This week's Yorkshire appointments

Yorkshire law firm Rollits LLP is starting its new financial year with a number of promotions.

The firm is adding two new partners to its ranks and promoting three solicitors, one of whom makes the step-up to associate.

The promotions see Jennifer Sewell (Dispute Resolution) and Ed Heppel (Employment), who had both previously held the position of associate, promoted to partners in the firm.

Private client solicitor Sarah Adams has achieved associate status and two property lawyers, Sophie Wheeldon and Gareth Orriss have been made up to senior solicitors.

Jennifer, Sarah and Sophie all started their legal careers as trainees at the firm and Ed and Gareth joining from other local firms after qualification.

Ralph Gilbert, managing partner at Rollits, said: “I would like to congratulate Jennifer, Ed, Sarah, Gareth & Sophie on their promotions.

“All are thoroughly well deserved, and they have proved themselves to be very capable and focused on achieving the best possible results for clients in the work that they undertake.”

Neil Bestwick, Sanderson Weatherall

Sanderson Weatherall, the commercial property consultancy,m has appointed a new shareholding partner at its Leeds office.

Neil Bestwick has become a shareholder of the independently owned property firm, and is one of four new shareholder appointments that have been made across the firm.

Neil is a partner in the firm’s asset advisory and recovery team, joined the firm in 1999 as a graduate surveyor and specialises in providing advice to insolvency practitioners on property related matters.

His clients including the ‘big four’ accountancy firms, as well as smaller niche operators. Neil also provides advice to a variety of secured lenders in taking security and is an RICS Registered Property Receiver.

David Rastrick, head of office at Sanderson Weatherall Leeds, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Neil on board as shareholder.

“We have seen our turnover increase by 5% this year and are going through some exciting changes in the firm with the relocation of our Leeds office to the £100m Central Square development, as well as launching an updated brand and widening our service offering across the wider office network.

“I am looking forward to seeing Neil taking on an important role in our continued growth over the next period.”

Grace Anderson, Andrew Loades, Claire Bland, Charlotte Hill, Stephen Booth, Harriet Aisthorpe, Born + Raised

Born + Raised, the Sheffield-based creative agency, has recruited four new team members and made three promotions.

Tamsin Valentino, who led the client services team for two years, is now the agency’s first strategy director. She has been tasked to build and develop the newly formed strategy and planning team, which represents an increasing amount of the agency’s business.

The vacant client services director post has been filled by Charlotte Hill, who has been an account director with the agency for three years. Charlotte will also join the senior management team.

The agency has also brought in new talent to bolster their service offering. Stephen Booth joins the agency as a senior account manager, Claire Bland as account manager and Grace Anderson as account executive.

Harriet Aisthorpe has also been promoted to senior account executive.

Finally, Andrew Loades has been appointed to a brand new position of client relationship manager.

Andy Weir, managing director, said: “It’s great to see talent being nurtured through the agency, and to welcome inspiring new people into the team.

“As we move into our ninth year in business, there’s a real buzz about the agency, and I’m excited to see our business growth accelerating as we strengthen both our team and our service offering.”

Andrew Playle, Mills & Reeve

Andrew Playle, partner in the Leeds office of law firm Mills & Reeve, has been promoted to national head of private wealth.

Andrew joined the Leeds office in 2016 from Bond Dickinson and has played an instrumental role in doubling the turnover of both the team and the office.

Andrew, who specialises in advising high net worth entrepreneurial clients, will continue to be based in the Leeds office.

He said: “The Leeds team has enjoyed excellent growth over the last few years and is a leader in the Yorkshire market. It now seems like a natural progression to take on the national role.

“Our multi-awarding winning private wealth practise is an integral part of the firm’s offering and works closely with all teams including corporate and commercial, dispute resolution and real estate to offer clients a complete legal service.

“I am very much looking forward to help further develop the national practice.”

Adam Kudryl, Harper James Solicitors

Harper James Solicitors, the Sheffield-based commercial law fir, has announced the further expansion of its national team with the appointment of corporate partner Adam Kudryl.

Adam brings with him a wealth of experience in corporate law, specialising in mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures in the property development and asset finance sector; having previously worked as firm-wide head of banking and Cambridge head of corporate at Howes Percival Solicitors.

Harper James has a team made up of more than 40 Partners, solicitors and support staff.

Toby Harper, Harper James CEO, said: “Adam joins the team at an exciting time for the firm which continues to grow at pace as more and more businesses identify with and see the benefits of our unique offering.

“During this period it’s vital that our management team is strong so that we can deliver against the increasing demand for our services, and Adam’s experience operating in partner-level positions in Corporate and Company Law renders him highly-skilled for the job. We are delighted to be welcoming him to the team.”

Paul Hammond, Park Leisure

Park Leisure, the York-based holiday homes provider, has appointed Paul Hammond as marketing manager.

Prior to joining Park Leisure, Hammond worked for Capita Resourcing, as part of the British Army Recruiting Partnership Project.

The role saw him responsible for raising the profile of Army Careers in the North of England, and driving candidate application through localised and national marketing campaigns.

Hammond will report directly to Lisa Williams, head of marketing, and take an active role in the execution of all central marketing activity for the York-based brand.

Hammond said: “I have always admired Park Leisure and the quality of the services they offer. I am delighted to be joining the business during a period of substantial growth and development.”

Lisa Williams added; “We are thrilled to have Paul join the team, he brings with him a wealth of knowledge and I’m certain he will be a fantastic asset to the business.”

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