Welcome to our latest career moves round-up from the Humber region. The past quarter has seen strong activity in the employment market, with several senior hires celebrated in the business community.
CVs have been sifted, interviews completed, offers and welcomes made ahead of those vital LinkedIn updates.
The legal sector has been at the forefront, while manufacturers and marketing agencies have also been bolstering their teams.
All these, with many more inbetween, feature in our seasonal round-up of moves and appointments, brought to you in association with Immingham-based . Don't forget to submit your latest hires and promotions for the next edition.
Associated British Ports
Associated British Ports has a new head of operations for the Humber.
Colin McLoughlin joined ABP Humber eight years ago and has played a valuable role in delivering many of ABP’s key operation and warehousing projects. He is now responsible for a diverse portfolio of terminal operations across Immingham, Grimsby, Hull, and Goole, where almost 60 million tonnes of cargo is handled annually, with a £75 billion valuation.
Simon Bird, ABP regional director, said: “Colin will be continuing his great work here at ABP Humber, ensuring all operations delivered for ABP’s customers are carried out safely and efficiently. In the coming years Colin and his team will be supporting a huge transition for the Humber, as ABP sets its focus firmly on becoming a Net Zero business by 2040.”
Prior to joining ABP in 2015, Mr McLoughlin worked in operations management for Stanton Grove and Peel Ports.
He said: “It is an exciting time across the Humber Ports. Having launched its sustainability strategy, ABP’s commitment to becoming a Net Zero business will be at the heart of our operational delivery. Over many years now, ABP Humber has made great strides to reduce emissions generated across its operations, by investing in hybrid and electric port equipment, supported by roof mounted solar installations. I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues to further reduce our operations emissions and continue to develop sustainable supply chains for our customers.”
Wilkin Chapman
An experienced compliance specialist has joined leading regional law firm Wilkin Chapman in a newly created role.
Jody Evans brings more than a decade of knowledge in legal compliance to the position of director of risk and governance, ensuring representation at strategic level.
She will also lead on environmental and social responsibility activities for the Grimsby-headquartered firm.
Jody said: “My job is to help the firm remain compliant, creating governance structures to embed risk awareness across all roles and areas. It’s effectively a dual role - supporting the business in making sure that effective processes exist and are followed, and making sure clients receive the best service possible and are protected in their instructions with us.
"In the rare instances where things go wrong, my team and I will manage those incidents to ensure a good outcome, review how the issue has happened, and take steps to help reduce the risk of future recurrence. I’ll be helping to create and implement a strategy to ensure the firm, its people and its clients are protected as much as possible.”
First appointed in the field in 2010, to support a law firm in the delivery of ambitious growth plans through acquisition, she helped take it from a single office with a team of 100 to 750 people across seven locations. From there, she joined a private equity backed legal services provider before moving into legal compliance consultancy, and then back to leading an in-house team based in Warwickshire. She applied for the role at Wilkin Chapman after returning from maternity leave
“The firm is at a great junction,” she said. “It has placed significant investment in its people, infrastructure and offices - such as the new Wolds office in Louth - to ensure client service is delivered at the best possible level and that our people can continue to thrive in the best working environment.
"The firm’s presence within the local area is also fantastic - people know and really trust the brand. Now that all of these investments have been made the opportunity is to build on this excellent foundation to make things even better.”
Her appointment comes as Hannah Loft and Tom Herd are made senior solicitors at the firm.
Williamsons Solicitors
Three new directors have been appointed at Hull’s Williamsons Solicitors in a second phase of a significant restructure of the firm’s management.
Wills and probate specialist Rebecca Bisby, licenced conveyancer Amanda Hewson and clinical negligence solicitor Wayne Walker, will also each lead their respective departments.
All three were born and educated in East Yorkshire and join fellow operational and finance directors Neil Waterhouse and John Auld, whose appointments were announced in January, along with established owner-directors Sarah Clubley and Jane Cousins.
The new seven-strong leadership team will develop and implement the firm’s growth plans, which include operational enhancement, service and staff development.
Rebecca, who is a chartered fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives, said: “This hugely successful firm still has so much potential, and it is exciting to explore the opportunities with such a strong leadership team.”
Wayne, who a recognised expert in medical negligence dealing with awards ranging from a few thousand pounds to the multiple millions, said that he was proud of the achievements of his department and the firm as a whole. “I am looking forward to playing a more strategic role and making a significant contribution to the development of our services,” he said.
