Appointments: Ten promotions at law firm; CEO of the Year accolade for health mutual boss; and more

LAW firm Ward Hadaway has announced a bumper crop of promotions with 10 lawyers promoted to associate – two based in Leeds.

In the Leeds office, healthcare lawyer Leanne Couzens specialises in defending clinical negligence claims brought against the NHS. She has experience of acting in a broad variety of cases including amputations, delay in diagnosis of cancer, surgical and obstetric injuries, many of which are multi defendant matters.

Meanwhile Simon Thirtle is a member of the Social Housing team at Ward Hadaway where he advises a wide range of social housing providers on issues including possession and injunction claims, eviction claims and general housing management matters. He also advises on commercial property litigation.

Associate promotions in other offices include Louise Cannell-Mirza, Jake Edward, Katy Hindmarsh, Joe Kelley, Tessa Petrides, Claire Simmons, Harriet Sutherland, and Jenny Wade.

Jamie Martin, managing partner at Ward Hadaway, said: “We are delighted to announce no fewer than 10 Associate promotions this year across all three of our offices.

“Every single one of these is richly deserved by the recipients who have demonstrated the aptitude, expertise and hard work which are the hallmarks of Ward Hadaway.”

:::

MARC BELL, the head of York-based health and wellbeing mutual Benenden, has been voted as a CEO of the Year in the Finance Monthly CEO Awards 2016.

The annual awards are peer-nominated with the team at Finance Monthly reviewing entries against business performance to determine who should make the list each year.

Mr Bell’s nomination reflected Benenden’s “strong financial performance in the three years since his appointment, coupled with launches of new products such as travel and home insurance as well as continued high performing customer service for Benenden’s membership.”

Mr Bell said: “I am, of course, really pleased to receive this award, particularly as it is nominated by peers. Benenden is a fabulous organisation to work for, full of strong values and tremendous heritage.

“To guide any organisation through such a challenging period for the healthcare market is a privilege. I wouldn’t be able to do this without a fantastic team and I want to give thanks to the entire staff body at Benenden who work hard every day for the benefit of Benenden’s members.”

:::

IDEAL STANDARD, the manufacturer of residential, commercial and healthcare bathroom solutions, has appointed Jim Moore as managing director UK & Ireland.

Mr Moore will oversee the East Yorkshire group’s activities in UK & Ireland and assume responsibility for the business development across the group’s leading brands Armitage Shanks, Ideal Standard and Sottini.

Mr Moore has significant international experience in the construction sector. He served in the last 12 years in senior management positions of the Vaillant Group.

Mr Moore succeeds interim MD David Barber, who has been responsible for the operational activities in UK & Ireland since his appointment in January.

Mr Barber will continue in his prior position as finance director.