Simon Rhodes, Lambert Smith Hampton

Commercial property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton has appointed Simon Rhodes to its Leeds office.

Simon has been appointed head of Industrial & Logistics in Yorkshire and the North East and will also support the development of LSH’s industrial offering across the North of England and Scotland.  

He will work with some of LSH’s key clients including Harworth Estates, Hermes Parcelnet, Legal & General, Scania and Wolseley. 

Simon has more than 17 years experience in the sector and joins LSH from Collier’s Leeds office where he headed up the industrial agency team for Yorkshire and North East. 

Matthew Scrimshaw, head of Yorkshire and Northeast region for LSH, said: “This appointment is a major coup for Lambert Smith Hampton. Simon is incredibly well respected in the marketplace and brings with him a wealth of experience as well as an unrivalled network of contacts across the north of England.

“Simon will join at a crucial point for LSH as we look to build on a highly successful 2014 that saw the team secure a number of key deals, the LSH industrial agency team nominated at the EG Awards in London last month  as well as a strong pipeline of work.  All bodes well for a very strong 2015.”

Martin McKervey, Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)

Martin McKervey, partner at law firm Nabarro, has joined the Board of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

In July 2014, the LEP secured the fifth most substantial Growth Deal that any area made with Government, which will create over 28,000 jobs and training for 40,000 people.

In December, it also achieved only the second Devolution Deal in England with Government, giving it more influence and control over existing funding.

Martin is a partner at Nabarro which is an international law firm with offices in Sheffield, as well as London, Manchester, Brussels, Dubai and Singapore. 

He has over 25 years’ experience working in the construction, engineering, energy and manufacturing sectors both nationally and internationally.

Martin McKervey said: “It is clear to me that Sheffield City Region has a critically important part to play in the future of the UK economy and as part of a ‘Northern Powerhouse’

“Over the past few years, through my work as Chair of the Property and Construction Sector Group, I have been able to play a part in shaping the City Region’s Strategic Economic Plan.  In this role, I worked closely with the LEP Board to ensure that our local economic plans reflect what our property and construction sector needs to grow. 

“I look forward to contributing further through this new and exciting role and I hope that my legal expertise and infrastructure experience will be an asset to this already outstanding LEP Board.”

Kieran Gallagher, Doncaster Racecourse 

Doncaster Racecourse has appointed Kieran Gallagher as executive director.

Racecourse owner Arena Racing Company (ARC) has appointed Kieran Gallagher as executive director at the venue which hosts some of the 15-strong group’s most prestigious race meetings including the Ladbrokes St Leger Festival. 

Gallagher succeeds Mark Spincer, managing director at Doncaster since 2010, who will now focus full-time on his group role as assistant operations director for ARC.

Kieran, who hails from Rotherham in South Yorkshire has acted as general manager at the racecourse for the past year having joined the team in 2010 with responsibility for key areas of the business including developing the venue’s EVH offer and managing its catering arm.  

Gallagher spent four years at Sandown Park Racecourse in the mid-1990s before spending a number of years in football stadia prior to joining Doncaster Racecourse in 2010.

Gallagher said: "A key focus of the new role will be ensuring that Doncaster Racecourse continues to add value to the local region through increased visitor footfall, further developing our offer to include large scale corporate events and major showpiece race days including four outdoor music concerts in 2015.  

"Another priority will be adding further value to our stakeholders and sponsors by association with one of the UK’s leading racecourses and event venues.

"Following the success of the venue in recent years and coupled with the resurgence in the UK economy we are now exploring exciting and ambitious ideas to aid the longer term vision for the venue."

Michael Woodhead, Brantwood Financial Planning

Huddersfield-based Brantwood Financial Planning has appointed of Michael Woodhead as corporate development consultant.

Michael, best known as joint founder of BWD, later Rensburg, former Chairman of property company Birkby and non-executive director of Tay Homes and Jerome Group, joins Paul Dickinson and Christopher Brown at Brantwood.

Paul Dickinson, co-founder of Brantwood said: “Michael is one of our region’s most highly-respected businessmen and has a tremendous reputation within the financial services industry

“We’re delighted he has joined us at a time of considerable growth for our firm, particularly in terms of investment portfolios and pensions advice, for entrepreneurs, owner-managers, managing directors and family firms across the North of England.”

“Paul, Chris and I share the same values and belief in the vital importance of strong client relationships, trust and understanding,” said Michael.

“I’m really looking forward to working with the team and hopefully giving them the benefit of my extensive experience in creating and growing businesses as they continue to expand. They’re also advising me, so I’ve got a very personal vested interest in their success!”

Philip Thomas, Nova 

Leeds-based contracting specialist Nova has appointed Philip Thomas as business development manager.

Philip, who brings more than 20 years’ experience in senior sales and customer relationship roles to Leeds-based Nova Contracting, will be responsible for further expanding the company’s national recruitment agency client base.

Working with major national companies and organisations in the public and private sectors, Philip has extensive experience in the manufacturing, retail, healthcare and financial services industries.

Philip said: "Nova has built a very strong reputation for excellent client service in the contracting sector, so I’m delighted to be joining the team at a time of major expansion. 

"My role will be to further develop existing client relationships and to build new ones across the temporary worker and contractor market.”

Adam Knott & Laura Cundall, rebuildingsociety

Leeds peer-to-business lending platform rebuildingsociety has announced two new hires into its marketing department as it looks to expand in 2015.

Adam Knott and Laura Cundall join as digital marketing manager and marketing executive respectively. 

Adam was previously an SEO consultant at Web Translations, the Leeds-based translation services agency, while Laura is a recent Economics graduate from Newcastle University.

rebuildingsociety tripled its loan book in 2014, and now has nearly £5 million of private cash loaned to almost 90 businesses across the UK. 

Nick Moules, marketing and communications manager said: “In the future, 2015 will be looked back on as the year that peer-to-peer went mainstream. 

"We’ve got NISA eligibility coming in, an election where access to finance for businesses will be a vote-winning strategy employed by all and new comparison sites desperate to capitalise on interest in the sector.

“Adam and Laura bring fresh skills and enthusiasm to rebuildingsociety that will help us reach new audiences and build existing relationships, particularly through digital marketing. I’m excited about pushing more boundaries with our marketing and using this extra resource to maximise the reach of our good news stories.”