Amanda, who joined the firm as a school leaver in 2004, said: “It is thrilling to be able to lead the department and to be made a director. The personal service provided to clients from committed staff has been a key to our success and I want to assist in building on this strength.”
Owner-director Sarah Clubley, said: “This new team will be instrumental in securing continued development and success as we look after the legal interests of the people of East Yorkshire.”
Andrew Jackson Solicitors
Maritime law specialist Andrew Coish has returned to Andrew Jackson Solicitors as an associate, having trained with the Hull firm.
He joins the shipping and transport team, strengthening a nationally-recognised area of practice that acts for clients internationally.
Having qualified in his first stint at Marina Court, Mr Coish went on to gain several years’ experience and expertise in the field. He said: “I am excited to return to Andrew Jackson where I began my career 26
years ago. I have been aware of how the firm has grown over the years and its continued reputation for maritime work and I’m looking forward to playing my part in ensuring that we continue to provide an outstanding service for our clients, which is tailored to their needs.”
Mr Coish will undertake all aspects of shipping work, both contentious and non-contentious, including carriage of goods, freight forwarding, project cargo transportation, and charter party disputes.
Dominic Ward, senior partner and head of shipping and transport at Andrew Jackson Solicitors, said: “I am delighted to welcome Andrew back to the firm. He shares our commitment to providing the highest standards of service and value to our clients. His proven knowledge and expertise of shipping and transport matters means he will be a real asset to the team.”
Grace Moreton has also been promoted to senior solicitor in the corporate recovery and insolvency team.
Talasey
Scunthorpe landscaping solutions provider Talasey has bolstered its senior management team with three new appointments as part of ambitious growth plans.
The company has welcomed Sam Hanks as director of strategy and proposition, Rebecca Hughes as marketing director and Peter O'Loughlin as national sales manager.
Sam, described as a well-known figure in the construction industry, has the remit to conduct a root-and-branch review of the business in order to identify how it can maximise existing opportunities and explore new ways in which it can grow and expand.
Recently named in the Builders Merchants Federation’s top 100 most influential suppliers and also a trustee of construction charity Band of Builders, she told how she has charted Talasey’s growth over recent years and the time was right to join the team, bringing almost 20 years of experience to the role.
“Talasey continues to go from strength to strength – but there is so much more that it can achieve, and I’m excited by the prospect of taking the business on a journey of growth and expansion,” she said. “I’m passionate about developing people and teams – and this will be the key that helps to unlock Talasey’s ability to go to the next level of growth.”
Rebecca – also named in the same BMF top 100 – has re-joined the company, having maintained close links when she left for senior marketing roles in the roofing and perimeter security industries.
“I was proud to be part of the team that oversaw the brand transition of the company to Talasey – that created a strong platform from which the company has grown significantly,” she said. “The prospect of the next phase of growth is a really exciting challenge for our marketing team and one that we are already starting to deliver on.”
Peter brings more than a decade of experience in sales of landscaping and building products to both independent and national builders' merchant chains.
He will head up Talasey’s external sales function and will manage its teams of area sales managers and merchant support managers.
“I’ve long been an admirer of Talasey as their reputation for quality, ethically sourced landscaping products is well known within the industry, so I jumped at the chance to join them,” he said. “The new appointments show that Talasey means business, and I’m looking forward to playing a pivotal role in its growth.”
Technikraft
Technikraft, a Goole-based chemicals business supplying private label products to industry, has appointed its first commercial director.
James Clews has been tasked with driving future growth for the business, which develops and manufactures cleaning fluids, fuel additives, anti-corrosion and lubrication products.
Established in 1987, the company supplies industries such as oil, automotive and engineering, and through supporting many well-known brands is the market leader in cycling and leisure products.
James, who joins from personal care products manufacturer Stephenson, has 16 years’ experience in senior commercial roles.
Dave Stewart, the company’s managing director, said: “We are pleased to welcome James to the team. After more than 35 years in the chemicals industry, Technikraft is firmly established as one of the leaders in its field. James’ knowledge of the market and his track record for delivering growth will help us to build on our heritage and identify new opportunities to take the company forward.”
Investment from PHD Industrial Holdings back in 2018 has helped the business expand to a European customer base, with the number of formulations doubled to more than 2,000.
Rradar
Specialist legal enterprise and digital innovator Rradar has appointed David Walsh as head of business development.
The newly created role is part of the Hull firm’s strategic vision for further expansion.
