With spring well in the step, many in business on the Humber are blossoming in new roles in the season of new life.
The first few months of 2022 have been a hive of activity in recruitment circles, with promotions, switches and new-starts aplenty.
Here we look at the major moves not to miss in the Humber region, having also recently revealed the Top 30 Under 30 for 2022.
Our appointments, covering off tech, logisitics, law, accountancy, events, construction, food, finance and more - from board room to trainee success - are brought to you in partnership with OLG Recruitment, the Immingham-based nationwide recruitment solutions specialist.
Quickline Communications
Martin Cook has joined Quickline Communications as director of financial planning and analysis, becoming the Hessle firm’s 100th employee.
It marks a doubling of the team in the past six months, with plans to double again.
He said: “I didn’t realise the significance of my appointment when I started but I am thrilled to be working at a company with so many opportunities. That’s what attracted me to Quickline in the first place. I’ve had such a great welcome in my first week from all members of the team and I am looking forward to getting stuck in to do my part for the business and for our customers.”
The chartered accountant follows the footsteps of chief executive Sean Royce, joining from KCom, where he was head of finance. Prior to his 10-year stint in Hull he was with Deloitte.
Mr Royce said: “This is a key moment as we welcome our 100th employee to the Quickline family. It’s such an exciting time for us. With Northleaf’s half a billion pounds investment over the next four years, it means we will be creating hundreds of new jobs across the region.”
Andris Uplejs, who joined the company in 2011 as network manager, is one of Quickline’s longest-serving employees and has risen through the ranks to become head of new infrastructure.
He said: “I honestly have no idea where the time has gone. Joining Quickline was the best decision I have ever made. There’s a great culture here which has allowed me to learn and grow as a person. The support from the team at every level has also been invaluable. When you join Quickline, you join a family who pull together – and I am so proud to be part of Quickline’s success story and look forward to the next chapter.”
MS3 Networks
Industry and governance expertise has been welcomed by expanding Hull broadband provider MS3 Networks as it appoints Derek McManus as its chair.
The former O2 UK chief operating officer will take up the role on April 1.
He brings 34 years’ experience in the telecommunications industry in various technical and business roles to the recently acquired wholesale network business.
Guy Miller, chief executive at MS3, said: “I’m thrilled to be welcoming Derek to the board here at MS3 Networks. He brings a huge wealth of industry experience to the team as we continue to scale up our operations to deliver full-fibre connectivity to over 500,000 premises.”
Mr McManus holds an MSc in Telecommunications Business from University College London, and spent over 20 years at O2 where in January 2011 he took the COO role, wit responsibility for customer service, network, IT, cross business transformation, fraud, security and property.
He is described as a hugely passionate and committed champion for diversity and inclusion MS3 is on a huge recruitment drive having already added a number of experienced additions to its senior management team.
Mr McManus said: “I am delighted to be joining MS3 Networks as its chair. They are an extremely fast-growing network builder and I am excited to be a part of the extremely bright future here as we substantially increase the pace of our fibre roll-out to the many underserved homes across the North of England.”
The Personal Finance Centre
Hull specialist financial broker The Personal Finance Centre has appointed a new chair and non-executive director.
Mark Thundercliffe returns to his home city to take the role, subject to Financial Conduct Authority approval, having most recently been group chief risk officer at Virgin Money UK Plc.
He has also previously held a number of high profile executive roles across the globe for both HSBC and Citi, among others.
He brings expertise and oversight in a number of areas including risk management, compliance and corporate governance.
Managing director Mark Cooke told how he shares a real passion with the board to drive The Personal Finance Centre towards its vision of being a successful financial hub based out of Hull, with aspirations of creating a finance academy to support young local talent to build a career with the business.
He said: “Mark Thundercliffe’s appointment is a statement of our ambition, both the business strategy and continued growth of The Personal Finance Centre, as the company seeks to fulfil its vision.”
The announcement comes on the back of a busy 12 months for the business which has involved the move to new offices, a number of key appointments at board level and staff promotions.
