City news: Appointment at Avacta, Fairhead departs Getech, Hamer buys at Access Intelligence

AVACTA Group, the Wetherby-based healthcare business, has announced that Craig Slater has joined the board as chief operating officer.
 
Mr Slater, 50, has more than 25 years experience of commercial, operational and group management roles in specialist engineering, construction, software and marketing groups.

He has been working with Avacta since June 2012, primarily in a commercial and operational capacity within Avacta Analytical and latterly within Avacta Animal Health.
 
Commenting on the appointment, Alastair Smith, chief executive of Avacta said: “The board is delighted that Craig is joining the group as chief operating officer. We have already benefited greatly from his experience since he joined us in 2012 and his operational and strategic input will be invaluable in the future.”
 
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GETECH founder and president Professor Derek Fairhead has stepped down from the Leeds-based company following his retirement.

Professor Fairhead started the firm as a spin out from the University of Leeds in 1986.

A stock market statement by Getech said: “In 1986 Professor Fairhead started the business which led to the creation of Getech and he has made a major contribution to its success over many years. The directors would like to thank Derek on behalf of the company and its staff and wish him a long, happy and healthy retirement, with success in his future pursuits.”

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JEREMY Hamer, a non-executive director of York-based software business Access Intelligence, acquired 350,000 shares in the business at a price of 2.83p on Friday.

Following the purchase, Mr Hamer holds 6,751,762 ordinary shares in the company, representing 2.87% of its issued share capital.