David will report directly to Rradar’s chief commercial officer Davina Gillyon, and will be responsible for a programme that is closely aligned to the overarching commercial priorities for the next five years. He is also tasked with scaling the firm’s relationship-driven sales and business development strategy.
He joins from Markel International, where he held a number of senior business development positions.
“David is known for his abilities to drive a business forward through proactive commercial development strategies which positively engage both his peers and his clientele,” Davina said. “His experience has honed an impeccable skillset in building and nurturing strong partnerships to identify and deliver on new opportunities within new markets.
“He is especially proficient in sourcing and delivering large tender opportunities, featuring double and triple-digit business growth and high performance. We recognise that this is a critical role within our business, as we enter our next growth phase”.
Prior to Markel, David was operating in various management roles across some of the leading names in the national and international insurance, financial and brokerage markets. He said: “I’m delighted to have joined Rradar in such a pivotal role. My priority is to expand our existing and well-regarded sales and business development team and enhance our new customer engagement and client relationship framework, and support our legal teams in driving forward private fee opportunities alongside our existing insurance business.”
Summit Media
Hull performance marketing specialist, Summit, has expanded its team with two new hires to help manage the company’s growth.
Holly Hanford, talent partner, and Molly Simpson, HR advisor, are the latest two recruits following a wave of senior hires earlier this year.
They will continue the strategy of growth, searching for the right recruits to join the team as well as implementing new policies to ensure staff members continue to feel valued and appreciated.
Prior to joining Summit, Holly worked extensively in recruitment for over 13 years, managing up to 70 vacancies per week across a range of different industries.
She said: “I joined Summit as I wanted to be part of a company where I knew skills and experience are recognised and valued. This is the first time Summit has had a talent partner to focus solely on recruitment so I can’t wait to become the ‘go-to’ for securing the best talent in line with our strong core values. I already know I work with a brilliant team so I am looking forward to building on those relationships as a true Summiteer.”
Molly also brings a breadth of experience to the role, having previously worked in HR for three years at a food manufacturing company, while studying for her CIPD Level Five with hopes of becoming a chartered member.
She said: “Summit felt like the right fit for me due to the carefully crafted people culture that is already blooming. I’m really excited to be aiding in the continued development of the culture, and to be maintaining Summit’s reputation of being an employer that cares about its team. I’m hoping to further contribute to the positive energy of the staff and strengthen the bonds between ‘Summiteers’.”
Emily Redfearn, head of operations at Summit, said: “Holly and Molly are two new excellent recruits for the business and exactly what we need right now as we continue to expand and plan to grow even further over the coming months. Summit prides itself on its work culture, commitment to our values, and developing talent, so the task ahead for Holly and Molly is incredibly important to the business. We’re excited to see what new ideas they bring to the business.”
Rollits
A hat-trick of promotions have been made by Hull law firm Rollits, with two solicitors who joined the practice as trainees moving up.
Sophie Wheeldon, who joined the firm in 2013 and qualified two years later, is promoted from associate to partner, while Lucy Trynka becomes a senior solicitor, having joined in 2018 and qualified in 2020.
Sophie attended Wolfreton School in Willerby and completed her law degree at the University of Hull, graduating with first class honours in 2012. On qualifying in 2015, she joined the commercial property team, where she continues to specialise.
Lucy attended Hymers College in Hull and then completed her LLB at Newcastle University and passed her Legal Practice Course with distinction at the University of Law in Leeds. She qualified directly into Rollits’ employment team.
Joining them in their celebrations is a University of Hull law graduate who couldn’t speak English when she arrived from her native Poland at the age of 12. Zaneta Andraszczyk has now qualified as a solicitor, and joins the commercial property team.
She graduated in 2018 and then studied for her Legal Practice Course alongside a Masters degree at the University of Law in Leeds before joining Rollits in March 2021.
During her training and since qualification, Zaneta has been involved in transactions relating to buying, selling and leasing of commercial properties.
Congratulating them, Ralph Gilbert, managing partner, said: “Their dedication and hard work has paid off and we are thrilled to see them continue to grow and thrive in their chosen career.
“Our training contracts programme is part of our strong commitment to finding local talent and offering people entry into the legal profession. Sophie and Lucy are just two of the people who have made the most of this opportunity.”
Sowden & Sowden
Digital creative marketing agency Sowden & Sowden is looking to the future after celebrating its 40th anniversary, with two internal promotions.
Beth Gray has been made senior account manager, with Ruby Keable taking a new role of digital account manager.
