People: Two new appointments for financial advisory firm; Board advisor hired by tech and design house; and more

Huddersfield-based financial advisory firm Sheards Wealth Management has appointed two new financial advisors as the business continues to grow.

The new recruits include Stephen Harrison, who has over 25 years’ experience in the financial sector since he began his career at Scottish Equitable. Since then, he has worked for a number of global companies such as MetLife, Axa and Prudential before recently joining the Sheards Wealth Management team.

The second recruit is Nicholas Partington, who began his career working in financial services at a St James Place practice, before setting up an Auto-Enrolment solutions business in 2012.

Having joined Sheards Wealth Management, he is working towards his diploma to become a qualified independent financial advisor.

Mark Stewart, director of Sheards Wealth Management, said: “I am delighted to welcome Stephen and Nicholas to the team. This is a very exciting time for Sheards Wealth Management, as we welcome not just one, but two new members of staff to our rapidly growing team. I have no doubts that both Nicholas and Stephen are going to be real assets to our team, and I look forward to seeing their outstanding customer service skills in action while they help our clients reach their financial goals.”

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A fast-growing Leeds-based tech and design house has appointed a board advisor.

LightStart, formed in 2016 by Simon Edwards and Dan Akers, builds digital products including mobile apps, web apps and the underlying platforms that drive them. Two years since forming, the firm now has a team of six employees supported by a number of contractors.

Mark Burns joins the rapidly-growing company with extensive experience in business.

Boasting a 29-year legal career including leading two SME law firms, Burns turned his attention to advising the leaders of fast-growing firms as a consultant, non-executive director and Vistage Chair.

As well as adding LightStart to his portfolio, Burns currently works with 25 business owners and key members of their leadership teams. In addition, he holds a-number-of board advisory and non-executive directorships.

He said: “I am delighted to be taking on a role with one of the most interesting businesses within the Leeds digital sector. It works at the heart of one of the most vibrant parts of the local and national economy and is responsible for enabling people with great ideas to fulfil their hopes and dreams. Being involved in LightStart’s bright future is a really exciting prospect.”

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A Yorkshire-based PR agency has appointed two new team members to support the company’s fast expansion.

MacComms, based in the Digital Hub on Whitehall Road, Leeds, has appointed sales director Chris Rabbit and digital PR executive Sophie Nightingale, following a series of new client account wins.

Emily Docherty, who joined MacComms in August 2017, has also been promoted to senior account executive, managing several client accounts with media and public relations.

Chris Rabbitt, director of Carrot, joins MacComms as out-sourced sales director.

Nightingale joins the company on a permanent basis, having undertaken a successful five-week PR placement.

She will be responsible for MacComms’ and its clients social media accounts, design and content creation.

Founder and managing director Ellie MacDonald said: “I’m excited to welcome Chris and Sophie to the team, as well as promoting Emily who has demonstrated real passion and dedication to support MacComms’ clients and company growth.”

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Listed firm Synectics has announced that Mike Stilwell, Group Finance Director, has given notice that he will be leaving Synectics at the end of the Company’s financial year on 30 November 2018.

In the period until 30 November, Stilwell will continue working full time in his current role. Synectics is beginning the process of recruiting a Sheffield-based Group Finance Director as Mike’s replacement.

 David Coghlan, Chairman of Synectics, commented: “On behalf of the Board, I’d like to thank Mike for the contribution he has made to the Company since he joined in 2012, and we look forward to working with him to ensure a smooth and orderly handover to his successor during the second half of this year. We wish him well in his future endeavours beyond Synectics.”