Mr Thundercliffe said: “I’m very happy to come home! Hull has a special place in my heart given my family history over many generations! The academy, investing in local talent, is something I feel passionately about, having started my banking career 34 years ago in Hull.”
Pensana
Pensana has promoted chief financial officer Robert Kaplan to finance director, while welcoming Virginia Skroski as head of investor relations and communications.
Rob joined the Saltend inward-investing rare earth specialist two years ago, bringing more than 20 years’ experience in corporate finance with main market and AIM-listed companies on the LSE.
The chartered accountant arrived from London-listed Petra Diamonds Ltd where, in his role as finance manager corporate and head of treasury, he was involved in numerous mine financings including two bond issues totalling $1 billion, a number of African lender facilities totalling over $750 million and most recently, an equity rights issue of $178 million on the LSE.
He will continue to lead Pensana’s finance team, supported by highly experienced natural resources financier and non-executive director Steve Sharpe.
Pensana Chairman Paul Atherley, said: "We are delighted to announce Rob’s well-deserved appointment as finance director. He brings a wealth of experience from leading London listed companies in the natural resources space and will be pivotal in Pensana’s next phase of growth. It is an incredibly exciting time for the company, as we enter the final stages of funding for our Saltend and Longonjo development projects, bringing us ever closer to creating the world’s first independent, sustainable rare earth supply chain based in the UK.”
Virginia has an extensive track record of developing and implementing investor relations strategies for FTSE 250 constituents Vesuvius Plc and Kenmare Resources Plc. Prior to corporate finance, she worked as an analyst and fund sales specialist in asset management and private equity.
Mr Atherley added: “We very much welcome Virginia’s appointment at a time when we are looking to expand the institutional investor base of the company. Following the recent placement to M&G, the company now has over 35 per cent of its register held by institutional investors. Virginia brings a wealth of experience with institutional investors globally, and we look forward to developing and strengthening these relationships.”
CorrBoard
Paul Broderick, former southern sector sales manager for DS Smith Packaging, has joined CorrBoard, the sheet feeding specialist based in Scunthorpe, as sales director.
Joining Rob Burgin, recently appointed managing director at the company, he will be responsible for the commercial functions across the organisation, liaising with customers, identifying key targets and managing the sales and customer service teams.
He said: “As an independent business, the opportunity to join the CorrBoard leadership team really appealed to me. While I can bring the experience I have from a global corporation to the role, I’m most looking forward to working with the team to mould and shape the business as we deliver a more customer-focused strategy.
“My priorities will be on cementing the relationships we have with our client base, increasing the number of customers we work with and focusing on delivering exceptional service. Longer-term, I hope to be a part of the team that makes us the number one go-to independent sheet supplier in the UK.”
Welcoming a former colleague, Mr Burgin said: “We know that Paul has the drive, determination and enthusiasm that we need to implement the changes required to take the business forward. The outlook is very positive, and we are all working to meet with some ambitious targets, not least becoming a market leading supplier.”
Wilkin Chapman
Wilkin Chapman has appointed four new partners and three more solicitors, strengthening many of its departments.
In Grimsby, Leah Hanson joins the firm’s wills, estates, tax, and trusts department as a partner. After studying Law at Leeds University and the Legal Practice Course in York, she qualified and trained in East Yorkshire and has worked throughout the area during her career.
After 14 years working in private client practice, she has considerable experience of time-critical and high complexity cases including business or agricultural assets or cases with foreign assets. She is also a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.
Joining her is solicitor Rosie Coates. Rosie studied at Northumbria University earning her master’s degree in law before joining a Newcastle-based firm as a trainee solicitor. She qualified in 2021.
In Lincoln, the firm welcomes a further five new appointments. Julie Bailey joins as partner in the family department, while the domestic property department welcomes Jo Sworder as partner. Michele Wightman has joined as a partner in the wills, estates, tax, and trusts team and newly appointed solicitor, Serap Karaoglan, will work closely with Michele. Serap qualified in 2018 and advises on wills, lasting powers of attorney and in relation to the administration of estates.
