Appointments: Foster joins Property Forum, Oades in at Clipper, MD for The Defence Group, and more

THE Leeds Chamber of Commerce has appointed Nigel Foster, director of Ove Arup, as the new chairman of the Leeds Chamber Property Forum.

The aim of the forum is to contribute positively and effectively to the future growth and development of the Leeds district.

Working closely with Leeds City Council, the Property Forum and its members provide sector input to shape the city into a regional capital and a leading European city.   

Outgoing Chair, Ian Ward, chief executive of Leeds Building Society said he had found his five years in the role as “thoroughly enjoyable”.

Mr Foster said: “This is a challenging time for the property industry but there is still a great need to deliver a wide range of change in our cities, particularly to create the conditions for sustainable development.”

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CLIPPER Logistics, the Yorkshire-based provider of retail and high-value logistics, has appointed former Christian Salvesen chief executive Stewart Oades as a non-executive director.

Mr Oades is a prominent figure in the supply chain sector and his experience will support Clippers ambitious pan-European and global growth plans.

Having completed the sale of Christian Salvesen to Norbert Dentressangle in December, Mr Oades stepped down from his position as chief executive and supported the integration process in a consulting capacity until last September.

Mr Oades said: “With an average annual growth rate of more than 15% over the last seven years, one cannot fail to be impressed by Clippers UK operation. The company is clearly fleet of foot unusual for an organisation of its size and stands apart in its down to earth style, flat management structure and focused offering.

“I have no doubt that Clipper is capable of growing profitably in line with its ambitious strategic objectives and am delighted to be working with such an exceptional team to support this.”

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PROPERTY security products supplier The Defence Group, based in Sheffield, has appointed Chris Graham as managing director.
 
Mr Graham was The Defence Group’s sales manager for more than 10 years before being promoted to national sales director last year.

“We have substantial plans in terms of growing market share and our product range,” said Mr Graham. “These are exciting times at The Defence Group and I’m relishing the prospect presented to me and the rest of the team.”
 
Mr Graham is taking the role vacated by the company’s chairman, Sufian Abdullah, who will retain an interest in the company while concentrating on the launch of two new businesses.
 
The Defence Group supplies customers with a comprehensive range of products including roller shutters, personnel doors, CCTV, intruder alarms and other specialist security products.
 
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BRADFORD-based chartered accountants Watson Buckle have appointed a new partner to its team.

Mark Wilcock, whose appointment took effect on April 1, began his accountancy career as a 17-year-old trainee with Watson Buckle, where he later qualified.

He went on to gain further experience at another local independent accountancy practice, working his way up to manager, and then at accountancy firm Grant Thornton, where he was an audit manager in the Leeds office for four years.

His return to Watson Buckle in 2005 gave him increased opportunities to work with small and medium-sized enterprises. He was appointed an associate at the practice in 2007.

Mr Wilcock lives in Hellifield, near Skipton. Alongside his audit expertise, he also offers particular experience in advising owner-managed businesses and is also involved in staff training and practice development at Watson Buckle.