This week's Yorkshire appointments

Martin Gerrard, Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce

Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce has appointed Martin Gerrard as its president.

A senior premier relationship manager based at Barclays James Street branch, Martin was elected to the position by fellow chamber members at the organisation’s first ever online annual general meeting.

Martin, who was named Harrogate Business Personality of the Year in 2018. He first joined Barclays in 1973 and in a career spanning more than 45 years, has worked in a number of different departments, including operations, lending, foreign and securities, as well as in specialist roles.

In 1978, Martin became the bank’s first student business officer, then four years later secured a position as head of securities in Skipton.

Martin has twice been chairman of round table and has served on a range of local and regional charities, including in the role of trustee.

Sandra Doherty, Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce chief executive, commented: “Martin is one of the most familiar businesses faces in Harrogate and we are delighted that he has become our president.

“He is a very popular and long-serving Chamber member, and for a number of years has played his part on the management committee.

“I’m now looking forward to working alongside Martin and the management committee, in taking the Chamber to the next stage in its 124 year history.”

Martin added: “It’s an absolute honour to be elected as president of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, and playing my continued part within this important business organisation.

“Whilst Covid-19 has certainly presented us with significant challenges, my first priority is to increase membership and that in turn will give us a stronger collective voice.

“Working alongside other organisations, we need to jointly promote Harrogate regionally, nationally and internationally. Times are changing and we need to look to the future and not dwell on the past.”

Joel Berwitz, SBL

Technology consultancy SBL has appointed Joel Berwitz as chief revenue officer.

The firm, which is set to rebrand to boxxe next month, has appointed Joel to oversee the sales, marketing, partners and technology innovation teams.

Joel has a decade of experience building and managing technology-led sales teams. Having moved to SBL in July 2019 as digital solutions director, Joel has been working with the SBL teams to help build the brand’s new identity and to shape the vision and value proposition.

Prior to his time at SBL, Joel was the head of cloud services sales for tech products and services firm CDW UK.

Joel commented: “I’m excited to be taking on this new position at SBL as we transition to boxxe in September. Our aim is to build an organisation which fits our new mission of ‘Making Technology Human’ which now, more than ever, is of huge importance to both our customers and the wider society.

“As our customers are making their way through what can be an incredibly complex and confusing technology transformation, our place is to support that journey with a set of simple services which provide a clear outcome.

“There is a huge opportunity for us to create an amazing organisation with boxxe where, in partnership with our customers, together we will help them to continue their transformation journey during and post the COVID-19 pandemic.”

SBL CEO Phil Doye added: “As digital transformation accelerates, the way technology partners interact with our customers is changing. As requirements become increasingly complex it’s become more important to align the correct team of resources to ensure a successful outcome.

“These resources include account management, technical experts and our partner community; all delivered alongside an enhanced digital experience.

“Joel has a proven ability to simplify this complexity and keep the customer at the heart of what we do.”

Alexandra Fogal, EY

Accountancy and professional services firm EY has appointed Alexandra Fogal as an associate partner.

Alexandra Fogal joins EY following 17 years with Barclays working with and advising businesses across Yorkshire and the North East.

Fogal was previously head of business development for the manufacturing, transport & logistics (MTL) sector at Barclays Corporate in Leeds.

Prior to this, also at Barclays Corporate, she was the business development director for the Yorkshire region where she managed a portfolio of high value corporate banking clients in the manufacturing sector..

During her 17-year tenure at Barclays, Fogal also established and managed the national Women in Business Awards which ran for six years. In addition, she led the Barclays’ Women Network and sat on its national diversity and inclusion (D&I) board.

Suzanne Robinson, EY’s managing partner for Yorkshire and Humberside commented: “It’s great to have Alexandra in the team, she’ll be pivotal in supporting the region’s private businesses by introducing them to EY’s wide-range of support services to help them grow.

“She has a wealth of corporate experience, gleaned right here in Yorkshire, giving her the local knowledge to strengthen and develop our long-term relationships with businesses and provide them with the right advice to expand their market presence.”

Speaking on her appointment, Fogal added: “I’ve been working with businesses across Yorkshire for all my career and after 14 years of corporate banking experience, I know the challenges that businesses right across the region are facing when it comes to growth.

“I’m really excited to start this new role and help private businesses of all shapes and sizes with their growth aspirations by combining my network and knowledge of the local market with EY’s strengths and depth of expertise.”

David Spillane, IoD

IoD Yorkshire and North East has appointed David Spillane as digital ambassador for North Yorkshire.

