Appointments: Coles Solicitors; Credit Union; Beacon

A FORMER bomb disposal expert will now be defusing civil disputes in his role leading a Yorkshire law firm’s new office.

Michael Menzies Baird is heading up the office in Beverley launched by Cole Solicitors.

This will be Cole’s ninth office in Yorkshire and it strengthens the company’s presence in the east of the county, having recently also acquired an office in nearby Market Weighton.

Mr Baird was a bomb disposal technician for most of his 14 years before retraining as a solicitor.

Peter Gibson, managing director of Cole Solicitors, said: “We are thrilled to be opening a new office in the lovely market town of Beverley.

“The new office, along with another we acquired recently in Market Weighton, is a strategic location for us, enabling us to extend our reach into East Yorkshire.”

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THREE new directors have joined the board of Hull and East Yorkshire Credit Union (HEYCU).

Dr Emma Garland, Jane Walton and Hester Bridges have been welcomed by the not-for-profit financial services organisation.

HEYCU’s chief executive, John Smith, said: “All our directors are passionate about the values and principles of the credit union movement. We are delighted to welcome our three new colleagues who have come forward to give their time and skills to help us to become even more successful in the years ahead.”

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YORK-based purchasing company Beacon, which helps businesses in the hospitality, leisure and healthcare sectors grow their profitability, has announced the appointment of Tennant Hilditch as director of sales.

Having worked in the hospitality industry for more than 25 years, both in the UK and internationally, including 12 years with Rentokil across a variety of divisions and 13 years with the UK’s largest independent linen rental company, Fishers, Mr Hilditch brings an array of skills and experience to the role. 

His new role will see him take responsibility for internal and external account management, as well as the retention and growth of Beacon’s extensive portfolio.

The appointment follows the hiring of Andrew Denton as head of communications, and Rob Payne as chief commercial officer, with the company aiming to grow extensively over the next 12 months.