People: Partner promotion at Lupton Fawcett; Key hire for insurance broker; and more

Family lawyer Nicki Mitchell has been promoted to partner at Lupton Fawcett.

Mitchell has practiced as a solicitor since 1994, gaining specialist accreditation from Resolution, the influential association of family lawyers, in 2001.

She became the first lawyer in York to qualify as a collaborative family lawyer in 2005 and also practises as a family mediator.

Mitchell specialises in the financial aspects of relationship breakdown, particularly complex cases involving family businesses, multiple properties and complicated pension arrangements.  She also puts these skills to good use in drafting and advising on nuptial and cohabitation agreements designed to avoid expensive litigation when relationships end.

Chris Burns, head of Lupton Fawcett’s family law department, said: “Nicki has a strong reputation for being tough but fair and works very hard with her clients to identify and achieve what they need.

“She believes very strongly in the importance of identifying the right way for each individual client to get where they need to be.  She practices mediation and collaborative family law, as well as the more traditional methods of dispute resolution, and so is ideally placed to guide and support clients through one of the most difficult times in their lives.”

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Hart Shaw Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers has appointed a new partner.

The promotion of Hannah Jones follows her appointment to associate in 2016. She has 11 years’ experience, having joined the Sheffield-based firm as a business services junior in 2007.

She said: “I am thrilled to become a partner at Hart Shaw. I believe Hart Shaw to offer the best client service in the region and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this exceptional team.

“My appointment to partner is evidence of Hart Shaw’s commitment to supporting and developing our team.”

Senior partner Paul Dawson added: “Hannah’s progression to partner is due to her dedicated work ethic, which is an example to all our staff members of what is achievable and further illustrates our desire to promote and invest in our staff members as this opportunity is available to all.”

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Leeds-based Gauntlet Group has appointed a business development manager.

Nick Etell has experience in the Leeds, Manchester and London markets, having spent five years at Henderson Insurance Brokers.

Gauntlet’s managing director, Roger Gaunt, says: “We have been excited to create a role for Nick that not only utilises his experience in key sectors such as construction, healthcare, technology and manufacturing, but also provides our self-employed appointed representatives with a sounding board, an informed ear and a valuable broking asset.  Nick has great insurer relationships and has already proved his worth since joining us.”