Following a string of high-profile client successes, the “dynamic duo” have been described as having demonstrated an “unparalleled level of commitment to personal and professional growth, both in and out of the workplace”.
Sowdens’ co-owner and managing director, Polly Sowden, said: “Our people have always been central to our success as an agency, so I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to give internal promotions. Both Beth and Ruby are excellent examples of how dedication and hard work pays off at Sowdens.
“Our culture is built around development, rewarding high performers, and creating an environment in which people do their best work and thrive.”
Beth joined as marketing assistant in 2018, helping to deliver PR and organic social media accounts for retail and education clients. She has since contributed to a client portfolio which has grown exponentially over four years and has seen success leading the client services teams for The Hague Group, University of Hull, Aura Innovation Centre, Arbor Forest Products, Hull York Medical School and VUBA Resin Products.
She has also helped lead the winning pitch team for new projects for a range of high-profile clients, winning tenders to the value of six figures.
Since 2021, Ruby has been working closely with Beth on a range of high-profile events, projects and campaigns. These include the Business Week Dinner and the highly renowned Business Day. An expanding client base includes City Health Care Partnership CIC, Bridlington School, and Northcott School and Sixth Form.
“Beth harnesses her energy in a positive way, even when challenges arise. Her grit and resilience have developed – two things that give Beth a distinct advantage and are also valued by our clients,” Polly added. “Ruby is an articulate and hard-working member of the team and has come on leaps and bounds since starting with us in 2021, always looking for new ways to expand her knowledge to the benefit of clients. Together I’m confident they’re going to be a force to be reckoned with!”
Bluestorm
The hard work and dedication of two members of Hull marketing agency Bluestorm’s digital team has been rewarded with promotions.
Vicky Smith has been promoted from digital account executive to digital project manager. She was recently awarded a place on the Hull & Humber Top 30 Under 30 programme, and joined Bluestorm in April 2021.
Denis Mekina, who joined two years earlier, has also been promoted - from web developer to senior project manager.
Caitlin Saxby has also been welcomed as digital marketing executive.
Dan Murphy, Bluestorm’s digital director, said: “We’re thrilled to announce these promotions and welcome a new member to our digital team. Vicky and Denis are both integral to the success of our web offer, ensuring our clients have a great experience when building or updating their websites. We wouldn’t be where we are without the dedication of our staff and we’re so pleased to be able to offer these promotions. It’s also great to see growth in our digital team with the addition of Caitlin, who will bolster our digital marketing services.”
Navigation Wealth Management
Navigation Wealth Management has welcomed new financial adviser Stephen Luwero to the team.
He brings more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, with particular expertise in investment banking, investment consulting and wealth management both in London and the North of England.
He joins the Beverley-based firm from investment management company Charles Stanley, where he was client relationship manager and business development manager for East Yorkshire.
Matt Hammond, chief executive at Navigation Wealth, said: “Stephen is an exceptional addition to the Navigation team. He has the ability to explain complex subjects in simple terms because of his in-depth understanding of markets, financial products and services. This knowledge and expertise will be invaluable to our clients as we continue to expand our operations across the Ƶ.”
As an apprentice footballer with Swindon Town in the early Nineties, he played alongside former England midfielder and manager Glenn Hoddle. He is now working to a new goal, achieving chartered status in financial planning.
“Ensuring my advice achieves the aspirations of my clients is always my focus,” he said. “It’s so important to get to know them, understand their needs and to develop long-lasting relationships with them so that we can advise at all life stages. That’s why I am so thrilled to be joining Navigation Wealth. Their decisions are made with the welfare of their clients and team, front and centre, at all times.”
The 55 Group
The 55 Group has appointed a new learning and people manager to drive the career development of staff across its Hull-based tech and construction businesses.
Cheryl Hogger has been appointed to head up the focus on training, development and upskilling of the group’s 80-strong team working across Pagabo, Sypro, Loop and Tequ as it enjoys rapid growth.
She brings more than 14 years of experience working within the skills and education sector, with the role creation in line with the group’s people-centric culture.
Cheryl said: “The development of people can never be an overnight transformation and takes ongoing continued investment into coordinated wellbeing and training. To really help people flourish, there has to be an ongoing tailored and personalised approach to the individual development of each team-member to make sure they are supported, fulfilled and happy.
“This can be traditional CPD training and formal qualifications, to more personal aspects such as learning a language for example.