Finally, Katarzyna Ulfig joins as a solicitor within the commercial property team, having obtained her master’s degree in law in Poland and qualified in 2014 as a solicitor.
Senior partner, Andrew Holt, said: “I am delighted to welcome such a strong female cohort to the firm with such a breadth and depth of knowledge and experience. It is paramount to me that we develop and grow our teams to ensure we continue to deliver an exceptional level of advice and service to all of our clients, both regionally and throughout the country.”
Rradar
Rradar, the Hull-based litigation and commercial law firm specialising in digital and insurance innovation, has appointed Richard Sheridan as its new commercial director.
He joins from claims management firm Sedgwick International UK.
In the newly-created role, he will report directly to chief executive Gary Gallen and be a key member of Rradar’s senior leadership team.
Mr Gallen said: “This is a very significant appointment for us as we embark on a sustained period of growth. Richard will refine and implement our commercial plan to achieve our vision of becoming a next generation legal services business, providing first-class legal and other business services through a human and digital hybrid.
“He will be responsible for overseeing our product development and pricing, identifying new market opportunities, developing and implementing a targeted sales strategy, overseeing client relationship management and ensuring high client satisfaction.
“We pride ourselves on transforming how legal services are accessed and Richard’s appointment will help us to deliver our vision as part of our five-year business strategy.”
Mr Sheridan brings more than 25 years of experience of growing and building client relationships.
He said: “This is a tremendously exciting opportunity and challenge for me. I am delighted to be joining such a progressive and innovative firm as Rradar, especially at a time when the company is embarking on a sustained growth strategy.
“It is a privilege to be a member of the senior leadership team and I believe that my extensive experience as a director with Sedgwick, and with the Capita Group before that, will enable me to make a significant contribution to Rradar’s expansion and success over the coming months and years.”
ResQ
Clive Burnham has joined ResQ as business development director.
He arrives at the Hull-headquartered outsourced contact centre specialist, with a focus on further developing new partnerships within energy, telecoms and financial services markets, ready to play an integral role in delivering growth.
Chief commercial officer Matt Marshall said: : “It’s great to have Clive on board. His expertise and knowledge of the business process outsourcing market will undoubtedly bolster our new business efforts as we continue to grow.”
A seasoned sales leader with over 15 years’ experience in the sector, his previous roles have been focused on winning, managing and growing client accounts across a wide range of sectors.
He said: “My passions are service, team spirit, loyalty and exceeding expectations. The more I learnt about ResQ, the more I realised this was a perfect match. The business has a great catalogue of customers – this is down to a first-class operations team that are focused on performance, employee engagement and the best returns for their customers.
“Everyone I have had contact with thus far have been friendly, courteous and praiseworthy of ResQ as a great place of work. It’s safe to say I am excited for the journey ahead and I’m looking forward to meeting all of the teams and achieving our goals together.”
Bonus Arena
Hull’s Bonus Arena has a new general manager.
Darren Moore has taken the role following Dan Harris’ relocation to Dubai, where he has taken the commercial director role for the Coca-Cola Arena.
Both venues are part of ASM Global.
Darren joins from York Barbican, where he has spent the past four years as general manager.
Marie Lindqvist, senior vice president for European operations, said: “Darren has many years of experience in the industry and has worked as part of our team for a little over 10 years. For the last four years, Darren has successfully led the team to enhance the performance of York Barbican, in terms of both content and financial metrics, and we’re excited to see what he brings to the Bonus Arena, Hull.”
Dan had spent 11 years on the Humber, overseeing Scunthorpe’s Baths Hall and Plowright Theatre ahead of the city’s new venue opening. He had moved up from a role managing council-owned venues in Reading.
“We want to thank Dan for his leadership, and the success he has brought to our business in the UK,” Ms Lindqvist added. “We are very pleased to see him continuing his career with ASM Global in this new, exciting role with our team in Dubai.”
Spencer Group
Hull multi-disciplinary engineering business Spencer Group has welcomed an experienced lead to drive forward the growth of its in-house rail design capabilities.
Gary Robson has joined as engineering manager, with specific responsibility for project design.
