented: “MK is entering a new era as we work to manage and broaden our client base.

“Gemma is a timely new addition to the team, bringing with her a fantastic set of skills and experience to help the business reach its full potential over the next few years.”

Also joining the team is University of Sheffield student Sarah Clark. Sarah will work with the account team to manage a range of MK clients, which include Meadowhall; the Floow; Commercial Property Partners and The Botanist.

MK PR, a business specialising in media relations, crisis communication, stakeholder strategies, event management, social media and copywriting, represent a wide portfolio of leading regional and national names.

Matt Smith, Barclays

Barclays has announced a new appointment to the Humber team for businesses in the East Yorkshire area.

Matt Smith joins the team as a relationship director and will be responsible for looking after the needs of businesses with a turnover of £6.5m upwards.

Smith, who has been a banker for the last 28 years, has extensive knowledge of the corporate sector and most recently he was the national head of marine and transport and then senior director of Social Housing delivering large complex transactions.

He completed his Executive MBA at Hull University in 2012.

Smith said: “Moving to Barclays is a welcome return to the region, having previously worked in Grimsby, Doncaster, Sheffield and Hull. I was particularly attracted to the growth Barclays is enjoying locally and look forward to adding to that growth.

“My primary focus will be local authorities, education, social housing and professional services, albeit I would welcome the opportunity to discuss any business in the local market.”

Andrew Marsh, head of corporate banking for South Yorkshire and the Humber, commented: “Recruiting talent is key to our expansion plans and Matt’s sector and local market knowledge will be a huge asset for the customers across the region.”

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