This week's Yorkshire appointments

James Hartley, Vapour Cloud

Technology specialist Vapour Cloud has appointed James Hartley as a key account manager.

As a university graduate, James first entered the industry as a telemarketer with Virgin Media Business.

After 18 months in that role, James progressed to corporate account management and subsequently a business development position, before moving to Gamma to become a data specialist.

Commenting on his appointment, James said: “When I started out in my career, I felt that the most exciting job prospects came from working in large companies with robust training programmes.”

“I know I’ve learned a lot during my time with such organisations,” he continued. “However, fast forward to what I now look for in a role, and it’s clear that some of the most significant opportunities lie in smaller, ambitious and more agile firms.

“Vapour has gone from being a bold new entrant in the market, only a few years ago, to a key brand known for disrupting the space. The team is not afraid to punch above its weight and neither am I. I’m excited about the impact I can have here.”

Vapour’s CEO Tim Mercer added: “We’re now working with partners and their customers the length and breadth of the UK. It’s therefore crucial that we continue to bolster our team, as we grow, so that we can respond to enquiries quickly, and deliver solutions with the level of quality and speed that fast-paced organisations really need – not least in the current climate.

“James is an experienced, enthusiastic and personable colleague who fits in with the people-led culture within our organisation.

“He can speak the lingo and look beyond the obvious, but won’t promise anything we can’t deliver either. This straight-talking integrity is important in our world.”

Nick Barker and Stephen Garbett, Garbutt + Elliott

Accountancy and business advisory firm Garbutt + Elliott has appointed Nick Barker and Stephen Garbett as corporate finance directors.

Nick Barker and Stephen Garbett both joined the team in 2017 after several years working in corporate finance with another large North Yorkshire accountancy practice.

The appointments will enable Nick Barker and Stephen Garbett to lead their own specialist teams and handle deals.

Head of corporate finance, Tony Farmer, commented: “After a busy and successful start to 2020, in spite of the lockdown, we have a healthy deals pipeline for the rest of the year with a growing number coming through recommendation and involving new clients from outside Yorkshire and Humber.

“As well as allowing Nick and Steve to lead their own deals, supported by Martin Miller providing additional back-up as a corporate finance manager, this expansion will increase our capacity for handling transactions to maintain a high- quality service and create more time for strategic development.”

Paul Davison, Winch & Co

Boutique private equity investment firm Winch & Co has appointed Paul Davison as finance director.

Paul Davison takes over the role of Finance Director at Winch & Co with immediate effect. The firm’s accountant, Stephen Kettle, who will continue to provide financial services to the company, originally took on the role.

Paul joins the firm after working with Winch & Co in a consultant capacity for almost 10 years. He originally qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant in 1996.

Paul then went on to specialise in corporate tax at Ernst & Young, later becoming a partner at an independent firm of tax advisors consulting Winch & Co.

Paul commented: “I’ve worked with Nathan and Winch & Co for some time now, so when I decided to take on other roles, and I was approached, I was happy to assist.”

Nathan Winch, managing partner, added: “I’ve known Paul for nearly a decade, I know how effective he is and his advice so far has been invaluable. The other partners and I are pleased to introduce him to the team.”

Simon Mahon, The Grand York

Five star hotel The Grand in York has appointed Simon Mahon as general manager.

Bringing with him over 20 years of experience within the hospitality industry, Simon was previously director of operation for European aparthotel company, edyn.

Prior to that, Simon held the position of general manager of the Lancaster Hotel in Bangkok along with holding various roles at the likes of Park Plaza and Whitbread.

Simon explained: “We look after people who are away from home and we make them happy. What could be better than that?

“I love working within this hospitality industry, and I’m excited to work alongside the team at The Grand to keep delivering excellence.”

Craig Fletcher, Thornton & Ross

Pharmaceutical manufacturer Thornton & Ross (T&R) has appointed Craig Fletcher as regional supply chain director UK.

With a background in both business and consultancy roles throughout healthcare, FMCG, food, industrial, wholesale and retail spanning more than 20 years, Craig brings a range of experience to the role.

University of Huddersfield graduate Craig is a coach and leader who has recruited and developed high performing supply chain teams for several major UK corporations including Scapa Group and Science In Sport.

Craig specialises in demand and inventory management, supply planning and project management, having implemented numerous projects from site openings and closures to implementing enterprise resource planning systems.

T&R executive vice-president Roger Scarlett-Smith commented: “We are delighted to welcome Craig to the team. He brings with him considerable expertise in end to end supply chain management and he is sure to become a considerable asset to the team, being both a highly experienced supply chain professional and an inspirational leader.”

Craig added: “The more I engaged with T&R through the recruitment process, the stronger sense I got that this was a business with a clear sense of strategy and direction and would be a good cultural fit for myself.

“It is exciting to join and strengthen a relatively new team. We will be working with some exciting brands to enhance the supply chain performance in both the UK and throughout the wider group.

“Experience in this role is vital, particularly with the challenges the pandemic has brought and will continue to place on supply chains, especially within the sectors we operate in.

“My aim is to enable the supply chain to add value to the business and, through collaboration with our wider internal teams and external customers, to improve our contribution to the UK and group business as a whole. I hope to make the supply chain an exciting, rewarding and engaging function to work in and develop a high performing team.”

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