Jenny McMillan, MyFinancepartner (PwC)

PwC in Yorkshire has appointed Jenny McMillan as manager to its growing MyFinancepartner team.

MyFinancepartner, which the firm launched last year, is a service developed specifically for SMEs, to provide them with accounting support, advice and insight. 

It combines cloud based technology with one-on-one advice from PwC experts to ensure businesses have the support and insight they need to secure future growth.

Rob Blomfield, head of MyFinancepartner in Yorkshire, said: “SMEs have been a key part of our client base for a number of years and so we understand that they often need a much more flexible model for accounting, which can grow with them as their business evolves. 

"My Financepartner creates a new way for businesses to engage with accountants, enabling them to spend more time growing their business. 

"Clients are able to access the accounting support they need, when they need it, and sophisticated management information which will deliver the necessary insight for planning for future growth, without being tied into long term contracts."

Cheshire accountancy firm Banks Sheridan is celebrating the start of 2015 by taking on three new members of staff.

The new recruits joined the firm in its office on Crewe Business Park, Crewe, Cheshire to assist in the provision of accounting and tax services for both companies and individuals

“In celebration of the fact Banks Sheridan is growing, both in terms of the number of clients we act for and the services we offer, we have employed three new professional staff members to join our team,” says Banks Sheridan Director, Stuart Banks.

“It is really exciting to have Sian Knight as our new Outsourced Services Leader, Charles Bracegirdle joining us in the role of Trainee Accountant and Bradley Evans as an Accounts Apprentice.  All three individuals are highly professional and have a great deal to offer our clients. It is also great that we have been able to fill all the positions with talented individuals who live nearby, which will help in our continued support of the local community.

Philip Parker, Hill Dickinson

The Liverpool office of international law firm Hill Dickinson has bolstered its ranks with the appointment of Philip Parker to its Property Litigation team.

Philip joins the firm from Brabners, bringing with him expertise in commercial landlord and tenant disputes. Specialising in complex lease renewals, breach of covenant claims, rent review and service charge disputes, difficult break options, vacant site assimilation projects, valuation disputes, trespass claims and interim or terminal dilapidation disputes, he has acted for a host of well-known national retailers, a large local authority pension scheme and an international logistics company.

Philip will work alongside the team in Liverpool headed up by Partner, Kevin Lee, who said:

“We’re thrilled to have Philip on board, he has a wealth of experience in the Property Litigation sector. With confidence returning to the property market, this appointment demonstrates the drive that exists in the property and construction team to grow and expand its offering in the north-west.”

Iain Ferguson, Optionis

Business and freelancer services group Optionis has appointed Iain Ferguson as non-executive chairman.

Ferguson, a former executive vice president at global advertising and marketing giant Havas, will advise the Optionis management team on strategy and operations.

His arrival comes a year after Optionis completed a secondary buyout (SBO) backed by MML Capital Partners.

Ferguson will play a key role as the Warrington-headquartered group, which has made four acquisitions in the past 18 months, eyes further potential takeover targets.

Optionis group managing director Derek Kelly said: “Iain’s expertise will be invaluable as we enter the next phase of our long-term growth strategy.

“Crucially, he has experience of advising and helping to lead ambitious, private equity-backed companies such as Optionis. We are pleased to welcome him aboard.”    

Helen Collier, Jelf Manson

Jelf Manson, one of Manchester’s leading insurance brokers, has expanded its corporate team with the appointment of Helen Collier as account executive.

With over 30 years’ experience in the insurance sector, Helen’s new role will see her responsible for providing technical insurance advice to new and existing clients. She will also assist in helping to expand the firm’s corporate insurance services.

Helen has previously worked for insurance brokers, Towergate, Giles and Aon.

Alan Sumner, Regional Managing Director (North), said: “We are thrilled to welcome Helen to Jelf Manson. Helen will be a great asset to the corporate team, bringing vast insurance experience and a great scope of knowledge.

“The arrival of all the new team members will significantly boosts our firm’s unique service offerings. We will continue to invest in our firm’s growth in 2015”

James Thomson, Glendale

Lancashire-based green services provider, Glendale, has strengthened its senior management team with the promotion of James Thomson who has become the new director of utility arboriculture.

James, previously general manager at Glendale, will take on the new role with immediate effect. He will oversee the company’s utility arboriculture work in the South West and Midlands regions.

Andy Corcoran, managing director at Glendale, said: “James’ promotion meets our strategic aim to advance our existing staff and reaffirms Glendale’s intention to provide ongoing training and development to ensure our staff are the first choice when promotion opportunities arise.

“Our growth in number of employees, assets and sales means it is necessary to strengthen our senior management team and I am delighted to be able to do this from within the company. James’ commitment, enthusiasm and performance mean that he was our first choice.”

Steve Parrington, City West Works

Steve Parrington has been appointed as Director of City West Works, as the organisation looks to expand its operation in 2015. 

Steve joins from Keepmoat, formerly Bramall Construction, where he worked for 16 years holding the posts of Construction Director and Area Director.

Colette McKune, deputy chief executive at City West Housing Trust, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Steve to the City West Works team.

“He has a huge amount of experience and his reputation within the sector is outstanding, which will be vital as City West Works looks to grow commercially.”

Adrian Beck, Gabor Balogh, Cheryl Wood, adept4

IT services consultancy adept4 has started the New Year with three new additions to its growing team and the expansion of its headquarters.

Following a successful 2014 across offices in Daresbury, Aberdeen and London, the company has continued to strengthen its team with a trio of appointments following a series of project wins. 

Cheryl Wood, from Altrincham, will join adept4 as a central project manager. Cheryl joins from ANS Group, where she worked for six years and has extensive experience in overseeing project management offices and managing field consultants.

Adrian Beck, from Sheffield, joins from BT and will work on adept4’s Support Desk. He will be joined by Gabor Balogh who is originally from Hungary. Gabor formerly worked at Unisys-Microsoft before joining adept4’s Support Desk. In their roles on the Support Desk, Adrian and Gabor will provide exemplary customer service as a point of contact for clients, dealing with customer enquiries.

adept4 CEO, Peter Birkett, said: “In the ever-changing and evolving IT landscape we need to ensure that we continue to invest in people, who remain at the core of what we do. 2014 was a great year for adept4, thanks in the most part to the skilled team we’ve nurtured, based across the company’s offices.