He brings significant expertise and experience to the role, having held numerous senior civil engineering positions throughout his 30-year career, which included two decades working in rail.
A fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Gary said he was delighted to have joined Spencer, having worked collaboratively with the company in a consultancy capacity.
Gary said: “I’m extremely proud to have joined Spencer Group in such an important role as I know from first-hand experience what a fantastic company it is.
“I’ve worked as a consultant throughout my career, so I have often been distanced from the final construction of the projects I’ve helped design. I’m therefore really looking forward to having a direct influence on the solution and seeing projects through from brief to completion.”
Previous employers include COWI, Arcadis and White Young Green.
He said: “I understand the rail client and have a great deal of experience in managing multi-disciplinary projects in the rail sector. I’m now looking forward to bringing all of that to Spencer Group’s already excellent team.”
LHL Group
Hull-based building surveyor Daniel Bower has been made a director of Yorkshire property and construction consultants, LHL Group.
He joined his home city office of LHL in 2014, having graduated with honours in
Building Surveying from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh.
After qualifying in 2015 he became an associate director within the 35-strong team in 2019.
His work includes project management, employer’s agent and contract administration for new build and refurbishment schemes as well as traditional commercial and residential property building surveys and dilapidations work.
He said: “After almost eight years with LHL Group, I’m delighted to be joining managing director, Richard Hampshire and director, Shaun Bennett, on the board and supporting the wider management and development of the business in a highly competitive climate.”
Schemes he has supported include the £3 million headquarters for Grimme in Market Weighton, the Treadmills regeneration scheme in Northallerton and the continuing redevelopment and modernisation of Thorp Arch Estate near Wetherby.
Mr Hampshire said: “We are always looking to promote talented younger members of the LHL Group team and are delighted to offer Daniel a wider strategic role in the company after the retirement of former managing director John Denton.”
Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson has welcomed two new lawyers.
Sarah Parker joins as a senior solicitor within the growing property team.
Her expertise across a range of legal issues, along with her knowledge of agriculture and rural affairs, is described as adding further value to the firm’s client offering
She said: “Having worked for another law firm in the region I am aware of Andrew Jackson’s excellent reputation for property work, as well as its growing recognition as being among the region’s leading providers of services to the rural farming community. I am excited to join the firm and look forward to using my experience to provide in-depth legal expertise and pragmatic advice, which is tailored to the needs of the businesses and individuals we work with.”
Sarah has advised commercial clients, including rural land owners and farmers, on a wide range of matters including solar and wind turbine projects, partnership agreements and Agricultural Holdings Act tenancies.
Geoff Phillips, partner and head of the firm’s property team, said: “Sarah is a valuable and welcome addition to the team, strengthening the expertise and services we offer to our clients. She understands the particular complexities involved in rural land transactions and negotiations, so it is great to have her on board and to strengthen our offer in this area.”
Charlene Merry joins the firm’s tax and trusts team, bringing several years’ experience working in the private client sector.
Richard Hoare, partner and head of private client services, said: “I am delighted to welcome Charlene to Andrew Jackson. Demand for our private client services remains exceptionally high and I know that Charlene shares the firm’s commitment to providing clients with high quality legal advice – something which is consistently recognised in our client feedback. I am confident that Charlene will make a significant and valued contribution as we continue to provide our clients with a tailored, personal service with trusted expertise.”
Beverley Building Society
Beverley Building Society has appointed Simon Glass as its new head of new business lending.
He brings more than 20 years of experience from high street banks TSB and Santander, having worked as a mortgage adviser and in business development. He has also handled significant change and technology implementation projects.
In the new role at the Beverley Simon will forge close working relationships with brokers, on a regional and national level, while working with the senior management team on new product and policy ideas.
“I was ready for a new challenge, and my role at the Beverley will certainly give me that,” he said. “I’m passionate about mortgages and one of the things I love most is building relationships with brokers and seeing them blossom from nothing into something mutually beneficial.
