Appointments: Esh Group, Lloyds Bank, Beaumont Legal, Equinti Pancredit

MEG MUNN has joined the board of Esh Group as a non-executive director.

The former Sheffield Heeley MP and minister for Women and Equality, Ms Munn is attempting to attract more women to science, technology, engineering and mathematics industries.

Ms Munn said: “Esh Group is a successful and fast growing construction business with a social heart. It’s work in engaging young people with business has rightly won national recognition.

“I’m looking forward to supporting the company and helping to shape its talent development programme, along with wider responsibilities of corporate governance.”

Brian Manning, chief executive officer at Esh Group said: “Meg brings a new dimension to our board. Our ability to attract new talent is a key issue for Esh and the wider construction industry. We have already invested in an ambitious apprentice programme and new training centre that will provide us with the pipeline of talent we need to continue to grow.”

Esh Group, which employs 1,200 people across the North, was recently listed in the Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250.

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A LEEDS and Harrogate senior manager has been appointed at Lloyds Bank Commercial Bank.

Paul Varley joined the bank straight from school and has spent 15 years in commercial banking. He will lead seven relationship managers, overseeing businesses with turnover up to £25m.

Mr Varley said: “Having worked at the heart of the commercial sector in Yorkshire for the past two decades, I have developed a real understanding of the challenges and opportunities businesses across the region face. I look forward to translating this knowledge into my new role at the bank to offer SMEs in both Leeds and Harrogate tailored financial support to drive long-term sustainable growth.”

He will report to Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking’s North East and Yorkshire area director, Leigh Taylor, who said: “Paul brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. His appointment into this senior management position will further bolster the support and expertise we can offer to businesses at a regional level.

“We’re committed to helping SMEs succeed, that’s why we’ve pledged to grow our lending by £1 billion every year until 2017.”

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LAW firm Beaumont Legal has hired Libby Holding who joins the firm as head of Wills & Probate.

£5m-turnover Beaumont Legal, which is based in Wakefield has tripled in size since 2013.

Solicitor and non-practising barrister Ms Holding will manage and develop a department covering Wills, Probate, Powers of Attorney, Declarations of Trust, asset protection and estate planning services.

Nick Masheder, managing partner, said: “Our conveyancing business has been a huge success over the last few years and we’re keen to expand our offering with additional areas of specialism. Libby’s appointment is a key element for our continuing growth plans.

“She impressed us with her ability, passion and vision for the future of private client services. She’s already had a great impact on the team and we’re looking forward to her working to advance our offering in wills and probate work.”

Libby added: “I’m looking forward to getting involved with developing the department, utilising new technologies to make ourselves stand out from competitors and building on the personal service our customers receive. It’s exciting to come into a firm that is developing across different departments and has ambitious plans to expand over the coming years.”

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CREDIT sourcing and lending software firm Equiniti Pancredit has expanded, bringing 16 people, nearly tripling its headcount.

The Yeadon-based firm has expanded with customer delivery consultant, Beth Greenwood, David Kilroy, business analyst and customer support consultants, Esrar Ahmed and Anouska Melechi.

Elizabeth Atkinson and Neelum Mistry have been appointed to roles within Equiniti Pancredit’s test team, Richard Cawthorne and John Steenson have joined the firm as product designers and Stacey Redden has been appointed to the role of training manager.

Graham Donald, managing director, Equiniti Pancredit comments: “Equiniti Pancredit continues to go from strength-to-strength as confidence in the consumer credit market rises. We have seen significant revenue growth thanks to an increased demand for our lending and credit sourcing platforms, which has been reinforced by our acquisition by the Equiniti Group in 2014.

“We’re delighted to have grown our team with talented and knowledgeable individuals and look forward to seeing them contributing to our continuing success over the coming years.”