People: Lupton Fawcett announces new partner; Promotions at EY; RSM appoints regional audit managing partner; and more

Education and charity specialist Mark Honeywell has been made a partner at law firm Lupton Fawcett.

In his new role he will be responsible for heading up the charities team, as well as becoming joint head of the education department, with Michele Phillips, across its offices in Leeds, York and Sheffield.

Honeywell is an experienced charity law solicitor, having advised charities and not-for-profit organisations from across the sector on a broad range of issues including the establishment of new charities, incorporations, mergers, trading and the establishment of subsidiaries.

As an education specialist he has particular expertise in academy conversion and academy governance work.

He said: “Lupton Fawcett is committed to the charities and not-for-profit sector and I am proud to have been given the role of heading up a team which is dedicated to providing practical advice and the highest level of service to our clients.   The firm’s charities and social enterprises group has a strong team of specialist lawyers from across the firm providing a full range of legal services to charities and not-for-profit organisations.

“In addition, the reputation of our education team has grown significantly in recent years and Lupton Fawcett is now a major presence in the education sector in Yorkshire.  Again, the interdisciplinary strength of the team and its specialist ecclesiastical and charity lawyers enable Lupton Fawcett to give range and depth to the support we provide for our clients.”

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EY has appointed two associate partners in Yorkshire as the firm targets further regional expansion.

Matthew Fox has been promoted to associate partner in EY’s assurance division. Based in Hull, he joined EY in 2005 and leads a variety of audit engagements for private and listed businesses across the North. Formerly part of EY’s technical training team, Fox continues to promote this and personal development through the facilitation of UK and European training events.

Christopher Fitt is an associate partner based in Leeds who specialises in indirect tax. He joined EY in 2012, and with more than 23 years’ experience leads a team of specialists in the delivery of indirect tax technology reporting tools, analytics and transformation of businesses indirect tax compliance functions.

Suzanne Robinson, Yorkshire managing partner for EY, said: “This investment in senior talent reflects not only our growth ambition in Yorkshire but also our confidence in the long-term outlook for the regional economy.

“Matt and Chris’ expertise will further strengthen our assurance and tax businesses respectively. Developing our people is a vital part of our growth strategy and these appointments show a real commitment to investing in our people and our offering to Yorkshire companies.”

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RSM UK has announced the appointment of Claire Leece as the regional audit managing partner for its Yorkshire and North East region.

Leece, who joined the firm in 2003, is an audit and assurance partner with significant experience working with owner managed businesses, charities and educational organisations in Yorkshire and the North East.

She succeeds Alex Tait as RAMP for the North East and Scotland following his appointment as regional managing partner for the Scotland and Northern Ireland region.

Jonathan Ericson, national head of audit of RSM, said: “I am delighted to appoint Claire as our new regional audit managing partner in Yorkshire and the North East. Since joining the firm, Claire has helped to shape our assurance practice and she brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Her promotion is testimony to her talent and leadership qualities; and our ongoing commitment to training and development.”

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The Sheffield College has appointed a deputy chief executive.

Anita Straffon starts the role post as deputy chief executive: curriculum, quality and assessment next month.

She joined The Sheffield College earlier this academic year as interim deputy principal of curriculum, and has 22 years’ experience in further education.

She said: “It’s a really exciting time to be part of The Sheffield College. Having studied at a further education college myself, what really motivates me is seeing others thrive in that environment too.”

Angela Foulkes, chief executive and principal, added: “Anita has a solid track record in strategy, leadership and quality assurance. I’m really looking forward to working with her as the College strives to put students at the heart of everything we do and help them go further.”