Gearing up for a return to growth or building on momentum of recent success is a common theme as we bring the latest career news from East Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire to you.
Here we look at promotions, additions and personnel moves across the Humber, brought to you in association with On Line People.
KPMG
Business advisory firm KPMG has appointed Hull’s Mike Linter to lead its global tax and legal private enterprise business.
He has been a partner with the global financial services leader for 20 years, supporting businesses in the region with their expansion plans, both at home and abroad.
In his new role, Mike will develop KPMG Private Enterprise’s global tax and legal strategy, exploring tax strategies and solutions that can be tailored for privately-owned companies.
He has a particular interest in the corporate strategies adopted by entrepreneurial businesses and will work closely with teams internationally to share best practice for the benefit of clients across the globe.
Mike highlighted the key role of fast-growth businesses in engineering economic recovery in the wake of Covid-19, in which tax will play a central role.
He said: “It is essential that private enterprise businesses have a voice in the debate around how private businesses can grow, given how critical this will be in driving economic growth in towns and cities across the Yorkshire region and the UK more widely.
“Supporting entrepreneurs and fast-growth businesses is the backbone of KPMG and part of our heritage. Seeing firms achieve their growth ambitions is an exciting privilege.
“A key part of my new role is collaborating with my international tax team, understanding what is working internationally and across our key trade corridors, to help businesses here in implementing their growth strategies. These insights will underpin the advice our multi-discipline teams offer to firms navigating complex tax landscapes to deliver efficiency and value, ultimately supporting their expansion ambitions.”
Operance
A digital building information software company has appointed one of the UK’s leading experts in the sector as it commercialises a pioneering platform.
Hull-based Operance, part of Bimsense, has welcomed Tom Oulton, one of the country’s leading building information modelling (BIM) professionals, as digital transformation lead.
He chairs both the UK Constructing Excellence Digital and Constructing Excellence Yorkshire and Humber best practice organisations. He also sits on the steering group of ThinkBIM, an award-winning network of specialists set up by Leeds Beckett University.
Tom left his position of five years as principal consultant at global real estate and infrastructure consultancy Turner & Townsend to take on the challenge because he believes Operance has the potential to transform the sector.
The platform is billed as making buildings safer, healthier and more efficient by creating a digital “golden thread” audit trail of information relating to facilities’ entire history, enabling increased ownership and accountability.
It is set to be launched to the market early next year. “To me, this genuinely is a game-changer,” Tom said. “There isn’t anything out there that does what Operance does, in the way it does it.
Based at Hull’s Centre for Digital Innovation (C4DI) tech hub, Operance delivers strategic digital transformation and BIM coordination services as well as developing innovative technology products to enable high-quality digital building information for property owners, developers, contractors and end users.
Scott Pilgrim, Operance chief product officer, said: “Tom is renowned for fostering relationships and a supportive culture with customers and industry bodies.
“His industry knowledge, vision, leadership and commitment to the successful implementation of digital estate initiatives make him stand out among the construction community. His appointment will be of great benefit to clients aiming to extract greater value from their estates.”
Arbor Forest Products
Arbor Forest Products has signalled its ambitions within the composite decking market with the creation of a dedicated Trex business unit, and the appointment of Jonathan Cooper to lead the division.
The North Lincolnshire-based business, which is one of the UK’s largest timber importers and timber products suppliers, is the exclusive UK distributor of Trex Transcend decking and, more recently added the Trex Enhance collections to its offering.
Under Jonathan’s guidance, the company’s aim is for it to become the UK market leader, mirroring its position in the US.
Jonathan has more than 20 years’ experience within the building products sector, and within the composite decking market in particular thanks to his previous role as managing director of Ecodek and Dekboard.
He said: “I am very much looking forward to working with Trex. Arbor Forest Products has ambitious plans to develop the Trex ranges into one of the widest and most readily available collections of outdoor living landscape products for the UK market – for both domestic and commercial projects.
“We have plans to expand our reach into the landscape architecture and specification sectors, as well as continuing to consolidate our market share within the merchant market too.”
Jonathan will work closely with existing regional sales managers Lee Heitzman and Danny Hickson.