“However, being involved in policy and product development as well will enable me to offer a 360-degree service to brokers, by helping to find solutions to the things they are telling me, which I believe is so important. The synergy this new job offers between relationship-building and being able to influence the solutions we bring to market, to meet brokers’ needs, was an opportunity I couldn’t say no to.”
He wants to help raise the profile of the society, particularly outside of the East Yorkshire core.
Chief executive Karl Elliott said: “Simon’s appointment will enable us to offer an even better service to this hugely important audience, providing our valued intermediaries with a point of contact who can listen to their experiences and needs, and then act as a conduit between them and the Society’s key decision-makers, to help us ensure we continuously adapt our offering to suit them and their clients.
“This will further strengthen our commitment to going out of our way to find ways to say ‘yes’, whenever possible.”
Newmedica
Internationally renowned consultant ophthalmologist Prof Richard Gale is the latest consultant to join leading eye clinic Newmedica Grimsby.
He specialises in the treatment of wet macular degeneration, which is one of the most common causes of severe loss of vision.
His research into the field has brought in millions of pounds of funding to the region, and he has published numerous scientific papers.
In a distinguished career, Prof Gale has received a Best Clinical Service award from the Macular Society, as well as being named Researcher of the Year by the National Institute for Health Research.
He is also a Professor of Ophthalmology at Hull and York Medical School, having lived in Yorkshire for 20 years. In addition, he has trained in Cambridge, London and Boston, USA.
With 14 years as an NHS consultant, Prof Gale said he is delighted to be part of Newmedica Grimsby’s continued close links with the NHS - based at Cromwell Primary Care Centre.
“Newmedica has always been proud of its partnership-working with the NHS and now, because the pandemic has caused a backlog of surgery for sight and other procedures on the NHS, we are pleased to be able to assist with its waiting lists.
‘Wet macular degeneration has no cure. However, treatment can help slow its progress. Partial recovery of a patient’s vision is possible if they start treatment early enough, so we are glad to be able to see patients quickly, saving them considerable discomfort, inconvenience and giving them better outcomes.
‘Every person deserves the best care that can be given to them, wherever they live, and this our aim in Lincolnshire.’
Professor Gale has been a consultant medical ophthalmologist since 1997. He is the joint ophthalmology specialty lead for Yorkshire and Humberside Local Research Network.
Helen Labrom, Newmedica Grimsby’s operational director, said: "We are delighted to have Professor Gale with us.
"He brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and skills to our team."
John Good Group
John Good Group has welcomed Rupen Shah, former finance and investor relations director at Britvic Plc, as a non-executive director.
With a career spanning 25 years, he brings experience of senior leadership roles.
His last executive role was as chief financial officer at Motability, the largest leasing vehicle company in Europe. More recently, he has been board advisor to Upbeat Brands and board trustee of Alquity Transforming Lives Foundation.
"I'm delighted to welcome Rupen to our board,” Stewart Oades, chairman at John Good Group said.
“Rupen's extensive experience in both the corporate and non-profit sectors will be vital in helping the John Good Group on its journey to drive growth whilst ensuring our activities lead to a clear positive social impact.”
The appointment follows December’s arrival of Adam Walsh as chief executive, with Michelle Taft as non-executive director and Ben Norman as company secretary, as the leadership team was strengthened following a significant divestment.
Mr Shah said: " I am delighted to be joining the John Good Group and working with the board to build the business for future generations to come, whilst increasing our focus to positively impact the communities we operate in and the environment around us."
Gleeson Homes
An internal promotion at housebuilder Gleeson Homes sees Wayne Sutton become regional managing director for the Yorkshire East region.
He joined the listed company in late 2019 as operations manager for Tees Valley, and is now heading up an area with 10 new sites set to open in the next two years.
Wayne said: “I am delighted to be promoted to regional managing director and am looking forward to expanding our fantastic team as the region continues to grow.
“We have many new sites starting, and due to start, it really is an exciting time to be at Gleeson!”
He has worked in the housing industry for the past 40 years and came to Gleeson from a senior construction background.
