On the move: the latest East Midlands hires

RH Commercial Vehicles has strengthened its aftersales management team with two key appointments.

James Daykin has been named aftersales director of RH Commercial Vehicles. Daykin’s journey with the company began in 2006 as a parts apprentice in Nottingham.

Over the years, he progressed through various roles, including parts supervisor, dealer point manager at the Leicester depot, and group parts manager.

In 2018, he became group aftersales manager, playing a crucial role in the business’s growth. Daykins’ appointment as aftersales director is effective January 1, 2025.

Edward Baxter has been appointed aftersales general manager.

Baxter joined RH Commercial Vehicles in 2012 in sales, later transitioning to the aftersales department as a service supervisor in Nottingham.

He was promoted to dealer point manager at the Leicester depot in 2019 and, most recently, worked in Newark, successfully growing the business. Baxter’s new role will take effect on January 1, 2025.

Nigel Baxter, managing director, said: “These appointments are both well-deserved and is also a reflection of the growth we have generated since the reacquisition of the business from Kuehne and Nagel in early 2012. As we continue to expand across the Midlands it is important to build a robust management team, able to develop and support both existing and new customers and continue to build our relationship with Renault Trucks and Isuzu Truck.”

A Northamptonshire asbestos consultancy has appointed a new contracts manager.

Joe Bell joined the ranks at Acorn Analytical Services as a trainee surveyor in 2016, aged just 21.

Joe Bell

In the eight years since then, he has trained to become a qualified surveyor and then an asbestos consultant, before his latest promotion to contracts manager.

Bell believes his career progression highlights the award-winning company’s dedication to its staff.

He said: “When I first started, I didn’t expect to be at this stage so soon, but Acorn is willing to give everyone a chance. Here it’s about your willingness to work, your experience and your knowledge. There are lots of progression opportunities and chances to learn and they look after you well. It’s very open communication here, you can talk to anyone about anything.”

Bell’s new role is more office-based than before, at the consultancy’s headquarters in Moulton Park, and sees him liaising with clients, tendering for projects and managing asbestos portfolios.

Sam Savage, managing director of Acorn Analytical Services, said: “Joe is a fantastic example of what can be achieved with the right mindset and dedication to the job. He has put the hours into learning his trade over the past eight years and wholly deserves this promotion.

“We look forward to his continued career progression within the Acorn Analytical family and not doubt that he will be instrumental in our continued growth and success.”

Law firm Wilkin Chapman has welcomed nine new trainee solicitors to its offices in Grimsby, Lincoln, Beverley, and Louth.

The trainees have begun their two-year training contracts, working across teams such as medical negligence, personal injury, dispute resolution, Wills and estates, real estate, and domestic property.

The programme includes four six-month rotations, offering hands-on experience across various legal disciplines and exposure to different office environments within the firm’s network.

The new cohort includes Jessica Badics Maeers (Grimsby), Danielle Ayscough (Lincoln), Abigail Bolton (Lincoln), Elliot Dawson (Lincoln), Aaron Grantham (Louth), Barney Seamer (Louth), Amelia Watson (Louth), Jack Herring (Beverley), and Jessica Stabler (Beverley).

Lisa Boileau, partner and head of Wilkin Chapman’s private client division, said: “Wilkin Chapman is renowned across the region for producing highly skilled, well-prepared lawyers – and that journey often begins right here, in our training contracts.

“Our trainee solicitor programme is designed to attract driven and talented individuals who are committed to learning, refining their skills, and building a long-term career with us. We’re thrilled to be able to continue the momentum of last year’s intake and award nine training contracts this year, bringing the total number of trainee solicitors currently training with us to 19.”