“This series of appointments are part of long-term plans to strengthen and grow the team and support the planned growth trajectory for adept4 in 2015. Identifying and retaining skilled individuals in an increasingly fluid market is no mean feat and we pride ourselves on ensuring we reward and invest in our staff and continue to attract and retain those of the highest calibre.”

Luke Wilson, CBRE

The Manchester office of CBRE has expanded its Capital Markets team with the appointment of Luke Wilson as Surveyor. Luke joins from CBRE’s Graduate Scheme having obtained MRICS status in November 2014 and previously undertaking degrees in Commercial Property and Town Planning at the University of Sheffield

Colin Thomasson, Senior Director of Capital Markets at CBRE Manchester, said; “After an incredibly successful year, we are preparing for a similarly strong 2015 as investment activity within the North West continues to pick up pace. Luke already understands the CBRE business and will be a valuable addition to our busy team.”

Simon Bartlett, Louis Bell-Proctor, Ian Butler & Paul Tailford, Advantex

Gateshead IT and communication provider Advantex , is targeting growth in core private and public sector markets following a number of senior appointments.

Advantex has made two major appointments to its sales team; Simon Bartlett and Louis Bell-Proctor have been appointed as account managers and Dave Cooling has been promoted to account manager.

Elsewhere, Ian Butler comes in as a new IT engineer, bringing over 15-years’ experience to the role, while Paul Tailford adds further to Advantex’s capabilities as a new infrastructure engineer with considerable expertise in network and infrastructure services.

The move brings the number of employees to almost 50 based at Advantex’s Follingsby Park head office and follows a new funding injection from the North East Angel Fund which will fuel investment in personnel, equipment, increased office space and the existing Data Centre offering.

Director Stephen O’Connell said: “We are strengthening the foundations to take us forward over the next phase of growth, and these appointments will be pivotal in achieving our ambitions and add real value to new and existing client services.

“All are experienced operators and will be major assets, able to hit the ground running with invaluable expertise and high quality skills. I very much look forward to working with them during these exciting times for Advantex.”

Norman Trainer, Surgo Construction

North East building contractor Surgo Construction has appointed Norman Trainer to its construction team.

Making a welcome return, Hexham man Norman Trainer has recently joined Surgo in the role of contracts manager, adding further depth and strength to its highly experienced team.  He previously worked with the contractor in 1990s.

Mr Trainer, who has worked in the construction industry for more than 30-years, has extensive experience of working on healthcare projects among others and in his new role, will be responsible for overseeing the successful delivery of a number of projects currently on site across the region.

Managing director, James Walker said: “I am delighted to welcome Norman to the growing team at Surgo.  We pride ourselves on our ability to recruit and retain high calibre construction professionals, who possess the relevant experience and skills to ensure our continued success as one of the north east’s most respected construction companies.

“With a number of new sites going live it is likely that we will create a number of new positions in the very near future.”

L-R Alice Allum, Sophie Butcher, Chris Dutton, Daniel Jackson (front) Rachel Thompson, Lisa Bean, and Rachael Heslehurst

Rachael Heslehurst & Rachel Thompson, Digitia

Seaham-based digital marketing company, Digitia, has appointed two new team members and promoted several other existing members in January 2015.

The company has welcomed account executives Rachael Heslehurst and Rachel Thompson to its Digital Team, following a series of new client wins.

Both new account executives will be responsible for supporting the recently promoted account manager, Sophie Butcher, in the delivery of digital marketing strategies to its clients in the region.

Rachael, who has a degree in Journalism from the University of Salford, will now be responsible for working with clients to generate sales and revenue growth through a mix of digital strategies.

Rachael said: "I’m really excited about my career at Digitia. I have been thrown in the deep end and already been involved in client meetings and account reviews. Digitia is so client focused and I can see there is a lot of opportunity for growth."

Rachel said: "The demand for digital marketing has become increasingly popular due to the growth and popularity of the internet. I’m thrilled to be able to take my PR skills and transfer them online, as well as in traditional media."

Founder and managing director of Digitia, Lisa Bean, said: "Hiring Rachael and Rachel was a key step in our 2015 expansion plan.

"With both of them onboard we can now produce higher quality content, more detailed SEO strategies, and provide a specialist PR service.

"We will be advertising new vacancies over the next quarter, starting with a graphic designer position."

(L-R):Simon Britton, Hugh Fell, George White, Robyn Peat, Louis Fell, Andrew Entwistle, Ian Marshall, Richard Garland.

Robyn Peat, George F. White

North East land and property specialists George F White have announced that Hugh Fell is to step down as managing partner, to be replaced with partner Robyn Peat.

Hugh who joined the business in 1985 and became Managing Partner in 1995 will be retiring from the George F White Partnership with effect from 30th April this year.

Over the last 30 years Hugh has become a well-known figure in the rural and business scene. He has been fundamental in the growth of George F White, a nationally recognised firm, which now has a team of 120 and operates from 7 different offices from Duns, in the Scottish Borders, to Shiptonthorpe, just outside York.

Mr Peat paid tribute to the work done by Mr Fell: “Hugh has worked tirelessly with energy and enthusiasm to build the George F White business to what it is today. He has laid the foundations to ensure continued growth and longevity of the business.”

“We have a team of excellent people and the future of the business is exciting. Operating in the land, property, and business sectors we offer a diverse portfolio of services from Planning and Development, Architecture, and Estate and Portfolio management to Energy projects, and Business Strategy and Management, and we will continue to grow and deliver innovative solutions by understanding the potential of our team and the needs of our clients.”

Sarah Glendinning, CBI

CBI has appointed Sarah Glendinning as regional director in the North East.

Sarah joins the CBI from Nigel Wright Consultancy, the Newcastle-based global recruitment firm, where she was an executive search consultant focused on recruiting at senior management, director and non-executive levels throughout the North of the UK.

Sarah has been actively engaged in diversity and developing talent and skills throughout her career.

Sarah said: “I am delighted to have been appointed Assistant Regional Director in the North East.

“The area has a rich diversity of firms, and I’m looking forward to working with Dianne Sharp and the CBI North East team to create the right environment for them to thrive in, and to make sure that our strong business voice is heard, both regionally and nationally.”

Dianne Sharp, CBI North East Director, said: “I’m excited to have Sarah alongside me in this role. Having grown up and spent a large part of her career in the North East, she is well placed to represent the region’s business interests. Her experience in boosting the profile of women will be particularly welcome amongst the business community.”

