People: Key promotions announced at law firm; New MD for HK Technologies; and more

Legal practice Aaron & Partners has announced five key promotions across its two offices – including a new partner and three new senior associates – as it continues to grow across Shropshire and Cheshire.

Keith McKinney, who specialises in energy with a focus on consents for renewable energy development, has become a partner in the firm’s renowned Planning, Environmental, Energy and Regulatory (PEER) department.
The firm has strengthened its team of senior associates with Ben Mason (Employment), Bryony Cook and Chris Mitchell (Dispute Resolution and Insolvency) all being promoted.

The Chester office also welcomes a new associate solicitor, Paul Hennity (Employment).

Nick Clarke, Aaron & Partners’ senior partner, said: “It has been a successful year for the firm, with both offices continuing to grow. Our people are fundamental to this success and this year’s promotions recognise the talent and commitment Keith, Ben, Chris, Bryony and Paul have demonstrated and I’m delighted for all of them.

“We are passionate about giving our people the chance to develop within the firm, so it’s extremely pleasing when we’re able to recognise development through promotion.”

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HK Technologies has named a new managing director to help it capitalise on its recent acquisition by the Engineering Technology Group (ETG).

Gareth Jones, who spent 11 years with In-Comm Training, has been recruited to help the additive manufacturing, EDM and laser marking specialist increase sales by 20% as it looks to become more proactive in its approach to winning new business and developing exceptional levels of customer service.

He will also be responsible for long-term strategic planning across the group, as well as using his ability to forge strategic partnerships across industry to open up new markets.

“It’s a fantastic time to be joining HK Technologies, especially with the awareness and demand for our technology growing by the day – it is a fast maturing market with developments making the products industrially capable,” said Jones.

“The acquisition gives us a fantastic opportunity to cross-sell and add value to ETG clients and vice-versa, potentially opening up a whole new market for both companies. We need a strategy in place to make the most of this and to also leverage the strength of our brands and that’s what I’ve been brought in to achieve.”
Martin Doyle, managing director of Engineering Technology Group, added: “ETG and In-Comm Training have enjoyed a very strong partnership over the last five years, highlighting the need for industry and training providers to work together to bridge the skills gap.

“We have seen first-hand the impact Gareth can have on a business and I’m pleased to welcome him to head-up the next stage of HK Technologies’ development and to shape our ambitious growth plans.

“In addition to this role, he will also be supporting other ETG divisions with long-term strategic planning and relationship building.”

Engineering Technology Group (ETG) acquired HK Holdings and all of its subsidiaries from the Pexion Group in July in a deal that promises to transform the way manufacturers access the latest technologies.

The Wellesbourne-based company, which celebrates its 25th birthday later this year, has reacted to industry’s growing appetite for new production techniques to make yet another acquisition.

ETG is now able to offer its growing client base a single-source solution for CNC machining, EDM machines, 3D printing and additive manufacturing, including world class brands such as 3D Systems, Markforged, Mitsubishi, Nakamura, Chiron and Quaser.

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Business leaders from Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire are being sought to help to lead the area’s local enterprise partnership and drive future economic growth.

The Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire LEP (SSLEP) is recruiting new directors to its company board which sets the strategy and investment activity to grow the future economy of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.

The LEP is also looking for leaders to join its new Skills Advisory Panel which will promote skills development through businesses and higher education establishments.

Four new company board directors are being sought who will represent Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire’s diverse business community. In addition, six new members of the Skills Advisory Panel are needed who will help to shape the LEP’s skills development programme to ensure the local workforce can take advantage of better paid employment opportunities.

Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire LEP chairman David Frost said: “This is an exciting time for our LEP, as we finalise our Local Industrial Strategy, and the right time to recruit business leaders from our area who will help to steer our long-term growth programme.

“We are seeking business people with a strong tracked record in our key business sectors, who share our passion and ambition for Stoke and Staffordshire. We want our board to be reflective of our business community and are actively seeking more women business leaders to join us.

“The LEP also needs well networked business leaders to join our Skills Advisory Panel. Skills development is critical to our area’s economic growth and a skilled workforce helps to attract future investment and employers in our key sectors.

“Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire have some highly experienced business leaders and we would urge them to get on board and strengthen our position as a leading position in the UK to invest and to business.”

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