This week’s Yorkshire appointments

Dan Goodall, Pitman Training Group

Training franchise business Pitman Training Group has appointed Dan Goodall for the role of group operations director.

Dan has worked for the Wetherby-based company for 12 years in a number of roles.

He heads up a team of 30 across four locations, providing support and training to more than 1,000 students annually.

Chief exec Claire Lister said: “It’s great to see a member of the team really develop and grow within the business.

“We pride ourselves on our commitment to our team, and in turn are rewarded by incredible loyalty and performance.”

She continued: “Dan is tremendously passionate about Pitman Training and the service our directly operated centres in Newcastle, Manchester, Leeds and London, Holborn provide for our students – changing lives and enabling dreams to come true.

“It’s wonderful to see Dan realise one of his own long held ambitions and achieve Director status.”

Dan commented: “I’m proud to work for such a great brand, which has been associated with educational excellence since 1837.

“I’m passionate about providing quality vocational training to individuals and corporate clients in our supported learning environment.”

Speaking further, he said: “My team and I care deeply about the need for all our students to gain positive learning outcomes, which will enable them to achieve their career aspirations, whether that’s to get their first job, switch roles, return to work or to get that promotion.”

Steve Johns, Weightmans

Law firm Weightmans has appointed a new partner at its office in Leeds.

Steve Johns joined the company’s planning and infrastructure team, bringing with him almost two decades of experience,

He previously worked for DLA Piper, where he advised on major infrastructure projects across the rail transport, social infrastructure and waste treatment facilities sectors – among them a £260m refinancing of the Leeds Oncology PFI project and Merseytravel’s £600m Fleet Replacement Programme.

Steve said: “We are seeing a great momentum behind large-scale infrastructure projects designed to enhance the accessibility and connectivity of our towns and cities, support housing growth and reinvigorate the economy.

“The devolution agenda brings with it great opportunities to put infrastructure development at the heart of growth strategies for the regions.”

He continued: “Weightmans’ Built Environment offering has been designed with this in mind, supporting clients at every stage - from conception to funding, construction, completion and use – with a focus on delivery.

“I am pleased to be joining the firm at such an exciting and progressive time for the industry.”

Weightmans’ head of planning and infrastructure, partner Lee Gordon, commented: “Steve is a very well-connected and highly regarded lawyer, providing commercial advice with a true focus on client solutions.”

Stella Cooper and Jamie Miller, RSM

Audit, tax and consulting company RSM has announced two promotions in Leeds.

Stella Cooper and Jamie Miller have both been elevated to partner level in the accounting and business advisory and restructuring advisory teams respectively.

Stella joined the firm in 2000 as a trainee. She specialises in financial reporting, including acquisition accounting and impact assessments.

Jamie has worked for RSM since 2003. He has over 15 years of experience advising underperforming businesses, with a specialism in corporate restructuring and insolvency.

RSM’s Kevin O’Connor said of the promotions: “We’re an ambitious firm and attracting and developing talent is a central part of our strategy to be first-choice advisers to middle market leaders in the UK, which is why it’s great to see Stella and Jamie reaching partnership.

“Both colleagues have played an active role in shaping our accounting and business advisory and restructuring practices; and in their new roles they will build on this momentum – helping more clients to achieve their strategic goals.”

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