Claire Sharp, Northumbrian Water

Claire Sharp has been appointed customer director for Northumbrian Water to lead the company’s service to its 4.5 million customers in the North East and in Essex and Suffolk.

She succeeds Ian Donald who has moved to the new role of market reform director as the water industry looks towards the full introduction of competition for all business customers by 2017.

Claire, who lives in Weardale, County Durham. has extensive experience of the water industry and customer service.

She started her career with the then Northumbrian Water Authority in 1986 as a distribution technician helping to deal with customer inquiries.

Claire now heads up a directorate of over 600 employees and is spearheading the company’s continued drive to deliver excellent service. “Our vision is to provide unrivalled service to every one of our customers and the communities we serve,” she said.

“We provide essential water and sewerage services and our customers rightly expect those services to provide exceptional value for money and be of a consistently high quality.  We regularly listen to our customers and make sure our services reflect what’s important to them.  We are already industry leading in many areas such as interruptions to supply and have made significant improvements in other aspects of customer service."

Newcastle-based ramarketing has further strengthened its healthcare division by securing a 12-month PR contract with another client in the pharmaceutical sector. 

The healthcare agency is working with Symbiosis Pharmaceutical Services, a leading contract manufacturing company based in Scotland, on a global PR, SEO, social media and online advertising campaign. 

As part of the project, ramarketing has paired up with New York based scientific strategy and marketing agency, That’s Nice LLC, to provide Symbiosis with full go-to-market support.  

Established in 2009, multi award-winning ramarketing has now worked with over a dozen pharmaceutical and chemical clients, which accounts for half of the company’s wider healthcare portfolio. 

Symbiosis specialises in manufacturing sterile pharmaceutical products for the global clinical trials market. The fast-growing organisation already works with companies across the US and Europe, but is aiming to expand its reach even further with the help of the North East agency.  

CEO, at Symbiosis Pharmaceutical Services, Colin MacKay, said: “The team at ramarketing is very well regarded in the sector and has a well-established reputation for assisting contract manufacturing firms like us in terms of raising profile and generating greater interest in our technology and services.

“Working closely with That’s Nice in the US, this collaborative project marks a very exiting time for Symbiosis as we take the next step by setting our sights firmly on the US market.

“The work ramarketing is supporting us on will reinforce our position as the leading sterile specialist in the UK, strengthen our presence in Europe and generate awareness in the US where we will also be expanding our team.” 

Founded by Raman Sehgal, ramarketing prides itself on its transparent approach, competitive rates and its ability to match client needs to consultants with relevant knowledge and industry experience.

Symbiosis joins the likes of The Specials Laboratory, Molecular Profiles, Fine Organics, Fertin Pharma and Onyx Scientific as part of the agency’s high profile pharmaceutical client portfolio. 

Raman, said: “Assisting pharmaceutical and chemistry clients with their marketing and PR challenges has been the bedrock of our business to date, so I am delighted that we have been able to add another client to this list.

“Symbiosis is an impressive outfit with a niche positioning in an expanding market so there is great potential for us to make an impact by helping the firm reach its growth potential over the next few years.”

Ramarketing specialises in marketing, PR, social media, design, search engine optimisation and pay-per-click advertising. It also works with several charitable organisations and donates a percentage of business profits to local community initiatives in the North East every year. 

Steven Marritt, Living Social

London-based local discovery engine LivingSocial has appointed Steven Marritt as chief executive officer of its UK and Ireland division.

Previously chief operations officer, he will now take sole responsibility over the business’s strategic development.

The appointment comes as LivingSocial UK/IE’s focus transitions away from a ‘daily deals’ model to being an online marketplace, working with businesses from over 30 cities to compile unique experiences, events and ‘always on’ deals.

LivingSocial UK/IE also recently launched a gift shop, an intuitive and captivating service for shoppers in the run up to Christmas and beyond.

Steven Marritt said: “Exciting times lie ahead for LivingSocial UK/IE as we plan to develop the platform further in 2015, focusing on providing novel and enriching experiences at the best prices. Having serviced over 25,000 businesses and three million customers in the past four years, we’ve learnt how nurturing a strong and loyal community is fundamental to driving return custom.

“We’re always striving to learn as much as we can about our audience, knowledge which is essential to deliver our handpicked offers to the right people. Crucially, our continued investment in technology is fuelling both personalisation for customers and flexibility for merchants. I’m excited to lead the UK and Ireland team as we take LivingSocial to the next level.“

Chris Chapman, Opinio Group

Witney-based digital recruitment specialists Opinio Group, owners of MyJobMatcher.com, have appointed Chris Chapman as interim CFO.

Founder of My Business FD, Chris has a background of over 20 years working across a variety of sectors driving growth via strategic planning, commercial analysis, fundraising, M&A, IPOs, exits, restructuring and expansion.

Opinio CTO, Arran Stewart said, “I am delighted that Chris is now involved with Opinio at such an exciting time in our development. We’ve attracted some really big hitters in the board room who are all right behind Opinio and the MyJobMatcher.com product. The company’s growing rapidly and we’re on the verge of launching MyJobMatcher.com in the States; there are going to be some very good times ahead.“

Chris said: “I’ve known Arran for several years and as soon as he talked me through MyJobMatcher.com, I was really impressed. The concept of matching people to jobs is a simple one to grasp, but it’s surprising that nobody has done it yet. With the largest pool of current vacancies at our disposal, we’re uniquely placed to make it easier for jobseekers to find their next role.“

John Perera, Sunset+Vine

London-based independant Sports TV production company, Sunset+Vine, has appointed John Perera in a commercial consultancy capacity to drive new growth opportunities for the business.

Sunset+Vine, which is part of The Tinopolis Group, has appointed Perera with immediate effect.

Until recently, Perera was the commercial director of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

Jeff Foulser, chairman of Sunset+Vine said: “Having John Perera join our team is a significant signing for us as we develop and diversify our business. His proven track record, significant experience and exemplary contacts in the world of sport, both with federations and major brands are highly valued as our business continues to grow. His appointment will help to open up new business opportunities for the company.“

John Perera, said: “I am delighted to be joining Sunset+Vine at an exciting time for their business. I look forward to working with their team in the future.“

Richard Moore,  iboss Network Security

Former Smoothwall CEO, Richard Moore, has joined iboss Network Security as head of education for the EMEIA region to increase market share in the thriving education sector.

With 15 years of security experience, Richard brings unprecedented insights to build iboss Network Security’s brand profile and unique product attributes amongst IT security teams in schools, academies, Local Authorities and Public Services Networks (PSN).

Richard Moore, iboss Network Security head of education EMEIA, said: “Security threats and exploits faced by schools are constantly evolving. Together with increasing use of internet based learning, it’s a real game of cat and mouse that creates significant resource and technology challenges for the ICT team. Web security in particular is no longer simply about content filtering and antivirus.“

“We are seeing targeted security threats, which are more sophisticated and complex than ever. Schools require protection against infection and data breaches to avoid impacting on productivity and support an ever growing array of devices.“

Gav Thompson, Thunderhead.com

London customer engagement solutions provider, Thunderhead.com, has announced the appointment of Gav Thompson as chief marketing officer.

Thompson joins the executive team in a further move to scale the brand and market impact of theorganization’s ONE Engagement Hub.

Thompson brings over 20 years of experience in multiple global markets working with some of the world’s leading consumer brands including Guinness, PlayStation, Toyota, 3, Absolut, Pepsi, FedEx, Bacardi and O2.

Before joining Thunderhead.com, Thompson was the global director of business innovation at Telefonica.

In 2008, he founded giffgaff, to drive better customer engagement with O2’s digitally-enabled consumer base. He has also worked at some of the world’s leading advertising and creative agencies, Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO, BBDO New York, TBWA & Publicis.

Gav Thompson said: “Thunderhead.com is an amazing organization. Their capabilities blew me away.

"They have developed a brilliant technology delivering a brilliantly simple solution. Their proposition is set to change the way modern marketers think about customer engagement and it has the power to totally disrupt the way in which brands behave in the future.

"Thunderhead can make it much easier and more rewarding for customers to interact with brands, which in turn makes the opportunities for the chief marketing officer easier and more rewarding.“

Tony Posawatz, Nexeon

Abingdon-based battery materials development company Nexeon has appointed Tony Posawatz as a non-executive director (NED) with immediate effect.

Posawatz is well known in the automotive industry for leading the team that brought the award-winning Chevrolet Volt from concept to production.

He is an expert in vehicle electrification, alternative/advanced propulsion, energy and clean technology, with over 30 years’ experience, much of it at General Motors.

Tony Posawatz has experience of both very large company environments and technology start-ups, including fund-raising and business development negotiations in China/Asia.

He is president & CEO of Invictus iCAR LLC, an automotive innovation consulting firm, and serves on several boards. He is a licensed professional engineer and has an MBA from Dartmouth College.

Dr Paul Atherton, Nexeon’s chairman said: “I would like to welcome Tony to the Nexeon Board. His unrivalled experience of electric vehicle technology and the automotive industry in general will help Nexeon enormously in addressing the challenges and opportunities we face.“

Support has been mounting for the establishment of a Business Improvement District for Leeds city centre as the business vote for the project looms.

Chris Booth, a partner at Leeds law firm Pinsent Mason and a member of the BID4Leeds’ steering group recommends businesses to vote in its favour.  He believes that it will bring numerous benefits to the city and that now is the perfect time for Leeds to have a BID.

A business plan has been created for BID4Leeds following more than a year of consultations with businesses and stakeholders across the city.  

It focuses on a series of projects around the themes of ‘Welcome, Experience and Voice’. The projects range from small scale tangible communications through to large scale strategic investment possibilities.  

All are designed to ensure provision for all business sectors being asked to invest in the BID, shaping the city of Leeds for the next five year to help drive it forward as a high ranking UK city.

Julie Grail, chief executive of British BIDs who said: “A BID gives a city the opportunity to create a significant and coordinated business voice based on the true mandate it achieves through a consultation and a ballot which in the case of Leeds covers more than 1,000 businesses.

“It would guarantee an annual income for 5 years which for Leeds would amount to around £2 million per annum.”

“It is quite surprising that Leeds, given its scale, has not yet established a BID.

“This could be partly due to the significant investment the city has seen over the years, particularly in the Trinity development.  

"The city was in transition but now post Trinity completion, there is a desire and a need to bring the city forward for further enhancement and investment.  A BID would be the perfect mechanism for this.”

“With heightened expectations and challenges on the public purse, BIDs provide the commercially focused opportunity to ensure that a city has a significant voice and potential to collaboratively invest for the future.  

"No other mechanism exists to guarantee funds for the benefit of the locality. There are almost 190 BIDs around the UK and many of the big cities have had BIDs for many years including a number that are already in their second term.”

Haulage company Mark Thompson Transport Ltd (MTT) is set to increase its vehicle fleet and create new jobs as part of a seven-figure funding deal with NatWest and the bank’s asset finance partner Lombard.

The expansion will see 25 new jobs created.

The Warrington-based firm offers a 24/7 logistics service to customers throughout the UK.

The firm’s fleet includes Mercedes, Scania, Volvo, and Daf tractor units.

These are complemented with a mix of Tautliner, Box, Double Deck, Flat Trailers  and Skeletal Slider Trailers to cope with a variety of client requirements.

MTT has acquired a new operating licence to facilitate its operation of 133 tractor units.

Managing director, Mark Thompson, said: “The new vehicles allow us to monitor our drivers’ carbon footprints.

“This data allows for better fuel efficiency, driver awareness of performance, which in turn makes us a more efficient business.

“The vehicles have been well received by our drivers and will enable MTT to serve our customers in the best way possible.”

Saltaire HR advisory firm AdviserPlus has been appointed by City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council to deliver guidance to its 10,000 employees through a new services centre.

The appointment will provide a further boost to employment in Bradford with the creation of a number of new jobs.

Under the long-term commitment, AdviserPlus, in partnership with Bradford Council, will provide a suite of HR support to its managerial workforce.

Chris Clarke, chief executive of AdviserPlus, said: "Following our successful tender, we are delighted that Bradford Council has chosen AdviserPlus as its HR services partner. 

“As we continue to grow and win new clients across the full range of industry sectors, extending our services to organisations in the public sector is very much a key strategic focus.

"Our partnership with Bradford Council is particularly significant as it enables us to increase our presence in the public sector and is our first local authority client.

"Providing outsourced services to public sector organisations offers unique challenges but we work closely with every client to ensure our approach and services are entirely customised to reflect an organisation’s culture, values and ways of working.”

Bradford Council is the fourth largest metropolitan district council in England. Matt Burghardt, the Council’s Interim Head of Human Resources, commented: “Our partnership with AdviserPlus is part of a long-term strategy to ensure that we support our managers by developing their skills and capability in dealing with HR issues.

"The model that AdviserPlus use is unique and we believe it will enhance our own in-house provision.”

Three ex-colleagues, who have been key members of some of the North East’s most high-profile marketing agencies over the last 20 years, have formed an ambitious new partnership to launch their own design and marketing agency.

Absolute, has been set up by award-winning graphic designers, Sarah Falconer and Abbie Hartshorn, alongside client-services director, Amanda Whittington‐Wright.

The creative trio have worked on global super brands like L’Oreal, Mercedes‐Benz and Nando’s, as well national brands such as Barker & Stonehouse, Bellway, and One North East.

Their creativity has also been recognised after winning New York Festivals and DBA Design Effectiveness awards.

Together, Absolute will offer design and marketing solutions to businesses across the North East operating from offices at the prestigious Northern Design Centre located on Gateshead Quays.

Amanda, said: “Sarah and Abbie are both very different types of designers with skills that complement each other. My years of all‐round managerial experience and organisational skills also provide the strong foundation that every business needs. The fact that we’re all great friends means our togetherness and team spirit couldn’t be any stronger.

“Aside from our agency experience, both Sarah and I have also been clients so we know what it’s like to work on the other side of the meeting table. This gives us an invaluable insight into what marketing managers are looking for, which means we’re extra mindful of delivering work that solves the business problem it’s intended to do.”

Sarah, added: “The three of us will run Absolute as a full-service marketing agency, however we will also be working collaboratively with experts in digital and PR so that we have the capability to tap into additional marketing services that our clients may need.

“This business model allows us to take on marketing projects big or small and enables us to connect with a set of extremely talented people, which will streamline and strengthen any project that we take on. The model also keeps our costs down, which our clients will benefit from, making us great value for money.

“We understand the value that creative thinking can add to a business, which can sometimes be out of reach, particularly for start-ups, which is why we’ve created a series of creative packages with a clear simple pricing structure. With prices starting from £495 we hope it will allow businesses to get their brand right from ‘starting up’. We believe that this is not only a smarter way of working, it’s absolute genius.”

The North West Coast  Academic Health Science Network (NWC AHSN) has collaborated with a number of technology firms, which are supporting NHS Trusts across the region to implement new technology, systems and products.

The network, which marked its first year of operation in December, has partnered with over 15 local companies in the last 12 months.

Recent collaborations include med-tech companies uMotif, AliveCor and EasySHARE.

The NWC AHSN has helped to support the implementation of the companies’ products in the region’s healthcare system.

The North West Coast AHSN supported the roll out of a pilot project for EasySHARE - a remote-monitoring system for people with diabetes who are due to undergo major surgery.

The project was introduced at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, earlier this year.

The EasySHARE innovation has been developed by Healthimo Limited, based in Warrington and the system is now starting to be implemented at the Trust.

The organisation is also implementing the roll out of a new hand-held ECG device, the AliveCor Heart Monitor which allows people to monitor their heart rhythm and detect atrial fibrillation (AF/, irregular heart beat) and is a major cause of stroke.

Chief executive of the North West Coast AHSN, Dr Liz Mear, said: “We’re very pleased to have had the opportunity to work with and support such innovative, game-changing companies in developing and implementing their products in hospitals in the region .

“We’re already seeing the benefits that this technology is bringing to the trusts where it is being taken up and used, which is very encouraging.

“Driving forward and supporting the spread of innovative products and systems is a key element of the network’s remit.  

“The North West Coast AHSN has now collaborated with, or supported, a number of  healthcare technology companies.

“The roll out of technology, which improves the efficiency of our systems and the quality of care being offered to people, is vital to increasing the effectiveness of healthcare services and ensuring the very best care possible.”

Wates Construction, the contractor behind Roydhouse Properties’ £100 million Central Square office scheme in Leeds and Haribo’s new manufacturing facility in Wakefield, has announced plans to boost its Yorkshire team, as part of its 2015 growth strategy.

This comes after the contractor announced a strong financial performance for 2013 in March last year, which saw a regional turnover of £99.1 million and a forward order book of £2.4 billion across its UK operations.

Wates also recently opened a new office in Liverpool.

Wates’ recruitment initiative follows a report from Glenigan*, which forecasted a 7.3% increase in construction projects for 2015. In 2014, the contractor saw its Yorkshire and North East team grow by 12.

Phil Harrison, managing director, Wates Construction Midlands and North, commented: “The past two years have seen a measured optimism that the construction sector is heading towards strong and sustainable growth and rising private sector investment is now beginning to significantly bolster this confidence.

“As the economic recovery begins to build steam, we are in-turn faced with new opportunities to boost employment in our strengthening industry. The success of Wates is built solely on its people and our ongoing recruitment drive, as we begin 2015 will substantially reinforce our reputation as a trusted contractor.”

Wates’ current order book in the region includes the new £12 million Bradford Forster Academy in Bradford, the new Selby Leisure Centre on behalf of Selby District Council and the new £6.1 million Little London Primary School in Leeds.

Manchester-born property entrepreneur Atif Malik will open the Ajman Free Zone office at Bridge Street, Manchester, creating 30 jobs over the next two years.

Atif Malik’s company, Venture Alliance, is the official partner to the Ajman Free Zone.

The company, which will provide regional and national organisations with advisory services to set up tax-free businesses and offshore companies should bring in excess of £30 million between the UK and UAE over the next year.

The decision to establish a headquarters in Manchester follows the success of previous trade events in Manchester and London to launch the tax-free and off-shore business set up services.

Atif said: "This physical presence of Ajman Free Zone’s office will seek to bring the lucrative opportunities awaiting Manchester companies and entrepreneurs in the UAE to light, and help them to take advantage of these.

"By taking advantage of the highly business-friendly environment in the Ajman Free Zone, companies can expect to enjoy a wealth of benefits, including rapid company incorporation, low cost energy, tax-free companies, excellent travel connections and a wealth of low-cost, skilled workers.

“We seek to encourage individuals, entrepreneurs and corporations to establish businesses in the UAE’s Ajman Free Zone.“

Huyton drinks group Halewood International has warned that more than 60 jobs could be lost.

The announcement comes in the same week that the company famous for Lambrini and Crabbies Alcoholic Ginger Beer revealed a fall in profits.

The group reported pre-tax profits for 2014 were down to £2.6m from the £6.7m profit posted for 2013, which was also a large drop from 2012’s profits.

Deputy chairman Peter Eaton said: “These are challenging times for the UK drinks sector.

“We must adapt to this new trading environment and change within our business is therefore inevitable and necessary.

“We are determined to face these challenges in a positive manner to drive future prosperity and growth for the business and our workforce.“

“In doing so, we will continue to build on the strong foundations the business has in the UK, expand our international sales and drive our new product development programme.

“The family, who own and oversee the running of Halewood International, remain positive and will support the management team in finding solutions to ensure the company’s future success.

“At this time, we will not comment on the details of the redundancy process as we are engaged in a private consultation with our workforce and the union,“ according to the Liverpool Echo

Image source: Jason Cartwright

A new milestone has been reached with the unemployment rate falling below 6% to 5.8% for the first time in 6 years, however Labour has criticised the government for failing to do more to keep up the pace of wage growth.

For September to November 2014, 73% of people aged from 16 to 64 were in work, up from 72.0% for a year earlier.

There were 1.91 million unemployed people. This was 58,000 fewer than for June to August 2014, the smallest quarterly fall since July to September 2013. Comparing September to November 2014 with a year earlier, there were 418,000 fewer unemployed people.

Job vacancies have risen by 127,000 to hit a 14-year record high and there are around 700,000 job opportunities across the country.

Wages are also increasing above the cost of living, meaning more money in people’s pockets. Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that regular pay was up 1.8% and private sector pay was up 2.2%, well ahead of the inflation rate.

The total number of people without a job has fallen by nearly one million since 2010.

Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith said: "We have reached an important milestone in this country’s jobs-led recovery – with unemployment falling below 6% for the first time in 6 years. Welfare reform has played an instrumental part in this.

"We know that British people want to work hard and get on, but all too often in the past the welfare state hindered rather than helped thwarting ambition and killing off hope.

"We put an end to that and now the number of people claiming the main out-of-work benefits is the lowest for a generation, and there are record numbers of people in work.

"Thanks to our long-term economic plan, businesses are feeling confident about the future. Jobs are being created and salaries are rising, meaning that increasing numbers of people are feeling the security and hope for the future that comes with a regular wage."

Rachel Reeves MP, Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, responding to today’s Labour Market Statistics, said: “Today’s fall in overall unemployment is welcome, but wages remain sluggish and working people are £1,600 a year worse off since 2010.

“The Tory cost-of-living crisis and the Tory low-wage economy has left millions of people who do the right thing, work and contribute struggling to make ends meet and pay the bills.

“A Labour government will tackle the Tory cost-of-living crisis and the Tory low-wage economy by raising the National Minimum Wage to £8 an hour, ensuring more people are paid a Living Wage, getting more homes built and extending free childcare provision. We will get the next generation into work by boosting apprenticeships.

“Tackling low pay is part of our tough, but balanced plan to get the deficit down and earn our way to higher living standards for all, not just a few at the top.

“Today’s figures also show a worrying rise in youth unemployment - the government should bring in a compulsory jobs guarantee to get young people into work.”

Image source: Jaroslav Dvorský

Yorkshire entrepreneurs could be on the receiving end of a £13k boost at business showcase event Venturefest Yorkshire.

The Innovation Showcase will see inventors and entrepreneurs from the science and technology sectors demonstrate their ideas to over a thousand delegates attending Venturefest Yorkshire on 12 March.

The showcase is organised by Science City York and supported by The University of York, with the most innovative product receiving a prize package worth around £13k.

Previous showcase entrants include Leeds-based testing solutions and consulting firm The Test People, York 3D Printers and last year’s winners S3 ID, a safety solutions company from Rotherham.

Chris Wilson, project manager for Venturefest Yorkshire, said: “Venturefest Yorkshire is a unique event that supports science, technology and IP generating businesses and entrepreneurs of all ages. The great thing about the event is that you don’t know what you’ll discover until you get here. 

“We’ve already received some really exciting applications for this year’s Innovation Showcase and we can’t wait to unveil them and see who this year’s winner will be.“

Venturefest Yorkshire 2015 takes place at York Racecourse on 12 March. 

The application deadline for the Innovation Showcase 2015 is 31 January. To apply, go to http://www.venturefestyorkshire.net/competitions/ 

Leeds Beckett University graduate entrepreneur Chris Threlfall’s new online gift company has received a boost from a reality star from the E4 TV show Made in Chelsea.

Retail Management alumnus Chris launched his business Keep it Unique, with girlfriend Katie Palmer in October last year.

After graduating in 2012, Chris undertook a graduate training scheme with supermarket chain Morrisons, but has since left to focus on Keep it Unique. In addition he hosts regular guest lectures at Leeds Beckett for Retail Management students.

Keep It Unique sells a range of personalised gifts including cushions and framed prints, and sent a selection of products to Made in Chelsea’s Binky Felstead who endorsed their products on social media.

Speaking about the business, Chris commented: “We came up with the idea for Keep it Unique after Katie struggled to find a unique and personal present for a friend.

"We had top of the range printers at our disposal at Katie’s family’s business, Palmer Publicity Services in Preston, and decided to play around with our own ideas and designs. The results were great and the idea for our business www.keepitunique.co.uk was born.

“We’ve focused on five or six key products, and put them out on social media to see what demand was like. We’ve had a lot of interest, particularly over Christmas when people were really on the lookout for something special for friends and family.

"Also, getting Twitter and Instagram endorsements from celebrities such as Binky Felstead is fantastic for us, as it confirms to us and shows our customers that the products we are offering are unique, high quality, must-have items.”

Course leader of retail management at Leeds Beckett University, Alistair Macauley, who taught Chris when he was a student, added: “Chris is another successful graduate from our Retail Management course who has not only worked for one of the country’s largest grocery retailers but created an extremely innovative new business.

"It is great to see one of our graduates being entrepreneurial and doing so well. Our Retail Management course is designed to encourage this as well as give our students the skills needed to secure graduate positions in the retail industry.