Sarah Marsden, Sheffield-headquartered Gleeson’s divisional managing director in the North East, said: “Gleeson is one of the fastest growing house builders in the UK. The key to our growth is strengthening the team with committed individuals who demonstrate capability and skill. Wayne is driving results and quality within his regional business and I am delighted to see his success rewarded with this well-deserved promotion.”
British Power Group
British Power Group has appointed Matthew McSharry as new business development manager
He brings more than 25 years of manufacturing experience to the North Lincolnshire-based sustainable energy solutions provider, coupled with a broad network of contacts and knowledge.
Described as an accomplished and performance-driven leader with extensive experience in directing and streamlining end-to-end supply chain and business management operations, he will be focusing on identifying processes and added value, improving operational effectiveness and implementing improvement techniques.
Matthew said: “I am delighted to be joining British Power Group and looking forward to working on a variety of projects.
“From over-production, identifying waste – whether this be cost, time or resource – through to understanding how effectively a business uses its energy supply, and highlighting underutilised talent, I’ll be looking at ways to improve operational systems whilst embracing newer sustainable practices. You could say I will help them to take the small steps needed for their eco-driven path into the future.”
Matthew’s previous roles include managing director of MM Insight and supply chain manager at Mondi Scunthorpe Ltd. He holds an MBA in Leadership.
Steven Cullum, director of the Kirmington business, said: “We are certain that that Matthew will bring great depth and range to our service portfolio and his appointment comes at a pivotal time of growth for our business. Demand is higher than ever for sustainable power and we are delighted with this latest addition to our expert team.”
Filstorage
Racking and fit out specialist Filstorage has appointed a new installation manager.
Richard Sowden brings more than 20 years’ experience to the role, which will see him oversee teams working at builders’ merchants, factories, and warehouse and logistics facilities across the UK.
Mr Sowden started his career AK Store Fitters in Wakefield in 2001, supervising the installation of shelving and racking in retail stores, progressing to installations coordinator and then manager at several big-named companies.
He will also take responsibility for health and safety onsite for the Eastrington firm.
Mr Sowden said: “Ensuring a smooth installation is key to meeting a client’s expectations and ensuring they can get into the building at the earliest opportunity and become fully operational.
“My role is to make sure this is carried out efficiently and most of all, safely, at every site Filstorage is working on.
“With the large presence across the UK Filstorage has, it is going to be a challenging role, but with some great projects in the pipeline, it is one I am very much looking forward to.”
Mr Sowden’s arrival follows the appointment of Ruth Bill as executive PA to the managing director and wider management team at the
Managing director Paul Taylor said: “As we continue to grow across the range of sectors we service, ensuring the quality of work we have built our reputation on remains high is a key priority for us.
“These strategic appointments will help to achieve that. Richard’s wealth of experience will bring greater efficiencies to our installation processes, which is a win-win for us and the client, and Ruth will support the management team in taking the business forward.
“I’m very pleased with these appointments and I would like to welcome them both to the team.”
Red Stag Media
Specialist agribusiness PR and digital marketing agency Red Stag Media has welcomed Ben Pindar to the team.
He brings almost 30 years experience in the media, PR and marketing industry to the company, and will be joining as account manager, working with clients to develop strategies and create content.
He started his career as a journalist working in national, regional and specialist titles, and after making the switch to PR and marketing, he worked with international agency Northern Lights, the universities of Hull and York, global corporates, local authorities and government departments.
Red Stag Media describes itself as one of the UK’s leading marketing and communications agencies working in agribusiness, animal health, food and farming, and land-based industries.
The full service agency is based in North Cave, and is led by Nick Glaves and Rob Marsden, who left Search Laboratory to join the business.
Rob said: “We set out to disrupt this market by delivering new and innovative approaches that combined digital marketing and PR unlike anyone else. This approach has ensured we’ve quickly become one of the leading agencies in the rural business sector.
“We’ve got big ambitions and a number of new client wins has meant we’re now recruiting to sustain our growth.
“We’re delighted to be welcoming Ben to the team. He’s got a wealth of experience and brings some fantastic insights and ideas that will bring huge benefits to the business and our clients.”