Arbor managing director Jason Ostler said: “In the years since we launched the Trex brand in the UK, the decking market has continued to boom in this country and we are proud to have maintained our place at the forefront of the growing composite decking sector.
“We want to ensure that we step up our investment in the continued success of the products, which is why we have appointed Jonathan to lead this new division with our business.”
Andrew Jackson Solicitors
Former trainee Mike Wilson has rejoined regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors as a partner, 17 years after completing his first stint fresh from university.
With particular expertise in commercial litigation, professional negligence and insolvency related litigation, he is described as a key addition to the Hull-headquartered team.
Mike, who has worked for Keeble Hawson, Walker Morris and Bridge McFarland in the intervening period, said: “I am delighted and excited to return to the firm where I began my career. Over the years I have kept up with the firm’s progress and I have been hugely impressed to see the impact it has made regionally, nationally and overseas, whilst remaining committed to delivering a personal and partner-led service to its clients.
“I have always been aware of the strength of the firm’s litigation team so I look forward to joining such a well-established and successful department. I’m very excited to be playing my part in ensuring that, collectively, we build on our existing reputation and
continue to provide exceptional service and advice that is tailored to the needs of the businesses and individuals we work with.”
Mike advises clients ranging from individuals and owner-managed businesses to large national and international companies across a wide range of sectors in relation to commercial disputes and business recovery and insolvency matters.
Head of litigation and dispute resolution, Hugh Smith, said: “Mike’s client focused, committed and tenacious approach to delivering legal solutions for his clients is a perfect fit for the team and firm as a whole, so we are delighted to have him on board as a partner.”
It comes as Jaime Dodd and Charlotte Massey have joined the firm’s property team.
Jaime, who joins the York office as an associate, brings over seven years of property experience to the role. Senior paralegal Charlotte, who is based in Hull, also has substantial experience having worked in property law for more than six years.
Paul Barker, partner and head of the property team said: “I am delighted to welcome Jaime and Charlotte to the Andrew Jackson team. In the short time they have been with us, both of them have shown the ability to advise across all types of residential property-related transactions, including matters of greater complexity. It is clear that Jaime and Charlotte are focused on providing the best possible levels of service to our clients at a time when these sorts of transactions are in high demand.”
Agencia
Hull-based transformation consultancy Agencia has welcomed Ryan Smith to the new role of director of healthcare services.
He will lead the company’s strategy to grow its range of clinical services.
Ryan, a pharmacist with a wealth of experience in the commissioning and provision of NHS services, most recently held a national operations role with Lloyds Pharmacy, part of McKesson UK.
He has engaged with Agencia in the past as a customer, supplier and partner and is familiar with the work of the company.
Ryan said: “Having seen first-hand the value that Agencia brings to its partners and commissioners, the decision to join this ambitious organisation was an easy one. At a time when the NHS and healthcare globally heeds innovation in service delivery, having the opportunity to be part of that with Agencia is hugely exciting.
As a Northern Powerhouse Export Champion more than half Agencia’s workload is international, with the new strategy embracing initiatives to protect UK interests overseas by tackling disease, terrorism, corruption, war crimes and modern slavery.
Helen Gibson, managing director, said: “Ryan has impressed us through his collaboration with Agencia in the past. We believe that his technical skills and entrepreneurial thinking will significantly contribute to the development of our organisation as we look to deliver our healthcare strategy.”
Diony
A marketing manager and head of strategy have been appointed by Hull-based agency, Diony, in what is described as a pivotal stage of its development.
Ana Watts and David Lucas join after sales were tripled from 2019, as the performance marketing specialist led by Alistair O’Sullivan added large local names and multinationals in online retail, fashion, renewables, manufacturing, professional services, and real estate to the clientbase.
Alistair said: “At the beginning of the year we predicted that Diony would have reached a whole new level by the end of 2020. Despite the challenges of Covid-19, our predictions have been realised and we are actually further on than expected in terms of sales and the size of the team.
“Now I want to double the team to 12 by mid-2021, retaining the local talent in the Humber region.”
Ana joins from an in-house position in Beverley. She said: “I was impressed by the culture and the team’s approach to delivering an exceptional service in a fast-paced environment and I want to be a part of that success as their team continues to grow.”
