This week's Yorkshire appointments

Wendy Catterall and Hannah Nelson, Clarion

Clarion has appointed Wendy Catterall and Hannah Nelson as associates in the firm’s corporate team.

Wendy and Hannah’s appointments form part of Clarion’s growth strategy, and aim to advance the corporate team’s track record for delivering high standards of client service.

Jonathan Simms, partner in the corporate team, said: “Recruiting top talent like Wendy and Hannah demonstrates our focus - as a team and as a firm - on cultivating Clarion’s next generation of lawyers and future partners.

“It is fantastic to be surrounded by such a talented team and I believe that Wendy and Hannah will add an additional layer of support to the other 12 members of the corporate practice, further enhancing our reputation for delivering outstanding standards of client service and legal advice.

“Clarion continues to go from strength to strength, with double-digit year-on-year growth, and our investment in these latest two new associates demonstrates our high confidence in our future success as a firm.”

Stevland Town, Reed Boardall

Yorkshire-based temperature controlled storage and distribution business, Reed Boardall has appointed Stevland Town as business development manager.

Since joining Reed Boardall in 2001 in an administrative role, Stevland has progressed through several positions, including spending eight years as warehouse manager.

In his new role, Stevland will work closely with the directors of the group’s cold storage and transport divisions to extend services to existing customers as well as identifying and developing new opportunities with other food processors and retailers throughout the UK.

Marcus Boardall, chief executive, said: “Having spent 18 years with Reed Boardall and risen through the ranks, Stev understands our business inside out and, therefore, he is ideally placed to work across the group, highlighting efficiencies and benefits for both existing and potential customers.

“Stev is a fantastic example of one of our many long serving team who through hard work and talent has built a career with us.

“This latest promotion is well-deserved recognition of his commitment and we are confident that his knowledge and enthusiasm will enable him to succeed in this role.”

Joe Johnson, Hayley Wreglesworth and Katie Foyle, Twisted Automotive

Twisted Automotive has brought in three new additions to its business.

New marketing and sales administrator Katie Foyle joins Twisted from Thimbleby Farms, where she worked on clay shoots and events.

Meanwhile, Hayley Wreglesworth, who hails from nearby York, is moving across from her sales support manager role, taking on the position of office administration and after sales co-ordinator.

Joe Johnson has also joined the team. He is a former falconer and M-Sport World Rally Team member, with an excellent knowledge of parts.

Joe added: “It used to be a big part of Twisted when the business first launched and I am amazed at the amount of Twisted developed products there are available, so I can’t wait to start bringing them to market and be involved in developing more!”

Gemma Allchin, Sheffield Forgemasters International Ltd

Sheffield based engineering specialist, Sheffield Forgemasters International Ltd has promoted 33-year-old Gemma Allchin to the position of HR director.

The promotion takes Gemma from the role of HR manager, a job she has held for four years, to become the 10th member of the executive management team.

Gemma has worked at Forgemasters for nine years. She started out as HR officer, and is now focused on delivering a HR strategy for Forgemasters’ 680 employees to tie in with the company’s five-year business plan.

David Bond, CEO at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “Gemma has moved from the operational side of HR to working alongside our other divisional directors to create and deliver our HR strategy, which forms a crucial part of the company’s five-year business plan.

“I am delighted that we have the opportunity to promote someone of Gemma’s calibre who has the requisite skills to step up and work at the top tier of our divisional management.

“We are delighted to see that our investing in talent strategy is paying off by promoting Gemma and hope that this latest appointment to the executive team will inspire other members of our staff who want to progress within the business.”

Mike Farr, Williamsons Solicitors

Solicitor Mike Farr has been recruited to East Yorkshire’s largest defence advocacy team.

He has joined Williamsons Solicitors which has offices in Hull, Beverley, Driffield and Bridlington. The firm employs more than 130 people, with 18, including support staff, working in criminal law.

Farr said: “I got hooked on defence work during my legal training contract more than 20 years ago and have never looked back. It’s a fast moving, exciting and rewarding area of law.

“My work has encompassed all types of criminal defence work from road traffic offences to high-profile cases. What links them all is a strong desire to provide the best representation for clients.”

Lee Wright, Pneumatic Components

Sheffield-based Pneumatic Components has appointed Lee Wright as sales director to drive growth within its distribution business.

Lee brings over 25 years of experience to PCL, having held director-level positions across sales, marketing and commercial functions within B2B industrial businesses, and building up a significant amount of export expertise.

Lee will spearhead the growth and development of the distribution arm of PCL introducing an e-commerce platform for distributors that will bring substantial benefits including real-time stock availability and pricing information as well as other initiatives.

Simon Shorter, sales director at PCL, said: “We are very pleased to announce this strategic appointment as PCL enters an exciting period of growth.

“Lee’s proven track record, strong understanding of our markets, and invaluable export experience means he is well placed to deliver growth in this pivotal role.”

Tim Beale and Tom Dwyer, Keepmoat Homes

Keepmoat Homes has strengthened its senior team with the promotion of a new chief executive and appointment of a new group production director.

Tim Beale, who joined Keepmoat Homes in 2017 has been promoted to the role of chief executive officer for the group having previously served as chief operating officer and deputy chief executive since February 2018.

Alongside the promotion of Tim Tom Dwyer has been appointed as group production director. Tom joins Keepmoat having previously worked at Crest Nicholson for almost 14 years starting as production director for the Midlands and South West regional businesses before becoming MD of the South West business.

Tom will sit on the executive board and oversee all aspects of the production process ensuring a positive customer experience and high quality across all the builder’s developments.

Mark Shepherd, Hull Trains

Hull Trains has appointed Mark Shepherd, the train operating company’s new head of safety and environment.

Mark brings more than 25 years of experience in the industry to his new role. He will focus on all elements of health, safety and environment for Hull Trains.

He starts his role during one of the busiest years for the company - working with all teams on the current fleet, addressing abuse on services and preparing for the introduction of the new fleet of Class 802s coming later this year.

Starting out in the rail industry in 1991 as a conductor, Mark has worked his way up through the ranks at Northern Rail and other rail companies.

He has overseen the introduction of new stations, accessibility improvements at existing ones, level crossing safety improvements, new depots and trains, as well as developing training in conjunction with industry partners, such as the RSSB and Network Rail.

Mark said: “Safety is a crucial component of making sure our services run as they should, and I’m delighted to have been appointed.

“We have a great team at Hull Trains - we are working hard during what is going to be a very exciting year for the company.”

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