This week's Yorkshire appointments

Clare Bennett, Patricia Obawole and William Reynolds

Three trainee solicitors at LCF Law have all successfully qualified and been offered permanent roles by the firm, across its corporate and personal divisions.

Clare Bennett, Patricia Obawole and William Reynolds have all spent the last two years working as trainee solicitors at LCF Law.

Both Patricia and William are now based in the firm’s corporate division in Leeds city centre. Patricia graduated from Bournemouth University in 2016, before joining LCF Law the following summer.

William graduated from Leeds Beckett University in 2015 and immediately secured a paralegal role at LCF Law, before becoming a trainee solicitor two years later.

Susan Clark, who heads up LCF Law’s corporate team, said: “Clare, Patricia and William have all enjoyed a very successful two years, working across a range of our departments, and thoroughly deserve to qualify.

“During this time, they’ve continually demonstrated their capabilities, and gone above and beyond for clients, so we’re delighted to offer them permanent roles and look forward to seeing them embark on the next chapter of their careers with us.”

Zoe Harrison, Dacre Son & Hartley

Dacre Son & Hartley has appointed chartered surveyor Zoe Harrison as a land agent within its agricultural division, headquartered in Ilkley.

Zoe, who graduated from Harper Adams University in Shropshire with a degree in Rural Enterprise and Land Management joins from Lister Haigh, where she spent over four years and achieved her APC qualification.

She previously worked for Davis & Bowring in Lancashire.

Zoe, who is a RICS member and registered valuer, will work with the head of the department, Ian Cox, on the sale, purchase and management of agricultural, forestry and sporting estates throughout the North of England.

She said: “I’m looking forward to my new role within Dacres. The firm has a great reputation and it’s an opportunity for me to progress my career, working with clients, who range from private land owners to charities and major pension funds.

“The agricultural division also handles compulsory purchase and pipeline negotiations, compensation claims, land sales and letting, farms and sporting rights, as well as estate management and provides professional consultancy services on all aspects of rural property work, so it will be a busy role - but one with plenty of variety.”

Dr Alan James, Institute of Directors

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has appointed Dr Alan James as its regional ambassador for transport and infrastructure.

Alan is a former vice-president of Virgin Hyperloop One and has led Expert Alliance, a Northumberland-based specialist strategic infrastructure practice, since 2002.

He has more than 20 years of experience in transport and infrastructure roles, including roles as project director for HS2, the Stoke Route and chief executive, UK Ultraspeed for Siemens/Thyssen Krupp.

Dr Alan James said: “I am delighted and honoured to serve as the regional ambassador for transport and infrastructure in Yorkshire and the North East.

“I look forward to helping the IoD to shape a policy that is broader than just transport, positioning infrastructure itself as a key competitive advantage, not just an enabler.”

Alex Hobson, Coalfields Regeneration Trust

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust has appointed Alex Hobson as development officer supporting its Game On England sports programme.

Alex will take responsibility for coordinating and developing the Game On England programme across the Yorkshire region, aiming to improve the health, skills and self esteem of young people from coalfield communities.

He commented: “I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact football can have on young people from disadvantaged areas and how it was capable of changing their lives.

“Following on from my previous role, I was determined to carry on making an impact in local communities and I knew I would be given the opportunity to do so with the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

“I am a firm believer that participation in sport and physical activity can change lives, but I expect that removing existing barriers to participation will be the biggest challenge in my new role.

“However, I am determined to encourage as many people as possible to access the programme and benefit from the many opportunities it presents.”

Sonny Gosai, Norton Finance Group

The Norton Finance Group has appointed Sonny Gosai to the newly established role of senior sales and development manager.

Sonny brings a wealth of business development experience in the commercial, bridging, loans and mortgage markets from his previous roles as sales and operations manager at Clever Lending and as a partner at Phoenix Financial Solutions.

On this new appointment, Paul Stringer, director of The Norton Finance Group, said: “Sonny is an excellent addition to our sales development team, and he brings a range of experience and knowledge that will help deliver over the next decade increased business levels for the group.”

Sonny added: “I am delighted to be joining one of the longest standing and successful companies in the financial sector. I look forward to helping Norton achieve their goals over the coming years. It is an honor to work with what is a pillar of the industry.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →