Brighouse-based recruitment agency Provide Education has moved into larger premises to accommodate its growing workforce.

Provide Education has moved into newly-converted offices in Thornhill Brigg Mills which is three times larger than their former base at the Coach House on Owler Ings Road.

The company’s move has been prompted by year-on-year business growth which has seen it double staff numbers within the last three years.

Provide Education opened its West Yorkshire branch in Elland in 2011 and moved to Brighouse in 2012, at which point it had three employees. It now employs a team of six, following the appointment of a new recruit this week.

Brighouse office manager Paula Ho said: “We are very excited about moving into attractive new office space.

"We had certainly out-grown our old office and our new home at Thornhill Brigg Mills gives us room to grow further in the future.”

Provide Education helps teachers and other education staff find supply teaching work and other jobs in hundreds of schools across West Yorkshire.

Provide Education’s new recruit Zoe Griffin joins the company as a resourcer and her job will be to attract more teachers and other staff to sign up to the recruitment agency’s books.

The region’s newest commercial agency practice has opened its doors on Teesside. Chartered surveyor Tim Carter has launched Connect Property North East. The company will trade from prestigious offices on the Preston Farm Business Park.

Connect Property will provide a niche agency and investment specialism across the office, retail and industrial sectors, throughout the Tees Valley, County Durham and North Yorkshire.

Tim has more than 10 years’ experience working throughout the North East and County Durham, where he has advised on some of the region’s highest profile schemes, including Teesside Industrial Estate in Thornaby, Riverside Park in Middlesbrough, Falcon Court in Stockton On Tees, Newton Aycliffe Business Park, Belasis Business Park, Lingfield Point in Darlington and Wynyard to name a few.

In 2013, working on behalf of a national firm of property consultants, he was named ‘The Estates Gazette Deal Maker of the Year’ for the entire North East.

Tim said: “I am delighted to have launched this new practice, which will provide an unrivalled client service. I already have the backing of a number of clients in the region that include M7, UK Land, Kames Capital, JR Properties and City & Northern.“

Connect Property is already instructed on the disposal of a diverse range of commercial property, including some of the highest profile schemes in the Teesside area and is also well placed to offer development consultancy, investment and professional service advice.

Bdaily business news continues to expand across the UK after introducing a new business model to widen the reach of its rapidly developing news platform.

The licensee model, popular and widely used in the United States, will allow Bdaily to expand into regions previously untapped as it continues its fast-paced development.

Bdaily has already expanded its editorial presence from the North East, now with substantial readership bases in Yorkshire & the Humber, the North West, and most recently, the South East.

Now, Bdaily’s licensee model has already started to make waves with new recruits in the North East and the South East to capitalise on the business news platform’s exponential growth throughout the UK.

This new and slightly unconventional model comes in response to the changing professional employment landscape, says managing director Sarah Callender.

After the recession hit and many were made redundant, many people turned to freelancing and self employment. The licensee model is perfect for these entrepreneurial and ambitious people, giving them a chance to take advantage of flexible working in an innovative company.

MD Sarah Callender said: “The new business model that Bdaily is rolling out is a win win for all concerned.

“We have and are looking for entrepreneurial and ambitious people who are ideally already talking to our target market and want an opportunity to make extra revenue.

“These are the very type of people we want associated with the Bdaily brand.

“It is a great way of capitalising on the roll-out of our editorial presence in the UK, whilst keeping our business model lean, and also responding to the changing employment marketplace.

"Our efforts in the past 2 years have been to develop an advanced sellable platform, investing heavily in editorial, and this licensee model will only augment our development.

“It has already been extremely well received and once again showcases Bdaily as a platform at the forefront of innovation.“

An experienced therapist and counsellor has taken office space at the Wilton Centre to help further establish her practice.

Sharon McMahon, who qualified as a counsellor in 1996, offers a range of therapies and coaching for individuals as well as businesses and has moved to the Centre to make her services more accessible.

Her services include NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Psychotherapy, counselling, CBT and clinical hypnotherapy as well as personal development coaching and stress management training or coaching, either individually or corporately.

A member of the NLP Psychotherapy and Counselling Association, which sits within UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), Sharon is in the final stages of a postgraduate diploma in psychotherapy to further develop her skills and is aiming to promote what her practice offers more widely.

She explained: “The sorts of issues I can help people with include stress, depression and anxiety although the whole list is as long as a piece of string.  Clients have brought a broader range of issues than I could have anticipated.

“In essence, I facilitate people who want something different to, or more than, they currently have by getting to the heart of any problem they have.

“This can include highlighting behaviours and/or habits that are unhelpful and involves providing support for them to make constructive and lasting change.“

Until recently, Sharon has seen clients at home, but feels clients will welcome the new, more professional setting.

She added: “My client base has broadened considerably to include people looking for personal development, as well as those who have hit an obstacle and want a new start.“

“Everybody I work with is looking for a positive outcome, whatever their starting point, and it is rewarding to help them all by providing professional, dedicated support to sort out anything getting in the way of someone being able to live their life to the full.“

Sharon’s move to the Wilton Centre is something of a homecoming for her as she was based there for 12 years until 2000 when she worked for ICI.

She explained: “It is important that I can provide a discreet service for my clients so I was looking for a professional environment and a neutral space to work from and the Wilton Centre is perfect.

“The team that runs the Centre have been very helpful in getting my office set up and running and have been very hands-on in making sure everything I need is in place.“

Steve Duffield, Wilton Centre’s site director, welcomed the latest addition to the Centre’s tenant list.

“It is very encouraging to hear that the professional environment of the Wilton Centre persuaded Sharon to locate her practice here.

“The Centre has the capacity to accommodate businesses small or large in first-rate office space and, as Sharon’s experience demonstrates, they will all receive the same level of attention, service and support from us regardless of their size.

“We wish Sharon well in establishing and growing her practice here.“

More than 1,000 jobs will be available at a top talent showcase in Sunderland this week, where candidates have the chance to show off their skills to 15 employers and hopefully secure a new position on the day.

The Shine concept combines a traditional jobs fair with a talent section, where more than 300 pre-selected candidates will demonstrate their abilities to contact centre employers from sectors ranging from financial services to food.

Many employers will be making job offers on the day thanks to the opportunity to see potential staff and carry out one-to-one interviews in one place.

Shine Sunderland, at the Stadium of Light on Thursday February 12, has been organised in partnership between recruitment and training expert CCP, MAKE it Sunderland and Job Centre Plus. Sunderland was chosen as a venue for the new recruitment model because of the area’s strong pool of talent with experience in contact centres.

CCP chief executive Shona Harper said: “We had huge interest from people interested in taking part in the talent showcase, as well as fantastic support from Job Centre Plus, in order to screen some 1,300 applicants. We now have 303 very talented candidates going forward on the day.

“We originally thought there would be around 800 jobs available but there are actually now more than 1,000. We’ve had a fantastic response from employers and we’ve noticed there’s a lot of excitement from companies about the Sunderland event.

“When we held the first ever SHINE, employers were sending maybe two people to the talent showcase – one to select the people they were interested in, and one to interview them.

“But this time, they are sending six, seven, eight assessors because the standard of the candidates is so high and they want to recruit the best and brightest from the area.

“Some companies are sending people to Sunderland from Peterborough and Edinburgh. That’s a big commitment from employers.”

The talent showcase is only one part of Shine Sunderland. The jobs fair, where people can drop in on the day, also has employers looking for management staff and provides the opportunity for jobseekers to get one-to-one advice on issues such as writing a winning CV, interview techniques, and career guidance.

Contact centre companies taking part include Barclays, More Than, Fusion, 2Touch/Parseq, BT/Manpower and Tesco Bank among others.

Sunderland is an ideal venue for Shine because it is a major player in the UK’s contact centre industry. The sector employs around 14,000 people in the city and generates more than £200 million annually for the local economy.

Deputy leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Harry Trueman, said: “We are proud to be supporting Shine Sunderland and are looking forward to the additional employment it will help to create for the city.

“Sunderland has an exceptionally talented workforce and the Shine approach gives jobseekers a unique opportunity to show off their skills and secure a new position in a really efficient manner. We’re expecting the Stadium of Light to be really buzzing on Thursday.”

Charlie Mullins left school at 15 years old to pursue a career in plumbing, launching Pimlico Plumbers in 1979.

Today the London-based company is the capital’s largest independent plumbing company, employing 260 people and reporting a turnover of £24 million. 

Charlie, who was awarded an OBE for services to plumbing in 2014, is a well-known campaigner for state-funded apprenticeships and has featured in several TV documentaries including Channel 4’s Show Me Your Money, The Secret Millionaire and BBC’s Young Plumber of the Year as a judge.

After 35 years in business, Charlie considers himself a driving force behind ‘cleaning up’ the plumbing industry, he told Bdaily: "Apart from technology the question isn’t how has the industry changed, so much as how have we tried to change the industry in the last 35 years.

"The industry had a shocking reputation back then of having more cowboys than a Spaghetti Western. 

"Plumbers had a reputation of being fly by nights who’d rip you off as soon as look at you. Over charging and poor service were the things people feared most when they needed to call a plumber.

"The other problem was that even the good, honest ones treated people’s homes like they were on a building site, and considered customers more of a problem to get around rather than the person who needed to be satisfied at the end of the job.

"So, part of cleaning up the industry was literally making it less messy. 

"Using drop sheets; taking off dirty boots; cleaning up afterwards and taking away the rubbish. This image change also involved the uniforms that all Pimlico plumbers wear, and the clean professionally sign written vans, not to mention the Pimlico Bible of operating practice. 

"All of this made Pimlico Plumbers more professional, and you only need to look about to see how many would be impersonators there are now."

Charlie is a strong believer in the power of good customer service, and he is passionate about maintaining Pimlico’s good reputation, he said: "The other part of the revolution was treating the customer like, well, like a customer. 

"Talking to them about what they wanted, not assuming they didn’t have a clue and that the plumber knew best. 

"And finally communicating with the customer as to what you are going to do, or what the options are, including the up and down sides of the available choices."

In 2014, Pimlico took on 12 new apprentices taking the total number to 28. The number of engineers also rose from 120 to 163, alongside 16 new staff appointed in the call centre, accounts and the garage and workshops, during the year.

Despite Charlie’s busy schedule, he still maintains a hands-on approach to management, he said: "Ask anyone who works for me and they’ll tell you I’m still everywhere, day to day. But there have been changes, especially in the last 8-10 years. 

"We reached a point around the time we started to turn over about ten million annually, where I was stretching myself too thinly across operations, buying, recruitment, finance and accounts and of course the PR and marketing stuff that I really love doing."

Starting his career as an apprentice, Charlie is passionate about offering young people opportunities in the world of work. He said: "I was taken on as an apprentice at 15 and this experience shaped my life and success, which is why I passionately believe that today’s business leaders have a duty to bridge the skills gap and make apprenticeships mandatory.

"Taking on apprentices improves productivity, strengthens workforces and improves motivation among our employees.

"We take on apprentices in all our departments, including plumbing, heating engineering, electrical, carpentry, building and mechanics. 

"These apprentices attend college one day per week in term time for three years and the rest of their time is spent in accompanying our qualified engineers out on real jobs learning their trade of choice."

Pimlico also has a partnerships with the City of London Corporation to boost support of apprentices and to offer apprenticeships across all departments at its head office including HR, PR, administration and accounts. 

Leading Pimlico, Charlie has plans to further expand and develop the company while increasing staff numbers and offering opportunities for young people, he said : "Well, 2015 started off with recognition in The Queen’s New Year’s Honours list in the form of an OBE for services to plumbing. 

"I’m not sure how I can top that! I have a book coming out in the next few months about my life and business experience, and I’m looking forward to that.

"In terms of my aspirations for Pimlico Plumbers, I want to dominate the plumbing, heating & home services market in London. 

"We continue to increase our market share in the service industry and I want to keep going. The demand in London is huge, so we are now expanding more than ever. 

"More staff are being brought on every week at Pimlico which will make sure we can take on the demand, and I want to employ up to 100 new recruits and apprentices in 2015.

"I have been petitioning the Government for a National Apprenticeship Scheme for some time now and I attended last year’s Conservative Party Conference with my apprentices to show the Prime Minister what a great initiative it is. 

"He’s since announced plans to create 3 million new apprenticeships – but I hope he goes one step further in 2015 and implements a national scheme. 

"This plan would turn Jobseekers Allowance into a Job Achievers Incentive, where the Government pays the employer the Job Achievers Incentive to use as part of a minimum wage salary for an apprentice."

A Greater Manchester entrepreneurial couple will celebrate Valentines Day with over £1 million turnover from their franchise business.

The couple quit their jobs 9 years ago to start a career in Avon and boast a team across the UK of over 1,400 Representatives.

In 2014 the couple made £142,678.83 compared to £124,729.77  in 2013- an increase of £17,949.06.

The couple said that although they are self employed and run their own business they have the benefit of the backing of a major company in Avon Cosmetics.

It cost them a minimal amount to set up and the couple say their main investment was their time.

Nadine said: “If you had told me we would be in this position 10 years ago, I’d have laughed

“The secret is definitely working together as a married couple.

“We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and we’re genuinely best friends.”

“Since we started we have just grown and grown, because we work so well together.

“We would encourage people not just to start Avon, but to definitely consider joining forces with their partner for bigger success.

“After all – who knows you better? If you can make a relationship work, a business will be a breeze

“As we were both working full-time when we started our Avon business, the biggest challenge we faced was time management.  

“But as we have proved, it is possible to grow a successful business around full-time jobs or other commitments as long as you are driven and passionate about the business.

“The easiest thing about this business is helping people to earn money as an Avon Representative or Avon Sales Leader.  

“We love to see people in our team progress and become successful themselves.  

·         

Manchester entrepreneur Rachel Ray has tripled the turnover of her business in just two years, reaching a record £3.5 million turnover milestone this month with Bright & Beautiful a professional housekeeping service that she set up in 2007 from her home in Sale, Greater Manchester.

Rachel now has over 50 franchises operating the ethical homecare business across the UK, employing over 300 people nationally and 120 in the North West.

All of the franchises, which deliver professional cleaning, tidying, laundry and ironing services, are owned and run by women who wanted a career that would allow them to have a better work/ life balance

Rachel, also plans to expand the business significantly in 2015, recruiting 20 new franchisees, creating over 150 new jobs and launching additional specialist housekeeping services.  

Rachel, said: “As well as building a £3.5 million turnover business and creating 300 jobs, we are also working hard to raise the bar and standards for a £4.7 billion industry which is largely unregulated in this country, with many agencies and employers offering workers no holiday or maternity pay and little quality control.

“The evolving labour market has really shaped the speed at which we have been able to grow both our client and franchisee base.

“People are working longer hours so are employing more domestic help and an increasing number of women aren’t prepared to sacrifice their family for work, which leads them to look at becoming self employed.

“Our business model works so well because the franchisees earn a good salary running the business, delivering an impeccable service for the clients and managing their own team of professional housekeepers, yet they can still be in control of their own diary and create a great work-life balance.“

Doncaster entrepreneur Kelly Marsden has obtained a total of £135k seed funding from Yorkshire Angel Investors to launch her online family tree and photo sharing firm Twile.

Kelly and her business partner attended a start up programme called the ‘Dotforge accelerator’, to enable them to create a viable business plan.

At the end of the 13 weeks, the pair pitched their concept at a number of events and closed a seed round of £75k from Yorkshire Angel Investors. 

The investment was used to further develop our product and to increase growth through advertising and the firm is set to close another investment round for £60k at the end of this month.

The firm has impressive aspirations, aiming for several thousand users in their first year, and in 5 years they are aiming to go worldwide. 

They are also planning to partner with an online digital printing company to enable photos from customers’ timelines to be printed direct onto photobooks, calendars and mugs.

Kelly said: “Twile is a living, breathing family tree where every person you add, is given a timeline that you can fill with photos and stories about their life.  

“We both had thousands of photos stored away which were rarely revisited. 

“The photos didn’t tell the whole story of the event, Who, why, when, where - we wanted a tool to capture the story of our lives to ensure our children and their children could see who we were and who they were growing up.

“None of the online photo sharing tools allowed us to do that so we decided to build one.

“Our product is unique. There is no other offering the ability to create a family tree where every person has a rich visual timeline of their life.  

"We hope to have millions of families using it to record their lives, so that they can revisit and relive their memories for years to follow.

"We want everyone to know and remember who they were growing up. The family tree will be used collaboratively by many family members, helping them to educate one another about family that others perhaps were not aware of. We would like our tool to ‘bring family closer together.

“As a mum of 3 young children, I’m snap happy and have thousands of photos - now Twile turns them into stories of which I add titles and descriptions to. 

“My children will know everything about their life - I can’t wait to show them in 10,20 or 30 years time - and I can’t wait to share their lives with my grandchildren."

The Deputy Prime Minister is awarding £50.4 million of extra funding from the Regional Growth Fund to help companies in the North West to flourish.

Since Nick Clegg launched the fund in 2010, a total of £430 million has now been invested in 89 projects across the North West, which will create or safeguard around 117,000 local jobs and attract around £2.5 billion of further investment from the private sector.

For every £1 the Government has invested through the Fund, the private sector has put in £5.50, meaning the total investment is now expected to attract £16 billion of private sector support across the country.

Ministers will be visiting RGF projects across England today to see how the Fund is helping to rebalance the economy.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “After decades of regional economies being neglected, I set about investing directly in local businesses via the Regional Growth Fund.

“This investment has allowed regional businesses to be more ambitious than ever before and gone a long way in creating a stronger economy.

"A stronger economy means providing equal opportunity for everyone across the UK, rather than solely relying on the city of London to bolster UK business.

“The success of the RGF is proof that putting money in the hands of local businesses helps them flourish, and creates opportunities for more people to work locally."

Image source: Nick-Clegg

The Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has announced an extra £20.7 million of funding from the Regional Growth Fund for regional companies, including several from Yorkshire that are in the running.

Round 6 bidders in Yorkshire and the Humber include BE Group (programme covering York, North Yorkshire and East Riding), CS WIND UK LIMITED (Hull), Finance Yorkshire Ltd. and Kemira Chemicals UK Ltd (Bradford).

Since the fund was launched in 2010, a total of £280 million has now been invested in 49 projects across Yorkshire and Humberside, which will create or safeguard around 57,000 local jobs and attract around £1.7 billion of further investment from the private sector.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “After decades of regional economies being neglected I set about investing directly in local businesses via the Regional Growth Fund.

"This investment has allowed regional businesses to be more ambitious than ever before and gone a long way in creating a stronger economy.

"A stronger economy means providing equal opportunity for everyone across the UK, rather than solely relying on the city of London to bolster UK business.

"The success of the RGF is proof that putting money in the hands of local businesses helps them flourish, and creates opportunities for more people to work locally."

Image source: Infomastern

Manchester-based My Parcel Delivery was born out of frustration at the way things were.  

Founder and managing director David Grimes said that the idea came to him while he was running another business and having to spend 1-2 hours a day in post office queues.

He realised that there was a gap in the market for a parcel delivery service that collected small volumes from SMEs at a reasonable price.  

David set up My Parcel Delivery in June 2010 with a government backed loan of £60k and £60-80k from his previous business.

Once launched he raised extra investment via Angel funding which meant that as well as a cash injection he had the “invaluable” help of a mentor.

In December 2013 the company raised a further £1.3 million in funding that was used to invest in recruitment, IT infrastructure and marketing.

The company has reported impressive growth in the last quarter of 2014, with a 69% increase in gross profit and 58% rise in revenues.

The website also saw a 47% increase in deliveries booked through its online platform, compared to Q4 the previous year.

The number of employees grew from 12 to 30 throughout 2014, and the company plan on growing further with more job creation as it expands.

New business customers also grew by 83% in the last quarter, as more and more ecommerce companies are utilising the innovative website for bulk shipping.

Managing director of My Parcel Delivery, David Grimes, told Bdaily: “I chose to set up in Manchester because of its amazing buzz, there are lots of upcoming businesses and I decided Manchester was the best place to be.

"Being in Manchester helps with recruitment and the talent pool is a close 2nd to London particularly for technology roles.

“Recruitment is probably the biggest challenge I face, it took over 6 months to get my senior management team in place.

“I’d like people to think ‘these guys are going to make a difference’ because we are a fresh dynamic business.

“We keep things simple and we strive for continuing improvement.“

Manchester commercial property consultants, Canning O’Neill has announced the sale of two buildings in Cheadle and Heaton Mersey in South Manchester.

Acting on behalf of a private investor, No. 3 The Courtyard has been sold to manufacturer Parkash Textiles.

Occupying a prominent position in Cheadle, The Courtyard development comprises six individual, self-contained office buildings totaling 14,760 sq ft. Parkash Textiles, which has relocated from Cheetham Hill to take 1,614 sq ft, will join existing occupiers Prima Hotels, Forever Creative, XYZ Property Management and Ask Legal.

In a separate deal Canning O’Neill has completed the sale of Building A14 at The Embankment, a 5,061 sq ft self-contained office building in Heaton Mersey, to IT infrastructure company, R-Com Consulting, which has relocated from Manchester Business Park.

Owned by Lam Properties, this unit forms part of The Embankment Business Park a development of new office and warehouse buildings, developed over six phases.

Conrad O’Neill of Canning O’Neill said: “These deals demonstrate the return of owner-occupier demand in the South Manchester market, which all but evaporated during the recession due to the difficulty in raising mortgage finance.

“The banks are lending to small businesses again and occupiers are clearly confident to make these long term investments.“

Arrow Cars has been awarded 5 year with Bristol Airport Private Hire contract.

The new deal will make Arrow the official taxi company at Leeds Bradford, Manchester and East Midlands Airport.

Bristol Airport is the UK’s 9th busiest Airport, and the contract now gives the growing firm a presence in the south of the country.

This move is part of an expansion plan which will boost Arrow’s staff numbers from 60 to 85 ahead of the 1 April Bristol start date.

Driver numbers will also be boosted taking the companies driver number to over 700.

Arrow Cars chairman David Richmond said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the contract to operate the Private Hire concession at Bristol Airport.

"It now gives us a national presence to complement our existing operations at Leeds Bradford, Manchester and East Midlands Airport. 

"Our existing operations have gone from strength to strength with sustained growth.  Our focus is always on our customers.

"Giving them a high quality customer experience from the initial booking process through to the journey itself is paramount.

"Booking on line, by our pre-paid app, at one of our airport desks or by phone, we give our customers a seamless experience. 

"We are looking forward to offering our Bristol customers the same high quality Arrow service."

Image source: Valerie Everett

Leeds-based entrepreneur Sean Mallon has launched startup Bizdaq, a new online platform to help business owners buy and sell small and medium-sized businesses.

The new company has raised £1 million in financing, most as venture funding from British high street entrepreneur Tim Whitworth, co-founder and former chief executive of clothing chain Republic. 

The funding will be used in part to drive Bizdaq’s growth over the coming months and will allow for a nationwide marketing campaign following today’s launch.

Sean has said that Bizdaq’s goal is to small and medium sized businesses capitalise on Britain’s economic growth and retain more of their hard earned capital.

Sean is an experienced business sales broker with seven years in charge of one of the UK’s leading business brokerage consultancies.

Sean Mallon said: “When hard-working business owners decide to sell up, brokerages can help them find a buyer.“

“But traditional brokerages tie business owners in to strict 12-month contracts, are often too slow to act and charge sellers up to 15% of their sale fee.

“By launching as a monthly subscription online service, Bizdaq gives business owners the flexibility and price point to sell on with far lower outlay, or even to change their mind without having sunk unnecessary cost.

"It’s about giving small businesses the tools needed to complete their sale as well as giving them choice. We want to give them more freedom to choose the option better suited to their needs.“

While a typical business transfer agent may take a commission of up to £15,000 on a business sold for £100,000, Bizdaq expects most of its subscribers will only ever pay an average of £500 to find a buyer and complete the sale, saving thousands in agents’ fees.

Having learned how to value and sell other people’s businesses as an employee of a national brokerage, Mallon set up his own brokerage firm in 2007, aged 21, armed with just a Yellow Pages, a borrowed telephone and his parents’ laptop.

Today, the Leeds-based company employs more than 30 staff and has helped over 1,200 business owners sell on, from local convenience stores all the way up to a £3.5 million finance company, which achieved a 30% higher valuation than expected.

London-based startup JustPark has today announced it is raising £1 million through equity crowdfunding platform Crowdcube.

The innovative app and website, which connects parking space owners with drivers looking for a convenient space, has recently doubled its gross profits and grown its annual booking revenue to £3.7 million

The startup, which is backed by Index Ventures and BMW, is now inviting users and members of the public via Crowdcube to join its journey as shareholders.

By setting a minimum investment amount of £10, London-based JustPark aims to encourage even the most modest investor to stake a claim in the company’s future growth.

The money raised during the equity crowdfunding campaign will be used to build JustPark’s community of users, both in the UK and around the world.

The company also plans to develop new technology to tackle the pain in parking, following its release last year of an in-car app in collaboration with BMW that let drivers manage the entire parking process directly from their dashboards for the first time.

New shareholders will join JustPark’s existing backers: BMW i Ventures, the venture capital arm of automotive giant BMW; and Index Ventures, one of Europe’s leading technology investors whose previous successes include Skype, Dropbox and Just-Eat.

Index Ventures will convert a loan of £50ok to shares at the same price per share as the crowd upon the successful completion of the crowdfunding campaign.

Anthony Eskinazi, founder of JustPark, says: “Parking is one of the most dysfunctional parts of city life. It’s stressful, inefficient and can be extortionately expensive.

"With JustPark, our users are providing each other with the solution to this headache, opening up their underused parking spaces to drivers and saving them approximately £8.5 million in parking costs so far.”

“Equity crowdfunding is the perfect way for JustPark to continue in the collaborative spirit that underpins the entire business. It allows us to work together with our most passionate users to build the business to greater heights.”

As well as quarterly briefings, JustPark’s new shareholders will be invited to annual gatherings - known as ‘ParkFests’ - complete with progress reports and afterparties.

Eskinazi adds: “We can’t wait to work with a new generation of JustPark investors to solve the parking headache together and make cities run more efficiently.”

Luke Lang, co-founder of Crowdcube, said: “Giving people the opportunity to invest in a tech startup backed by Index Ventures, one of Europe’s top venture capital firms, and BMW through Crowdcube is a very exciting prospect.

"We’ve seen a growing trend towards more established organisations with strong entrepreneurial teams opting to raise growth finance through Crowdcube."

Stockton software developers JDrew Creations are launching the latest version of their Ambix social intranet simultaneously in the UK and US.  

Ambix will be showcased at SXSW Interactive in Austin, Texas in March, thanks to the support of UK Trade and Investment who are backing a range of young British businesses at the world’s premier tech event.

Ambix is a flexible cloud platform for any organisation who wants to establish an online community in a more secure environment than social media, but without the complex workplace tools and high pricetags of traditional corporate intranets.  

Ambix has been chosen for use by diverse groups including alumni, charitable volunteers, and business network members.

Director Kate Baucherel said: "We’re gaining traction in the UK, but the US is an important market for us, as organisations there are far more ready to use digital tools to engage their members.

 "We’re already handling early enquiries from the States, and UKTI have helped us to get over to the most important event in our industry at an early stage in our growth.  It’s an amazing opportunity."

Allison Brown & Iain Loughran, Physiotherapy Matters

Occupational health specialists Physiotherapy Matters has strengthened its Gosforth-based team by recruiting two more experienced physiotherapist.

Senior physiotherapist Allison Brown has joined the seven-strong team from a number of NHS settings and occupational health units including Rolls Royce, Akzo Nobel and Northumbria Police.

Physiotherapy Matters in Gosforth recently relocated from Melton Park to Regent Centre doubling its therapy space to cater for growing demand, and is one of three clinics in the region – the others being in Newcastle’s city centre and Darras Hall.

Allison said: “Having worked in occupational health for over 20 years, I was very aware of and impressed by Physiotherapy Matters’ model and its expansion plans for the future. It is exciting to be part of a team with an excellent reputation and I’m inspired by the company’s vision to develop its practices and services across the North East.

“Physiotherapy Matters’ focus on client care and success is hugely important to me and I look forward to continuing and strengthening the quality of service we provide.“

Clinical specialist physiotherapist Iain Loughran also joined the team and enables the practice to offer Injection Therapy as a new service.

Iain has acquired extensive experience in a range of settings including NHS - both primary care and hospital services, occupational health - Northumbria Police, and sports injuries.

She said: “Physiotherapy Matters has always enjoyed an excellent reputation and with our recent relocation to larger premises in Gosforth, we feel now is the right time to expand the team further.

“With our onsite services becoming ever popular as well as demand within the clinics, it is vital that we start an aggressive recruitment drive to find the best people we can.

“We are delighted to be able to welcome professionals with Allison and Iain’s level of experience to join our team and play a key role in developing and maintaining the practices that have enabled us to enjoy a good name in the industry, in accordance with the company’s high standards of quality care. We are continuing our recruitment drive in line with demand for our services in this area.“

Mick Keeble & Oliver Plumpton, Perfect Image

North East-based IT consultancy, Perfect Image, has announced two top-level appointments, strengthening its senior management team within its Managed Services division. 

Mick Keeble and Oliver Plumpton have both joined Perfect Image, based on the Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside, to grow the Managed Services arm of the business, which specialises in delivering tailored solutions and services to organisations across the UK.

Andrew Robson, CEO of Perfect Image, said: “We have always offered our customers a true managed service, however, over the last 18 months, many of our customers who already benefit from this offering have suggested we take it to the wider market.  The decision to grow and strengthen this division of the business has very much been customer-driven.

“I am delighted to welcome Mick and Oliver to the Managed Services team.  With their combined experience and enthusiasm for a truly customer-centric approach to IT infrastructure and delivery, I have no doubt they will play integral parts in the further development of the division.  "As a team we have ambitious growth targets for the coming year and I am looking forward to seeing Mick and Oliver’s contribution to the ongoing success of the business.“

Mick joins Perfect Image as head of Managed Services with over 20 years’ experience in the IT industry working for large firms across the region.  

Adding to the team, Oliver joins the Managed Services division as head of Service Delivery.  

With an MBA from Durham University, Oliver’s role will see him manage all elements of compliance and implement best practice processes within the arm of the business, while safeguarding the sustainability and scalability of the offering as Perfect Image continues to grow, ensuring customers receive a first-class service.

Mr Robson continued: “Managed Services can mean different things to different people – even in the IT industry.  “Our Managed Services division offers a full portfolio and takes a full life-cycle approach to identifying the right solutions for each individual scenario.  With Mick and Oliver’s knowledge and specialist skills, I’m sure this arm of the business will continue to go from strength-to-strength.“

Stephen Long, Forfusion Ltd

Tyneside-based Information Technology (IT) and business consultancy, Forfusion Ltd, has recruited a former British Army Warrant Officer, Stephen Long, to join the firm’s Project Management Office.

Originally from County Durham, Long, served in Bosnia, Kosovo, Canada, America, Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan during his 24 year military career. Long, 43, rose to the rank of Warrant Officer in 2011, specialising in Telecommunications and IT.

As part of his resettlement process, Long completed several specialist qualifications, including PRINCE2, ITIL, CCNA, Comp TIA Sec+ and CISSP.

Long will be in good company, as Forfusion has hired seven former military servicemen since its inception in 2007.

