Appointments: Whitecap Consulting, The Works, Catalyst

FORMER Yorkshire Bank director Gary Lumby, has been appointed as Leeds-based Whitecap as its first non-executive director.

Previously director of Yorkshire and Clydesdale Banks, Gary Lumby has a strong non-executive director portfolio across Yorkshire and the North East, with a focus around business growth and funding.

Richard Coates, managing director of Whitecap, said: “Gary Lumby’s expertise has been focused on business growth and funding for the last 20 years. He will help guide us in our own growth; providing an additional perspective as we develop and deliver our strategic services for clients; and help us to network across the North.

“For many businesses, funding will be a key part of achieving their growth – and advisers could see a role for us in developing the investment business case, identifying external trends and showing how risks will be managed, as well as shaping and implementing strategies post investment. This complements our work in commercial due diligence.”

Gary Lumby said: “Whitecap is focusing on an area which I believe has enormous potential. Businesses are now seeking external funding to fuel their growth and it has never been more important to articulate clearly a robust and well thought-through business and commercial strategy.

“Businesses in this market rarely have a full-time strategy or strategic marketing director and there are limited resources to look at growth opportunities and test them out. Whitecap fills this gap.”

Mr Lumby was president of Leeds Chamber of Commerce from 2008 -2011 and sat on industry forums such as Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership.

Gary was awarded an MBE for Services to the Finance Industry in the 2008 New Year’s Honours List and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland.
Launched in 2012, Whitecap typically works with northern-based companies with turnover of £10m – £300m to support growth and provides commercial due diligence services to private equity firms and deal advisers. Clients include Costcutter Supermarkets Group, National Accident Helpline, First Direct Arena, Aldermore Bank, Nostrum Group, Rebuildingsociety.com and Capital.

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The Works Recruitment have appointed Max Omer as the commercial divisional manager.

Max Omer is a well regarded recruiter who brings nearly 20 years of recruitment experience, and will play a key role as The Works strengthens it’s focus on growth, making the most of the present economic climate sourcing the best talent and skills in the northern employment market.

With a wealth of knowledge, Max will concentrate in the Commercial sector, sourcing highly skilled talent and placing them in businesses, adding value and essential resources whilst growing the a strong team.

Mr Omer said:”The Works is a really dynamic business to work in, with a strong growth strategy for success.”

“It was important to join a successful private business where individuals are valued for their input and I can enable other businesses to grow through placing key talent.”

Craig Burton, managing director said: “This is a great opportunity for The Works and we look forward to the experience and skills Max can bring to the team.”

“This is an exciting time for The Works with our ambitious business plans and growth strategy. Max will be a strong figure in delivering this growth through developing the team which will in turn help us to strengthen our market presence.”

Talent and skills are at the highest demand in over eight years and The Works have the reputation and business processes and quality in fulfilling these positions.

With the head office in Leeds, The Works are one of the North’s leading recruitment agencies with a comprehensive selection of clients and candidates. 

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York Science Park spin out Catalyst IT solutions has appointed a new technical director, Lee Connor, to its growing ranks. 

Mr Connor previously worked at enterprise software company Sage where he launched a £1.2m intranet project, then at Trustmarque in York.