In Brief: New managing partner at IM; Yorkshire signs for Chamber; Dale Eddison scoops awards

THE new managing partner of law firm Irwin Mitchell has claimed the practise will continue to grow despite the difficult economic climate.

John Pickering has taken up his new post as national managing partner of Irwin Mitchell, which has offices in Leeds and Sheffield, replacing Howard Culley, who has held the role for the past 24 years.

Mr Pickering, who was previously national head of the firm’s personal injury division, said: “These are tough times for many businesses but Irwin Mitchell, with its broad offering to both the general public and business clients, is well placed and we see this as being potentially a very good time to build on our strengths.”

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YORKSHIRE County Cricket Club is strengthening its ties with Sheffield, the city of its birth 146 years ago.

In a move to step up its presence in the area, the world famous club, has become a member of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce.

The move has delighted Chamber officials who have welcomed the new partnership as a “tremendous boost” to the Chamber and the city.

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DALE Eddison has been awarded four awards at the 2009 Estate Agent of the Year Awards.

It scooped the most ‘Best small chain in the UK’ award and the agency was also awarded the trio of gold, silver and bronze in the Best Estate Agent in the Yorkshire and Humberside Region for its three Wharfedale offices.

Held in London earlier this week, the ceremony was hosted by Phil Spencer from Channel 4’s ‘Relocation, Relocation’.

Bill Dale, director based at the firm’s Ilkley office, said: “We are absolutely over the moon. The last 12 months has proved to be one of the most challenging times of our careers, so to come away with the best small chain award in the UK is testimony to our teams’ commitment to offering the very best service no matter what the market conditions.”