Long said: “I’m very excited to use the skills and knowledge that I’ve developed throughout my time in the army in a new and challenging environment in the private sector,“

In his new role at Forfusion, Long will work across the company’s Unified Communications & Collaboration, Data Centre & Virtualisation and Networking & Security Practices, as well as the specialist Government Secure Services division.

Steve Forrest, CEO of Forfusion Ltd said: “It’s great to have someone of Stephen’s calibre in our team,

“Stephen will help bolster Forfusion’s already sterling reputation for high quality IT services delivery.“

Yvonne Bell, Entrepreneurs’ Forum

Yvonne Bell, a director of Bell Truck and Van, has joined the board of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum to share her knowledge of marketing, succession and the competitive motor retail market.   

After joining the family commercial vehicle business nearly 35 years ago, Yvonne worked her way through the company eventually becoming marketing director then leading the organisation alongside her sister Carolyn Bayne.

Yvonne, who began her career as a management trainee with the Co-op, said: "I’ve been a member of the Forum for many years and always found it to be a refreshingly youthful organisation. I’m delighted to be joining the board, sharing what I’ve learned over the years and being an ambassador for the amazing entrepreneurs among the members.

"I hope to bring a different perspective. I come from a slightly different industry to the other board members and from a family, franchise business with heritage, so I hope my experience will be useful in helping others."

"It’s an entrepreneurial company and we’ve always pushed forwards together as a family. But we also have the benefit of other directors who are very financially aware and have driven us through many challenging times."

Lauren Hillary, Hilary Florek PR

Lauren Hillary, 28, from Ponteland, has been appointed PR and Marketing Manager at Newcastle-based HFPR Ltd, after working for seven years in the London area.

In her new role, the Leeds Metropolitan University graduate will be responsible for managing the accounts of some of the region’s biggest names in the leisure and hospitality, financial and charitable sectors.

Lauren, who also has extensive events experience, said: “While I thoroughly enjoyed working and living down south it is wonderful to be back home in the North East.

“HFPR has an extensive and varied client base and I am looking forward to working with them.“

HFPR Ltd Managing Director Hilary Florek said: “Lauren’s detailed understanding and experience of the industry - and her superb communication skills – will make her a great asset to the business,“

Theanna De Sancho, Elringklinger (GB)

Automotive parts manufacturer ElringKlinger (GB) has appointed a new training officer at its Redcar site.

Theanna De Sancho, aged 24 and from Redcar, has joined the HR & Training team at Kirkleatham Business Park where she will be responsible for developing the company’s existing in-house apprenticeship programme and Year in Industry schemes.

Theanna previously oversaw 52 apprentices in her role of training coordinator at ICL Fertilizers, formerly Cleveland Potash near Staithes.

In her new role she will be responsible for working across ElringKlinger’s 200-strong workforce, developing employees within the company – from new starters to longer serving members of the team.

New recruit Theanna, said: “ElringKlinger (GB) is an ambitious company, which is continuously expanding and investing in its employees. I’m going to be working on a number of new projects within my role, coordinating training across all areas of the business. We have some exciting plans in the pipeline for 2015 so watch this space.“

ElringKlinger (GB) managing director Ian Malcolm said: “Whilst it is essential to seek the future engineering stars of tomorrow, we can’t ignore the importance of our existing manufacturing workforce here in the region, not just in the automotive sector. This is one of the key aims of Theanna’s appointment here at ElringKlinger (GB).

“The North East boasts a highly skilled, ageing employee base, which possesses invaluable expertise. Investing in them throughout their career before they reach retirement and finding innovative ways for their skills and knowledge to be shared with the next wave of recruits will pay off dividends in the future.“

Schofield Sweeney, Annie Hui and Andrew Howard

Andrew Howard, legal executive, and Annie Hui, solicitor, have joined Schofield Sweeney’s growing legal team. 

Andrew Howard previously worked at Clarion and is a highly respected debt recovery professional within Leeds and across the North of England. 

“I am delighted to be joining such an established firm with a solid commercial client base. I am looking forward to developing a new service within the practice to assist existing clients and hopefully deliver some new clients to the business” says Andrew.

Solicitor Annie Hui joins the expanding Litigation Team from Lupton Fawcett Denison Till. 

Annie said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Schofield Sweeney  -  a highly respected Yorkshire based firm with a national and international presence. I am looking forward to working with its team of high calibre and commercial lawyers, and contributing to its long term success.”

Gordons, Ben Lamb

Yorkshire law firm Gordons has strengthened its leadership team by promoting former City commercial property solicitor Ben Lamb to the rank of partner.

Mr Lamb has experience in all aspects of commercial property law and a broad client base, including private and corporate investors, retailers and commercial occupiers.

Originally from Northumberland, Mr Lamb is a University of Leeds graduate. He joined Gordons in 2010.

Paul Ayre, Gordons’ managing partner, said: “Throughout his time with us, Ben has shown himself to be an ambitious and commercially astute lawyer.

"He has developed excellent relationships with some of the firm’s most important clients. He thoroughly deserves this recognition and we look forward to his even greater contribution to our success in his new role.

Nabarro, John Hanratty and Jayne Firth

Nabarro has recruited a team of two to its Sheffield office to focus on pensions. John Hanratty, formerly Head of Pensions in the Northeast for DWF, joins as a consultant and Head of Pensions North, together with senior associate Jayne Firth also from DWF.

John has a particular reputation for his public sector pensions work, but he and Jayne will also be supporting the London Pensions team with major private sector clients as well as developing work of their own in this area.

The legal directory, Chambers, describes John as: “a ‘leading light’ for public sector work who receives praise from commentators for his collaborative approach. He focuses on getting results while being practical and commercial."

Harrowells Solicitors, Paul Burkinshaw and Matthew Hayward

Two new solicitors, one a partner, have joined the commercial division of North and East Yorkshire law firm Harrowells Solicitors.

They are partner Paul Burkinshaw and assistant solicitor, Matthew Hayward, who follow two senior appointments to Harrowells commercial division last autumn.

Head of Harrowells’ commercial division, Simon Black,said: “These two appointments represent a further expansion to our commercial division and demonstrate our commitment to the businesses community throughout East and North Yorkshire.

“Both appointments recognise the growth of highly-regarded construction and property companies across North and East Yorkshire. Paul Burkinshaw’s considerable dispute resolution experience in agriculture adds to the land and property transaction expertise of Stephen Proctor who joined us last year.