"Chris is a true inspiration to our current students and I have no doubt that his business will be a success.” 

A group of successful North-East businesswomen have formed a new organisation to help fledgling female entrepreneurs achieve their business goals.

The North-East Foundation for Women In Enterprise is a new support group set up by five leading lights in the regional business world: accountant Ann Stonehouse, Brenda Davidson, managing partner of Hewitts Solicitors, Julie Donaldson of Outspoken Voiceover, Janice Auton, who runs award-winning Poppys Hairdressing salons and Xivvi design agency owner Pamela Hargreaves.

As well as giving female business professionals useful networking opportunities, the Foundation aims to raise money to help women develop their businesses.

Ann, one of only eight people to receive a Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion last year, said: “Although grants are available for new start-ups and growing businesses, the application process is usually complex and time consuming.

“If a business needs a small amount, perhaps to purchase an item of equipment or buy in a service, the Foundation may be able to help by providing speedy access to modest grants.“

To get the ball rolling the Foundation has organised a special ladies-only networking event, sponsored by Hewitts Solicitors, to be held at Wynyard Hall on March 4.

The ‘High Tea With Hewitts’ event includes a champagne reception, afternoon tea, boutique stalls and a unique opportunity to meet like-minded businesswomen.

Following afternoon tea, the 150 guests will be entertained by Angela Davies and Dionne Wightman, two former Teesside University graduates who set up their own business using the skills they acquired as crime scenes investigators for Northumbria Police to educate young people, students and companies.

Ms Davidson, who is also a litigation specialist, said Hewitts was delighted to be the major sponsor of the inaugural event.

“Hewitts’ business motto is ‘stronger together’,“ she said.  “That’s a maxim which could equally apply to the North-East Foundation for Women in Enterprise.

“Our region has a vibrant women-in-business community and we are glad to be supporting such an exciting initiative.“

Image source: matsuyuki

Independent recruitment consultancy Cummins Mellor Recruitment has expanded its workforce by 20%.

The Accrington-based business has also developed a comprehensive business plan, restructured its operational departments, and created an effective succession strategy thanks to help from Boost Business Lancashire’s Growth Mentoring programme.

Established in 1990, Cummins Mellor Recruitment specialises in recruiting across employment sectors including hospitality, accountancy & finance, commercial office support, and sales & marketing, in temporary, permanent and interim contracts.

The company found out about Boost’s mentoring programme as a result of a longstanding relationship with business support organisation Community & Business Partners (CBP).

As a result, operations director Michelle Mellor enrolled on the programme and was matched with CBP mentor Imelda O’Keefe.

Boost Business Lancashire is the £7.2 million Lancashire Business Growth Hub, offering free and part-funded business support to ambitious and growing businesses.

Operations director, Michelle Mellor, said: “Our challenge was to look at succession and a realistic growth plan across the business, as well as deciding on a business development strategy for our three-product offering.

“At the same time, we needed to introduce a new management layer in the business that we didn’t previously have in place.”

“We’ve worked closely with Jane Houghton Fenning and her team at CBP and have always found them really helpful and informative.”

“Imelda threw ideas around by asking great questions, challenging our answers and giving us her thoughts. We got excellent support and input. Imelda’s knowledge helped enormously and it was great to have her as a sounding board.

“We learned to slow down and look at what we already had.

“Next we formulated a plan of where we wanted to be in one, three and five years, taking into account revenue and headcount needed to achieve the objective.”

An entrepreneurial couple have launched a new kitchen showroom in the heart of Chelsea’s Design Quarter after £250k investement.

Entrepreneurs Sonja De Weyer and Patrick Gallagher have combined their backgrounds in fashion and interior design, property development, renovation and corporate sales to open up Mobalpa Chelsea.

The apartment-style showroom, which is part of leading French kitchen manufacturer Mobalpa’s growth plans in the UK, is located at the front of the Chelsea Creek fountain within the Chelsea Design Quarter and has created four full time jobs.

Designed to feel like a real-life living space and inspired by Parisian homes, the showroom encompasses an apartment concept at the front of the store with a kitchen, lounge and open plan study area.  

Mobalpa’s innovative concept is designed to showcase a modern way of living with kitchen products, open plan areas, storage solutions and bathroom options displayed in a realistic setting.

Patrick said: “The combination of Mobalpa’s quality French kitchen cabinetry, innovative designs and business support with our interior design and property expertise means we’re offering Chelsea consumers an unprecedented level of kitchen knowledge and skill."

Cyril Raberin, UK franchise director at Mobalpa commented: “It is a very exciting time for Mobalpa and we are delighted to welcome Patrick and Sonja to the team.

“Mobalpa Chelsea marks our third showroom in London, following the recent openings in Pinner and Richmond which are continuing to help raise the profile of Mobalpa specifically in London.”

A Preston-based audio-visual firm has been chosen by a Lake District luxurious hotel to handle technology installations at its new six star property in Bowness.

Epixx, a company founded last year by technology enthusiasts Matt Holmes and Ben Tomlinson, has overseen the installation of high-end electrical equipment for Cranleigh Boutique.

The £500k Church Suites venture, based at the site of the former Rose Cottage bed and breakfast on Church Street, comprises four luxury serviced suites with state-of-the-art technology, all controlled wirelessly via an iPad.

Matthew and Ben have been receiving advice from accountancy and business advisory firm Moore and Smalley, including advice on the financial aspects of starting the company and putting growth plans in place.

The Cranleigh Boutique is owned by local entrepreneur Stephen Hargreaves who also owns the Hideout Boutique House in Bowness.

Director at Epixx, Matt Holmes, said: “While the Church Suites project is Epixx’s first foray into the leisure sector, working with one of the Lake District’s most prolific hoteliers meant we were able to come up with a vision that showed off our expertise in full.

“The suites feature a bespoke AV automated design system meaning guests can experience luxuriously appointed rooms with all the additional comforts of cutting-edge technology.“

Partner at Moore and Smalley, Adam Parton, said: “Technology is becoming an increasingly integrated part of our daily lives so it is more important than ever for leisure businesses to stay in tune with evolving trends to attract guests and maintain occupancy rates.

“While this remains a challenge for many firms in the current economic climate, the luxury leisure sector is booming so this represents a huge opportunity for Epixx. We look forward to becoming a trusted adviser to the business as it grows.“