On the move: the latest East Midlands hires

Nottingham property law firm, Landsmiths, has announced two key appointments to its property team.
Fateha Akhter has been appointed as a solicitor in the residential team, while Lutricia Duyar joins as a commercial property paralegal.
Akhter joins the firm with nearly five years of experience, on a range of residential property matters, including sales, purchases, lease extensions and landlord and tenant matters.
Akhter said: “I was impressed by the positive reputation of Landsmiths and felt an immediate connection during my interview with directors Rachael and Chloe.
“Their friendly and approachable demeanour, combined with the firm’s approach to client service, made it clear this was the right place for me to continue developing my career. In my short time here, I’ve already learned so much and look forward to contributing to the team’s ongoing success.”
Duyar brings three years of experience in property law, having worked with several firms in the East Midlands. In her new role, she supports the commercial property team with transactions including sales, purchases, and leases.
She said: “The opportunity to work alongside a team of knowledgeable and dedicated professionals was a significant draw for me. Everyone is incredibly supportive and takes immense pride in delivering exceptional service to clients. I’m committed to bringing a friendly approach and doing everything I can to assist clients with their property matters.”
Rachael Briggs, director at Landsmiths said: “We are thrilled to welcome Fateha and Lutricia to Landsmiths. Their expertise, enthusiasm, and client-focused approach make them valuable additions to our team as we continue to grow and deliver exceptional legal services. I look forward to seeing them thrive and support our clients across both commercial and residential property.”
YMCA Derbyshire has announced the appointment of Elizabeth Fothergill CBE as its new President.
Gillian Sewell and Elizabeth Fothergill
Fothergill, who is the Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire and a patron of several charities, has had a long-standing connection with YMCA Derbyshire.
She previously served on the charity’s board and chose it as her charity of the year during her tenure as High Sheriff of Derbyshire in 2016, raising significant funds for the organisation.
Founded in 1847, YMCA Derbyshire provides accommodation, education and support to young people and communities across the county.
Fothergill said: “After a long association with YMCA Derbyshire and witnessing their life-changing impact on the lives of young people, I am humbled and delighted to accept the position of President. Its work in supporting young people, offering safe accommodation and providing essential life skills is innovative and inspiring. I look forward to working closely with the team to showcase and celebrate the positive effect they make across our county.
“It is an exciting time for the charity as it expands its housing and community offer to support even more young people and families in our city. Together, we will continue to foster a caring environment where everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive.”
Hannah Harwood has joined Access Training as operations director.
Overseeing all aspects of teaching and learning delivery, Harwood joined the team in December 2024.
She brings with her over 17 years of experience in training and management, having most recently worked at a Nottingham-based independent training provider as its national training manager.
Hannah Harwood
The knowledge she brings will be pivotal in providing a great learning experience for their 1,000+ learners each year, enhancing the quality of their programs and helping shape the future of the training provider.
Harwood said: “My key focus for the first half of 2025 is identifying areas for improvement, ensuring the smooth delivery of all training programmes, and building strong relationships with key stakeholders. I also plan to work closely with all
teams to align our operations with the company’s strategic goals, aiming to lay a solid foundation for growth and continuous improvement in the coming months.”