"This this means we now have a top-class senior legal team supporting this important sector.”

Pryor Marking Technology, Alastair Morris

Alastair Morris has been promoted to sales director at Pryor Marking Technology, a Sheffield-based company which provides traceability solutions for global supply chains, particularly in the automotive and aerospace sectors.

Alastair has worked as business development Manager at the company for the past 16 months, successfully achieving growth for the business in new and existing markets.

Pryor Marking Technology’s managing director Neil Andrew said: “Alastair has demonstrated that he has the vision and the ability to lead the sales and marketing function in what is a very exciting time for our business.  

"He will be working to grow sales of our engraving and machinery business in our home and export markets and also to create and exploit new market opportunities.“

Bizspace, Rebecca Rainford and Tom Harrowell

Bizspace, one of the UK’s leading providers of flexible business accommodation, has appointed two new business centre managers within Yorkshire.

Rebecca Rainford, 23 from Wakefield will be responsible for Bizspace’s Bradmarsh Business Centre in Rotherham, while 34-year-old Tom Harrowell from Mirfield will manage the firm’s Calderdale Business Park in Halifax and Dudley Hill in Bradford.

Bizspace’s sales manager for the Yorkshire region, Steve Moody, said: “Rebecca and Tom are both hugely enthusiastic and brimming with ideas for their respective sites. 

"It will be fantastic for these business centres to have consistent and focused managers, working to promote the interests of customers,“ he said.

Sales and marketing director for Bizspace, Emma Long, added: “We are delighted to welcome Rebecca and Tom to the Bizspace team. 

"They are two people who very much share the Bizspace values and will be working to create productive business communities for our customers to enjoy.“

Lateral Property Group, Tobias Burckhardt

Lateral Property Group announces the appointment of Tobias Burckhardt as Development Associate.

Harrogate-based Lateral is pleased to welcome Tobias to the team to help deliver the Group’s substantial development pipeline. 

Steven Redshaw, joint managing director of Lateral commented: “Tobias is a superb addition to Lateral. At a time of substantial growth for the company, his involvement will ensure that Lateral continues to drive a winning strategy and will play a key role in the future direction of the business.“

PwC Yorkshire, James Hamilton and John Dunn

PwC has hired two new directors to work across its three Yorkshire offices, as the firm continues to invest and grow in the region. 

James Hamilton joins PwC’s forensics practice from BDO in Yorkshire. He has 16 years’ experience conducting investigations into fraud and accounting irregularities, as well as appearing as an expert witness in court appeals and tribunals.

The firm has also hired pensions and employee benefits specialist John Dunn as a director, who will focus on growing the pension practice in Yorkshire and the North East.

Commenting on the new hires, Richard Giles, Yorkshire partner and PwC’s head of pensions in the North, said: “The recent pension changes announced in the Budget last year, along with increased demand from clients for our services, have resulted in us needing to invest in and grow our local practice. John has extensive experience in advising companies in Yorkshire and will help us to continue to support our clients’ needs.”   

Newtons Solicitors, Katie Baxter

Conveyancing lawyer, Katie Baxter, has joined the Ilkley office of fast-growing law firm, Newtons Solicitors.

Katie Baxter, who joins Newtons from a local firm of solicitors, handles both residential and commercial property conveyancing and takes the team at Newtons Ilkley office to four.

Newtons Solicitors, founded by Chris Newton and his wife, Sarah, who is also a director, also has offices in Harrogate, Ripon, York, Stokesley,  Knaresborough, Leyburn, Richmond and Darlington.

The group, which has developed a £2.6 million turnover from a standing start in 2009, has 13 directors and LLP partners and 44 lawyers. 

Aileen Wu & Daniela Sperber, DTZ

DTZ has bolstered its Manchester office with two new appointments. 

Aileen Wu joins as a surveyor in the Valuation team whilst Daniela Sperber joins as assistant consultant in the Education and Innovation team.

Joining from CBRE’s Brisbane office, Aileen brings five years commercial valuation experience.  She began her career as an assistant valuer with DTZ based in Shanghai before moving to Australia. 

In her new role, Aileen, who has a degree in Civil Engineering and Masters in Property Valuation, will be undertaking commercial valuations across retail, industrial and office sectors. 

Daniela Sperber joins DTZ after graduating from the University of Manchester Business School with a Masters degree in Business and Management.

In her new role, Daniela will be responsible for appraisals for student residential opportunities, market demand and due diligence analysis relating to higher education and student accommodation. 

John Keyes, senior director and head of DTZ’s Manchester office said: “I am pleased to welcome both Aileen and Daniela to the Manchester office. As DTZ begins its journey as a private, independent global property services company we are adopting an ambitious growth agenda. 

"The appointments are also reflective of the more favourable market conditions we are experiencing which has lead to a number of new instructions in the Valuation and Education teams.” 

Rachel Hoyland, Hill Dickinson

Liverpool-based law firm Hill Dickinson LLP has announced the recruitment of Rachel Hoyland as a senior associate in its shipping team. 

Rachel was the in-house Head of Legal with CMA CGM (UK) Shipping Ltd and is an experienced dry shipping lawyer. 

Rachel will be based in the Liverpool office of Hill Dickinson, but will be working closely with London

Russell Gardner, UK Head of Shipping at Hill Dickinson, said: “We are delighted Rachel is joining us.  She will bring valuable experience and expertise, having worked for one of the world’s leading shipping lines.”  

Martin Kelly, Jonathan Copping (pictured), Sherri Day Elwick Fast Track China (UK) Ltd

Fast Track China (UK) Ltd, specialist in supporting export sales to China, has grown its UK-based team with the appointment of a new head of UK Operations and a new head of Business Development for the North West.

Martin Kelly has been appointed as head of UK Operations, while Sherri Day Elwick has joined the Tyneside-based firm as an Account Manager. 

Additionally, heads of Business Development have been appointed for the North West, Central England, Scotland and the South East. Jonathan Copping takes up the role in the North West, bringing extensive commercial and operational experience from the SME sector. 

Martin has more than 30 years of experience in international sales, marketing and human resources in a variety of senior roles. 

His experience includes 20 years with Black & Decker, as well as having been International Commercial Director for Hardy Greys Ltd, working closely with a range of overseas partners. 

Sherri has worked with a number of businesses and organisations, including Interserve, Business Link and Deutsche Bank, in a range of customer service and relationship management roles.