Ben adds: “I couldn’t help but be impressed with what Nick and Rob are doing and the innovative approach they are bringing to the rural sector. I’ve always had a passion for the countryside and I’m really excited to be joining them and developing some great opportunities for their clients.”
Soanes Poultry
Soanes Poultry has created a new role of people and culture manager, appointing Nafferton human resources specialist Mandy Lowthorpe into the role.
It comes at the start of a new era for the Middleton on the Wolds-based family poultry business, where Nigel Upson has stepped down as managing director, welcoming internal promotion Ben Lee into the role.
Mrs Lowthorpe had been working with the award-winning chicken business on a consultancy basis since November and takes on the permanent role to assume responsibility for a programme that includes staff welfare and support plus recruitment, retention and talent development.
She has more than 30 years' experience in food companies including Hull based garlic bread specialist, Riva Foods.
Mrs Lowthorpe said: "Food manufacturing and people are my main drivers. I love the ups and sometimes downs that they can bring and I'm looking forward to developing the Soanes team and to making us one of the best employers in the area.
"The senior management team are totally committed to developing, supporting and being close to their team, which is exciting and rewarding."
Mr Upson said: “Mandy's enthusiasm for, and commitment to, developing our team is infectious and we're looking forward to seeing the difference her appointment will make to the business.”
Arbor Forest Products
Leading independent timber importer and processor, Arbor Forest Products, has gained three new area sales managers for its Trex decking brand.
Lauren Bamford has joined the Arbordeck team in the central region. Working in the northern region, Michael Massey has also joined the New Holland operation from a technical sales manager role in landscape aggregates. Alongside the two, Ronnie Mclean is tasked with increasing brand exposure and sales in Scotland and Northern Ireland, after working in the timber sector for the past 18 years.
Lauren said: “I am excited to be working as part of such a welcoming team here at Arbor Forest Products, and I’m especially looking forward to building relationships with our key customers.”
Michael added: “Everyone at Arbor is keen to help you achieve your goals whilst also achieving theirs and no problem is too big or too small for anyone to offer their support to those in need. I am really excited to get stuck in working with key merchants and contractors alike.”
From his experience in his new position, Ronnie explained that he is already settling in, and added: “Everyone seems very friendly and helpful, also there is a real can-do attitude within the staff. What excites me the most is the scale and potential of this opportunity.”
Forrester Boyd
Two trainee accountants at Forrester Boyd have passed their final exams.
Abigail Dunning and Lydia Marsh now become fully qualified and certified within the profession.
Abigail, a former King Edward VI Grammar School student, worked for two years as a recruitment consultant before opting for accountancy, joining the Louth office in 2017.
She has spent most of her training working with the agriculture team and is looking forward to continuing to develop her career specialising in this sector.
At Beverley, Lydia joined the firm in 2018 following completion of her AS level in accountancy at sixth form.
Philip George, Forrester Boyd’s partner responsible for training, said: “Abigail and Lydia have done extremely well and this is yet another example of the success in our strategy in recruiting and developing home grown talent. This, combined with excellent accounting tuition, allows Forrester Boyd to continue to recruit, develop and retain top quality accounting staff.”
East Yorkshire Institute of Directors
The Institute of Directors has boosted its presence in East Yorkshire with the appointment of Steve Price as a branch ambassador.
The director of health, safety and security for ferry and logistics services provider DFDS Seaways, he has more than 30 years’ experience in the engineering, chemical manufacturing, power generation and oil and gas industries.
Alongside health and safety management, he is described as adept at strategically guiding large organisations through cultural change and continuous operational improvements.
Steve said: “I enjoy inspiring people and building relationships that deliver results and these are values that align closely with the IoD. As we return to some degree of normality following the pandemic, I will be working alongside the East Yorkshire leadership team and my fellow ambassadors to inspire and develop local directors.”
Debra Leeves, chief executive of Vertual Ltd, a virtual reality technology company, was appointed IoD East Yorkshire chair in 2021.
Urging more potential ambassadors to get in touch, she said: “Steve is a terrific addition to our team. His local knowledge and multi-sector industry experience will be a tremendous asset to members.”