David has over 12 years’ experience in orchestrating and leading digital transformation initiatives in UK based private and public sector organisations as well as within the US, Asia and Scandinavia.

He currently heads up digital strategy for Leeds-based Pocketworks, a recognised leader in the field of user-based mobile digital solutions.

David commented: “I am delighted to represent the IoD as the digital ambassador for North Yorkshire. My immediate priority is to reach out and listen to business leaders across North Yorkshire who have faced unprecedented challenges this year.

“Incorporating digital solutions into businesses is now a top priority and it is important for us to understand how the IoD can support and add value both during the current crisis, and in the future.”

Caroline Pullich, acting IoD North Yorkshire branch chair, added: “I am really pleased that David has become our digital ambassador, strengthening the IoD’s voice in one of Yorkshire and the North East’s largest areas, which faces key challenges in the months ahead.”

Helen Wade-Smith, YRC Resin Drives of Distinction

Resin driveway company YRC Resin Drives of Distinction has appointed Helen Wade-Smith as office manager.

University of Edinburgh graduate Helen - who undertook an internship in a Hong Kong-based advertising agency – will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the team’s work schedules, directors’ diaries, customer and supplier liaison.

Prior to her current role, Helen gained previous experience across a range of roles including working as a VIP client services executive and media sales consultant.

YRC’s managing director, Mark Kennedy, who launched the company in 2007, said: “In the short time Helen has been with us, she has proved to be a real asset.

“Having her as office manager means we can concentrate on what we’re good at, laying residential and commercial resin drives, whilst knowing the office is being well managed and the needs of our customers are being looked after. She is also experienced in managing suppliers too.”

Helen added: “In my previous role as a media sales consultant I got to know Mark and the YRC team well. And, from being a client - he is now my boss!

“YRC Resin Drives of Distinction is a great local business and I’m very much looking forward to making my mark within it.”

Jerry Sisk, Garbutt + Elliott

Garbutt + Elliott Wealth Management has appointed Jerry Sisk as financial planner.

Jerry joins the firm from TPO(The Private Office) where he was a financial adviser. Prior to this he worked at Barclays Wealth & Investment Management where he was a private banker, working closely with the Corporate Bank and heading up the Charity team.

With over 24 years in the industry, Jerry has also previously worked at Chase de Vere Investments. He started his career in the Army, in the Royal Engineers.

Rob Simpson, managing director for G+E Wealth Management said: “Jerry is the latest addition to the G+E Wealth adviser team which has seen its overall headcount double over the last 18 months.

“Jerry has an impressive background and over his career he has advised some of Yorkshire’s wealthiest families. I am delighted to welcome him to the team.’”

Jerry added: “G+E Wealth Management has an enviable reputation and I am very much looking forward to working with my new colleagues to assist our clients with bespoke planning strategies in these extraordinary times.”

Dean Hoyle, Heather Jackson and Jasbir Singh Athwal DL, Leeds Cares

Leeds Cares has appointed Dean Hoyle, Heather Jackson and Jasbir Singh Athwal DL as trustees to its board.

Dean Hoyle, the founder of Card Factory; Heather Jackson, the Founder of Believe Corporate Relations and Jasbir Singh Athwal DL, a business consultant and property developer, have all joined the charity’s board.

Collectively the independently appointed trustees bring a range of experience from the retail, commercial and business sectors .

Commenting on his appointment, Dean said: “In 2018, I spent a period of time at St James’s Hospital. The quality of care I received was fantastic and as a result I feel indebted to Leeds Teaching Hospitals.

“I’m therefore delighted to be joining Leeds Cares so that I can support the hospitals and really give something back.”

Heather commented: “My son was a frequent patient at St James’s and so I have always worked to support the NHS.

“However, the last few months have highlighted more than ever the importance of our NHS and that now really is the right time to get behind our hospitals.

“We all need to do our bit in making our hospitals the best they can be – otherwise it’s like having a great football team without a kit! I’m privileged to be part of the Leeds Cares Board of Trustees and delighted to be working alongside the inspirational team.”

Jasbir added: “I’ve had a long association with the Leeds hospitals as my wife was a senior sister on the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.

“I’m looking forward to getting started with Leeds Cares as now is a brilliant time to be giving something back to our hospitals by raising the profile of the charity and the fantastic work it does.”

Chairman of the Trustees, Edward Ziff OBE, commented: “We are incredibly privileged to be welcoming three such eminent trustees to the Board at Leeds Cares. Their experience and expertise will undoubtedly guide and steer Leeds Cares in our work to support so many within our region.

“We are excited about the next era for the charity and look forward to working with the new team of trustees and the opportunities that this will bring.”

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