Richard Sice, chief executive of Fast Track China (UK) Ltd, said: “The growth of our team means we can support more businesses in their efforts to open up the Chinese market to export their products and services.

“Some of those businesses which took part in our first trade mission, in 2014, are in strong negotiations, which we expect will help them to secure significant contracts with Chinese buyers, and I am sure the upcoming second outbound visit will also prove successful.”

Susan McBain, Cassidy + Ashton

Architectural, building surveying and planning consultancy, Cassidy + Ashton, has bolstered its senior team with the appointment of Susan McBain.

Susan joins the firm’s Chester office as a senior architect after spending 12 years at a local practice, where she worked on notable projects including the remodelling of Helsby High School and Cheshire County Council’s Sure Start Programme.

Susan said: “Cassidy + Ashton ticks all the right boxes for me, with a rich history and wealth of experience delivering projects across a variety of sectors and I look forward to getting my teeth into the business development side of things and securing some prestigious contract wins.”

Alistair Baines, chairman at Cassidy + Ashton, added: “Susan has a strong track record welcoming an architect of her calibre is a major coup for the business.

“She brings a core understanding of our business and marketplace and will play a vital role as we enter the next phase of our evolution.”

Katherine Noden, CBRE

CBRE’s Manchester office has expanded its Asset Services team with the appointment of Katherine Noden as management surveyor. 

Katherine obtained MRICS status in October 2014 and joins CBRE from her previous role of Estates Surveyor for investment firm, In-Site Property Solutions.

In 2014, CBRE’s North West Asset Services team secured over 25 new instructions including Chancery Place, Manchester appointed by NFU Mutual, Temple Square, Liverpool appointed by Hudson Capital Advisors, 45 Ranleigh Street, Liverpool appointed by Boudelen, Meridian Court, Bolton appointed by United Utilities to name a few.

Katherine’s appointment will take the team to 23 staff in the firm’s Manchester and Liverpool office in preparation for an equally busy year ahead. 

John Lea, head of North West Property Management, said; "The increasing activity within the investment sector is leading to a host of new and prestigious appointments for our team, enabling us to manage the properties and seek ways to maximise the potential of these assets for our clients. Katherine is a valuable addition to our growing team as we prepare for a strong year of investment activity in the North West."

Katherine said: "I am delighted to become part of CBRE’s busy Asset Management team and I look forward to working on the team’s flagship instructions across the region."

Mark Farrell, Hilary Meredith Solicitors Ltd

Hilary Meredith Solicitors Ltd in Wilmslow has strengthened its senior management team with the arrival of Mark Farrell as operations director.  

Mark will take his place as a director on an enlarged Main Board at Hilary Meredith Solicitors. Mark Farrell has extensive experience in the legal, claims management and financial services sectors.  

He joins Hilary Meredith Solicitors from Nationwide Claims Solutions where he was a director.  

Mark also has extensive experience in the insurance sector, having worked at Aon and Royal & Sun Alliance.

Hilary Meredith, CEO of Hilary Meredith Solicitors said: “Mark comes with a wealth of operational and corporate experience and is a welcome addition to the firm and our main board."

Mark Farrell said: “Hilary Meredith Solicitors Ltd is a forward thinking law firm with exciting plans for the future. 

“I am looking forward to playing my part in the firm’s ongoing growth and expansion - all based around delivering an outstanding service to our clients.”

Iain Reilly, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking

Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking has appointed Iain Reilly as an associate within its Manchester-based Acquisition Finance team.

Reilly will work with the team, based at Spring Gardens, to deliver senior debt and working capital facilities in support of private equity-backed acquisitions and refinancing.

Iain began his career as a graduate with RBS, where he worked with the bank’s real estate, portfolio management and structured finance transactions divisions. 

In April 2013, Iain joined the Structured Finance Corporates team at the bank, initially as a manager before being promoted to assistant director within eight months.

Neil Price, head of Northern England and Scotland Origination for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, Acquisition Finance, said: “Our Acquisition Finance team finished 2014 on a high, with a total of 17 deals completed across the North and Scotland and total debt capital deployed amounting to £322 million. 

"This shows the continued importance of senior debt in private equity transactions, as well as the confidence of businesses in the region.  

“Iain is skilled and ambitious, as shown by his impressive ascent through the ranks, and his appointment shows our commitment to providing timely and sustainable leverage finance solutions in the North. The growing appetite for debt finance and buoyant M&A market looks set to continue throughout 2015 and our expanded team is well-placed to respond.

Sarah Calderwood, Slater Heelis

Manchester-based law firm, Slater Heelis, has announced the promotion of Sarah Calderwood from associate solicitor to partner within the department.

During her 12 years working as a lawyer, Sarah has been involved in a broad range of employment related issues, including conducting tribunals, providing support for corporate and commercial transactions, negotiating settlements and pursuing injunctive action in respect of restrictive covenant matters.

Tracey Guest, head of employment at Slater Heelis, said: "It’s been another significant year for our team which, despite operating in a challenging and competitive market, has seen us thrive.

"We maintain that our people are the backbone of our business and individuals, like Sarah, have enjoyed fantastic career progression.”

Sarah Calderwood added: “After five years at Slater Heelis, I’m really looking forward to working as a partner in the employment team.

“As the firm continues to grow, the department is developing quickly and I’m delighted to be a part of its success. I’m confident I’ll go on to enjoy a long and happy career with the firm."

Georgina Inson, Tracey Harris & Stephanie Clark,  BCL Legal

Manchester headquartered BCL Legal has made three new appointments to its team of consultants.

BCL Legal, which also has also has offices in London, Leeds, Birmingham, Liverpool and Bristol, has appointed Georgina Inson as a senior associate .

She has worked in legal recruitment for five years including positions at Hays Legal and Osborne Clarke. She has also been an employment law solicitor at Withy King.

Tracy Harris has joined as a senior associate to handle private practice solicitor and legal executive recruitment in the West & South Midlands and the Thames Valley. 

Tracy has worked in the legal recruitment profession for 17 years, including running her own consultancy – Harris Legal Recruitment – for nearly 10 years.

The final new appointment is Stephanie Clark. Stephanie has been appointed as the London office’s newest consultant.   James Batt, managing director of BCL Legal, said: “2014 was a record year for us so we’re delighted to announce the arrival of these new members of staff who all further augment and solidify our market position.

"Each person brings with them a wealth of talent that will add real value, experience and knowledge to our clients, candidates and the BCL team.”