People: Advisory firm gears up for growth with six hires; Building society welcomes director; and more
Leeds-based accountants and business advisers Hentons has made multiple appointments to support its growth plans.
The firm, which has a team of 50 staff, has welcomed six new team members. Andrew Byram joins as manager, along with trainee administrator Lucie Payne, accounts trainee Moeen Ahmed, office manager Julie Coen, Teodor Tsenov as assistant to the director (tax strategies) and Nigel Thomas as audit/accounts manager.
Simon Gray, partner at Hentons, said: “As the firm’s diverse client base continues to grow, it remains of paramount importance that we ensure first-rate administration and support services are maintained, and we accomplish this by recruiting in line with our growth plans.
“Recognising future talent and investing in training to make every new employee an integral part of the team serves to allow all employees to fulfil their individual potential and for the firm to enjoy continued growth and success.”
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Neeta Atkar
Yorkshire Building Society has welcomed Neeta Atkar as a non-executive director and chair of its risk committee, replacing David Paige who retired last month.
An experienced and skilled strategic risk professional, Atkar has almost 30 years’ experience in financial services, having held a series of senior positions at both banks and insurance companies, starting her career at the Bank of England and then moving to the newly formed financial services regulator.
Atkar has worked across all aspects of risk throughout her career, covering credit, operational, financial crime and regulatory risks. Most recently, she was the chief risk officer at TSB and a member of the executive team that created and listed the bank on the Stock Exchange.
She is currently a non-executive director at the British Business Bank and chair of its risk committee.
John Heaps, Yorkshire Building Society chairman, said: “We are delighted to announce Neeta Atkar as a new non-executive director.
“An impressive and experienced risk specialist, Neeta’s sound judgment, pragmatic approach and problem-solving abilities make her an excellent choice to lead our Group Risk Committee. These attributes, combined with her abilities in strategic planning and leadership skills, mean she is a very welcome addition to the board.”
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The estate planning and administration and family law departments at Kirbys Solicitors in Harrogate have expanded.
Sara Spencer has joined Kirbys as an associate senior trust and estate practitioner, while Lisa Cooke has taken on the role of associate solicitor to further boost family law services at the firm.
Spencer has almost 30 years’ experience in the accountancy and law sectors, counting KMPG and leading law firm Wrigleys amongst her former employers.
Meanwhile Cooke, who had previously worked for the firm after qualifying as a solicitor, is rejoining Kirbys. She has also worked for Bywaters Topham Phillips and will be specialising in divorce, financial matters and Children Act proceedings in her position as associate solicitor in Kirbys’ family law department.
Managing partner Mark Hutchinson said: “Kirbys has a rich history of delivering quality legal expertise in the Yorkshire region, while constantly evolving to meet the challenges posed by today’s changing society. Sara and Lisa will help the firm meet the high expectations of its clients and will play a vital role in driving the firm forward.”
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Simon Lawton
Simon Lawton has joined the board of Leeds-based drainage contractor Jet Aire as non-executive chairman.
Jet Aire’s board has been working with Lawton since 2014 on various projects.
In the past six months, he has been closely working with the directors and senior management team to lay the foundations for the next phase of the company’s growth in providing professional drainage solutions to commercial, industrial and domestic clients.
Lawton has an extensive track record as a finance director in rapidly growing entrepreneurial businesses, notably Tribal Group which he helped to grow from a start-up to a £250m plus (sales) business over a 10-year period.
In 2013, he helped to co-launch a new start-up support service business, Benula Capital, focusing on the recruitment and HR market. Benula currently holds equity stakes in several companies (UK and international) to help them execute an accelerated growth strategy by providing strategic, financial and development advice and coaching to talented owner managers.
Jet Aire managing director Charlie Kirk said: “I am delighted that Simon has agreed to accept the role of non-executive chairman. His advice will be invaluable to us as we continue to drive the business forward. Jet Aire continues to enjoy sustained and consistent growth – since 2014 the business has doubled in size, sales and profitability. The company has ambitious growth plans over the next three to five years. We continue to build on solid foundations and have an excellent management team in place.”
