People: Partner promotion at law firm; New MD aiming for £40m turnover; and more

A Leeds law firm has promoted one of its lawyers.

Ison Harrison, which has 12 offices across West Yorkshire, has made conveyancing expert Lee Daniels a partner within the firm.

Daniels is a residential property specialist with more than ten years’ experience and is practice manager at the firm’s Crossgates office.

He joined the team at Ison Harrison in 2013 and within a year was heading up the firm’s eighth branch in Chapel Allerton.

Ison Harrison’s managing partner Jonathan Wearing, said: “We are delighted that Lee has been promoted to partner – it is richly deserved. He has been an integral part of our growth recently and will continue to play a crucial role in the firm’s ongoing success.

“We have some very exciting plans in the pipeline which focus on our corporate, commercial and property departments. Lee has tremendous drive and expertise and he will be at the forefront as the firm continues to move forward.”
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High voltage electrical engineering firm Smith Brothers has expanded its board of directors with the appointment of Nick Gudgeon, as it looks to further its stake in the independent connections provider (ICP) market.

Founded in 1999 by brothers Richard and John Smith, the West Yorkshire power contractor has grown significantly within the renewables, commercial and industrial connections markets in recent years – sustaining its £26m turnover this year end (July 2017).

And with sights set on £40m turnover for the 2017-18 period Gudgeon’s appointment is set to help facilitate further expansion for the firm. With more than 20 years’ experience in the electricity supply industry, he joins as the power contractor’s new managing director, with founders Richard and John moving into the roles of joint chairmen.

Previously director of project management and engineering at renewables giant Lightsource, Gudgeon brings with him a wealth of technical, operational and strategic knowledge. His strong background additionally includes consultancy and managerial roles with such industry-renowned names as Fichtner Consulting Engineers and Nordex UK where he oversaw wind, solar, biomass and waste to energy connections throughout the UK.

John Smith said: “Nick joining as MD comes at an excellent time for the business. After a year of consolidation and with plans to achieve a 50% uplift in sales in the year ahead, the firm is ready to enter a new chapter of growth.”

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Driver Hire, the Bradford-based transport and logistics recruitment specialist, has announced the appointment of Michael Dawson, currently financial planning and analysis manager, to a newly created role of finance director for its logistics division.

Dawson joined Driver Hire straight from school as a trainee in 1996. He qualified as an accountant in 2005.

“Driver Hire both encouraged and supported me to become a qualified accountant,” he said. “As a result I was promoted to finance manager in 2005, then financial planning and analysis manager in 2014. I’m really looking forward to the challenge of my new director level role.”

In the role, Dawson will have responsibility for the day-to-day running of Driver Hire’s finance function, supporting Driver Hire UK, Driver Hire Australia and Driver Hire’s Risk Management business lines.

Paul McNulty, Driver Hire’s finance director, said: “Michael’s promotion is richly deserved. As one of the longest standing members of our team, he has shown tremendous dedication over more than twenty years.  During this time, he has gained a great insight and understanding of our business and has developed all the skills necessary to succeed in his new role.”

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