“Personally, I enjoy creating content, visuals and brainstorming new campaign ideas. One of the best things about working for a marketing agency is seeing inside a variety of businesses and helping them achieve their vision, it’s very rewarding.”
David joins after building a digital agency in Pocklington.
He said: “I’ve worked in marketing for six years but consider myself old-school! I focus on what makes people tick, the psychology behind how they behave and respond to great marketing. It helps me create effective strategies in highly targeted sectors, whilst making the most of the latest tools and platforms.”
“Diony is without doubt hungry for success but the team also wants to make a positive difference and this is the main reason I joined and brought clients with me.”
Pagabo
National framework provider Pagabo has appointed Charley Wainwright to lead its The Future of Construction initiative.
The Hull firm is aiming to shape the sector’s development through industry-wide collaboration.
It will see former geo-environmental engineer Charley – who has spent ten years working for Ramboll, WSP and JNP Group – focusing on new ways of working, and how to implement them for the betterment of the whole sector.
He said: “I’m thrilled to have joined Pagabo at a really exciting time for the business. It has been great to see that the rest of the team share my passion for finding better ways of doing things within construction – both from an environmental and wellbeing perspective.
“Everything the team has been working on – particularly since the launch of the Future of Construction initiative earlier this year – is completely aligned with my passions and experiences.”
Also joining the Pagabo ranks is Sam Schofield, in a new position as procurement administrator. He will be responsible for the day-to-day support of all Pagabo’s frameworks and operations of the business. Originally from an accounting background, he holds an Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) level three qualification, as well as previous experience working in business to business sales within the e-commerce industry.
Sam said: “I’m really pleased to have joined Pagabo as I applied for the procurement administrator vacancy as soon as it became available. It’s testament to the great work the business is doing that it’s enjoying a successful period of growth, even with everything that’s happening with Covid. I’m really looking forward to challenging myself in a new area and working with and getting to know their clients.”
Simon Toplass, chief executive, said: “Creating a better future for the construction industry is at the heart of everything that we do and with his vast experience, we’re confident that Charley and Sam will help us make the necessary connections across the sector to lead the way on the changes needed to make the future of construction happen now.”
Rachel Jessop has also been welcomed as marketing assistant.
Connexin
Former O2 and Three chief marketing officer Shadi Halliwell has joined the board of smart infrastrusture and internet of things specialist Connexin.
The Hull fim recently secured £80 million of investment from Whitehelm Capital as it wins Smart City contracts.
Shadi led the signing of the mobile giant’s sponsorship deal with Chelsea FC, alongside the company’s 5G campaign.
Prior to her role there, she was group creative marketing director at Harvey Nichols, having entered retail from O2, where she spent nearly a quarter of a century.
The new non-executive director is described as being a driving force behind bringing the iPhone to the UK with the first exclusive UK retail launch, while spearheading the brand’s journey into the entertainment sector, most notably relaunching the iconic Millenium Dome as The O2 Arena.
Furqan Alamgir, founder and chief executive at Connexin, said: “Shadi embodies the Connexin culture and not only thinks differently but brings with her a wealth of experience which will fuel us in our mission to enrich people’s lives through sustainable innovation.”
The management team worked with executive search boutique, Talented Group, to secure her services.
Shadi said: “I’m delighted to be joining Connexin, a company that is championing the delivery of connected cities throughout the UK. I am looking forward to working with the very talented team at this pivotal time in the company’s history.”
Forrester Boyd
Chartered accountancy practice Forrester Boyd has welcomed Vicky Prior to the firm as corporate tax senior manager.
She brings more than 20 years of experience of working with a top 40 accountancy firm to the pan-Humber business.
For the last eight years, she has specialised in corporate tax compliance and planning with a particular interest in research and development tax credits, capital allowances, other business reliefs and business reconstructions.
Vicky said: “Forrester Boyd’s reputation for providing a great service to their clients throughout the region is well known. Their approach allows them to utilise their combined experience and expertise across all fields to provide a bespoke and personal service. It is this focus on their clients and commitment to investing in their staff that appealed to me the most and I am looking forward to being part of the team.”
