People: Law firm adds former Simpson Millar directors to the board; Brass makes senior hire; and more

Ridley & Hall, based in Huddersfield, has appointed two former Simpson Millar heavyweights to join its board of directors.

Emma Pearmaine who was director of family services and Anthony Elston who was previously finance director at Simpson Millar have both joined the practice as it sets a course to double its turnover.

The firm employs 60 people and turned over £2.5million in 2016.

Adam Fletcher, managing director at Ridley & Hall, says: “We are all excited about what our new management team can achieve, and feel confident in our expansion plans.

“2016 was a record year resulting from the superb performances by my fellow directors Nigel Priestley, James Cook, Sarah Young and our staff. We have now turned our attention towards driving growth through strategic acquisitions and recruitment of further key individuals.

“This is a significant development for the firm. We are investing in the future of the business and believe we can strike the ideal balance with the help of Emma and Anthony on our board.”

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Brass, the Leeds-based integrated marketing agency, has expanded its insight offering, with the appointment of Sam Bannister to the newly created role of head of insight.

The introduction of the new position marks an increased investment by Brass into insight, strengthening its offer to existing clients such as First Direct, Kellogg’s, Hammonds, CITB and Lucozade.

Bannister spent an earlier part of his career at Brass, as a senior researcher. A position at RDSi followed, where he was responsible for a number of FMCG, shopper, and financial services accounts, before his return to Brass.

He said: “It’s a great time to re-join an agency that’s known to deliver high quality, award winning insight. We want to be able to do something different to what’s currently in the marketplace – a more progressive approach to insight – and Brass offers a fantastic opportunity to do this.

“We’ve been listening to the needs of clients, and strongly believe we can combine research expertise with the talented Brass creative and digital resource to build an agile and distinct insight proposition.”
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Williams & Co partners Robert Brackup, Jeremy Garside and Tim Welton

Growing West Yorkshire solicitors practice Williams & Co is strengthening its team in Wakefield following the firm’s expansion into new city centre premises.

Four members of staff have been appointed to work out of the Cheapside office – Christine Carney joins as a conveyancer, alongside residential fee earner Jayne Atkinson and secretarial support staff Tina Smyth and Gemma Murphy.

Williams & Co partner Jeremy Garside said: “We are delighted to welcome four new members of staff to our growing firm. The appointments signal our intention to be one of the leading law firms in the county and bolster our existing team in Wakefield who are going from strength to strength after moving into our new city centre base.

Williams & Co has been committed to expanding its presence and staff numbers following the appointment of current partners Jeremy Garside, Robert Brackup and Tim Welton in early 2016.
The firm also has offices in Cleckheaton.