“I’m excited to create these programmes that will not only strengthen our teams and their personal career growth, but also to promote change in the industry too. The upskilling of a modern and continually diversifying workforce is now such an important necessity within the construction industry, and I’m very exciting to play a part in how The 55 Group is leading the charge here.”
The 55 Group is aiming to top 100 with headcount this year.
Gerard Toplass, chief executive, said: “We’re incredibly pleased to have Cheryl join our team. Championing our ‘careers not jobs’ mindset, her work is going to be pivotal to enhancing and promoting our team in the individual growth and development needed to support the overall strengthening of the construction industry.”
Forrester Boyd
Forrester Boyd trainee James Dierking has become a fully qualified accountant.
Having joined the Grimsby office in 2015 after completing his A-levels at Franklin College, he has worked with agricultural clients, investment companies and trusts and estates while working towards his Association of Chartered Certified Accountants exams.
Forrester Boyd partner, Carrie Jensen, said: “I am delighted to see the hard work James has put in throughout his time in our accountancy training programme pay off by qualifying as an accountant. Our training programme is intense with a lot of study and exams to contend with on top of the usual day-to-day work, however James has faced all challenges head-on and should be extremely proud of his fantastic achievement.”
He studied for level Three and Level Four AAT qualifications initially.
James said: “I am really looking forward to progressing further within the firm itself and exploring different sectors and specialism options.’
Soanes Poultry
An East Yorkshire poultry business has promoted from within for the role of transport manager.
Soanes Poultry welcomes Kevin Gates to the position, a decade after he first joined the Middleton-on-the-Wolds business.
Initially working as a driver, he became a supervisor before the latest step up.
Operations manager Simon Rodgers said: "Kevin's well-deserved promotion is part of our people development plan that identifies members of the team with the potential to progress within the business.
"He is a great team player with the right attitude and commitment and is very well respected by his peers. We're excited about the skills that he will bring to this role.”
When she's not working, Mr Gates, who lives in Driffield, enjoys F1, crown green bowls and football.
"I'm excited about my new role that gives me responsibility for day-to-day transport deliveries and managing our team of drivers. Everyone at Soanes Poultry is so helpful and supportive and I'm really looking forward to making the step up to manager. I'm grateful to be given this opportunity," he said.
Hobson & Porter
A former apprentice bricklayer has qualified as a chartered construction manager.
Liam Brown, started a three-year course with Hull construction firm, Hobson & Porter when he was 16, winning awards on the Hull College course on the way to completing it.
Now he has gained his Chartered Institute of Building status aged 29.
He said: “When I was at school, I took a construction module and loved the practical side of it, so I knew it was something I wanted to get involved with. My dad was a bricklayer, so I decided to follow in his footsteps and fortunately secured an apprenticeship in my hometown.”
He stayed with the firm for 18 months after qualifying, going self-employed, before returning in 2017, and joining a site manager development programme.
Liam added: “I didn’t set out to become a site manager, but with the financial support and encouragement from Hobson & Porter, it all felt achievable. I now oversee the day to day running of projects like The Guildhall’s restoration in Hull, which is very rewarding. I work with, and manage subcontractors, look after health and safety on-site and organise the programming and planning of works, so each day is varied and interesting.”
Hobson & Porter director Jacquie Blades said: “This is a fantastic achievement, and he is a great example of how you can progress in our industry with the right support.”
HICA Group
A leading regional provider of care homes and services has appointed a regional trainer to strategically enhance provision and standards.
HICA Group, which has more than 1,500 employees, has welcomed Carl Taylor to the role. He will provide learning and development to staff across a number of HICA’s care home and care services in East Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire.
Steve Reed, learning and development manager at Hessle-based HICA Group, said: “Carl is an asset to our organisation and it’s great to have him on board. His expertise in care and education, coupled with his passion for person-centred care, will undoubtedly elevate the training standards across the Group and enhance the quality of our care provision.”
Carl brings extensive experience in the care and education sector having previously worked for Kisimul Group which provides education and care for children and adults with autism, learning disabilities and complex needs. He has also served as a tutor at the Grimsby Institute, where he taught Level Three Psychology. His academic background includes a degree in Applied Psychology and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education.
Carl, who lives in Cleethorpes, said: “I’m excited to be a part of the HICA Group and contribute to the delivery of exceptional person-centred care across the region.
“The organisation’s ethos of bespoke, high-quality care aligns with my own values, and I’m keen to ensure HICA continues to provide the highest standards of care through comprehensive training and development.”