Vicky has worked with a wide spectrum of clients ranging from start-up companies through to established multi-million pound turnover groups and not-for-profit organisations. She also has experience dealing with complex HMRC enquiries and settlements, tax residency issues and off payroll working.
David Everatt, chairman, said: “Vicky’s appointment reinforces our commitment to delivering excellence in client service. Vicky’s extensive expertise in corporate tax is a fantastic addition to support the services that we offer our clients.
IT comes as three members of the team have been promoted.
Amy Greensmith has been made a manager of the Beverley office, with Lauren Johnson and Matthew Hotham appointed as assistant managers, at Beverley and Louth respectively.
Amy joined the firm in 2009 as a trainee accountant in Grimsby, relocating five years ago.
Soanes Poultry
An East Yorkshire poultry supplier has promoted from within to fill a new role that will help to support its growing business.
Middleton-on-the-Wolds based Soanes Poultry has made Petra Kdr its continuous improvement officer.
Mrs Kdr joined Soanes in 2012 and has worked in quality improvement and primary processing roles previously.
She will be working on new product development, project management and efficiency studies.
She said: “My experience in operations from slaughter to packing will be very useful in this new role as I support the senior management team in their bid for continuous quality improvement."
The move comes as the business gears up to increase production by 20 per cent and create 15 new jobs.
Managing director Nigel Upson said: "Petra has been a valued member of the Soanes team for nearly a decade and her well deserved promotion comes as we enter the final phase of a two year expansion plan.”
AA Global Language Services
Chantelle Akdemir is to head up the translation department as part of increased investment to bolster overseas activities for AA Global Language Services.
She has previously worked across business development and marketing, and a key responsibility in her new role with the Hull firm will be to maximise the benefits of a new IT project.
Kirk Akdemir, chief executive, said: “Chantelle’s appointment coupled with the new investment will add an important new dimension to our business by enabling us to expand our international activity and sell into other countries more effectively.
“It will help us become a truly international businesses and it is being driven by a new generation of directors and managers.”
Wilkin Chapman
Five talented professionals will progress promising law careers in Grimsby, after successfully securing training contracts with the area’s largest law firm.
Wilkin Chapman has offered two-year contracts to the aspiring solicitors, who all started as paralegals with the firm at its Cartergate headquarters.
The firm has also offered training contracts to four more external candidates who will join Wilkin Chapman in 2022.
The intake includes Kelsey Jerrard, Sarah Johnson, Tom Furneaux, Hannah Gamble and Laura Campbell.
Senior partner Andrew Holt said: “When we look for our lawyers of tomorrow, we seek to support the most talented and we are extremely fortunate here at Wilkin Chapman to have some very good, determined and dedicated employees who wish to progress here with us. I look forward to working with them all.”
It comes as newly qualified solicitor Hannah Loft ends 2020 on a high, taking the Leicestershire Law Society Prize for her high exam results.
The University of Birmingham Law Graduate started her career at the firm in 2015 as a paralegal in the Grimsby commercial property team. undrtaking her Legal Practice Course in 2018.
Hannah, from Broughton, completed the course on a part-time basis over two years at De Montfort University while continuing to work full time, obtaining a distinction.
The dispute resolution solicitor, also the vice president of the Lincolnshire Junior Lawyers Division, said: “Combining studying alongside undertaking a full-time training contract is not without challenge and is certainly not for the faint hearted, but I was extremely motivated and never lost sight of my goal.”
ProGarm
East Yorkshire specialist PPE provider ProGarm, is celebrating a string of recent appointments within the firm, following its recent business success.
The Gilberdyke team, delivering flash arc protection, has welcomed four new recruits.
Maciej Stachaczynski has joined as an internal account manager, Lynn Palmer in customer services, Jemima Pridham as internal sales assistant and Celina Suehring as internal sales executive for the company’s German operation.
Tony Arnett, managing director, said: “We’re thrilled to have been able to welcome new members to our team during the last few months, which have proven challenging for so many of us.
“Every one of the new team members has been a huge asset to the business throughout this time, and has helped us to maintain our growth.
“Like most businesses, we’ve had to adapt our ways of working and consider our existing supply chain processes throughout the recent months. I’m truly impressed by the whole team for how they have all adapted during this time and contributed to the growth of the company.”
