People: Robotics specialist Sewtec appoints new heads of finance; Family and employment law specialist adds to team; and more

Robotics specialist Sewtec has appointed new heads of finance and business support as the company sets its sights on doubling its turnover to £32m in five years.

Lizzie Hay joins the Dewsbury-based high technology company as head of finance from kitchen manufacturer and supplier Howdens Joinery where she was financial planning and accounts manager.

Prior to that she held roles as finance director at tailored clothing company Stuncroft, financial controller at global real estate developer Scarborough Group International and chartered accountant at accountancy firm Baker Tilly.

New head of business support, Mark Atkins, has joined Sewtec after providing the company with HR consultancy services for four years via his own consultancy, Atkins HR. With 20 years’ experience, he has worked in a variety of private and public sector roles, including director of people and talent for training provider Babington Group and assistant director at Sheffield Homes.

Sewtec designs and manufactures factory automation systems for global blue-chip clients in the food, pharmaceutical, personal care and tobacco industries. More than 85% of its sales are to export markets. The business underwent a management buyout (MBO) in August last year, backed by Leeds-based private equity firm Endless.

In the first three months of 2018, Sewtec secured £10m of orders from customers based in the UK, Ireland and USA whilst creating eight new engineering, manufacturing and sales roles in the process.

The company anticipates doubling the number of highly skilled engineering and manufacturing jobs over the next five years, which would see Sewtec’s workforce growing to more than 120 people.

Sewtec managing director, Mark Cook, said: “For us to achieve our growth plans, we need a senior management team that is both ambitious and highly capable.

“Lizzie and Mark have these qualities in abundance and are experts in their respective fields of finance and HR. Their experience and knowledge will be fundamental in enabling our continued expansion as we seek to enhance efficiencies, further improve our processes and recruit and retain many more highly skilled people to the Sewtec family.”

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Family and employment law specialist Consilia Legal has stepped up its plans to expand mediation services with its latest appointment.

Associate solicitor Sarah Manning has joined the firm and has worked in family law for ten years. She became a family mediator in 2012 and will assist the practice to further develop the support it offers in this field.

Manning will work with Laura Clapton, family law director at Consilia, to develop the firm’s mediation practice in Harrogate, as well as expanding its Leeds city centre presence.

Clapton said: “Sarah is a highly experienced solicitor and accredited mediator and is a perfect fit for the firm.

“Sarah’s holistic approach to family law cases and her experience as a highly skilled family mediator further strengthen our reputation in both Leeds and Harrogate for our ability to offer a range of options to our clients through legal advice or alternative forms of dispute resolution.”

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Wrigleys has welcomed Graham Shaw to its team of education specialists working with schools, academies, multi academy trusts, colleges, universities and independent schools.

Shaw until recently led the Northern education team of a national firm.

He said: “Wrigleys is the leading Yorkshire based law firm advising schools, academies and MATs and I look forward very much to working with colleagues to further embed the firm’s presence in the sector.”

Chris Billington, head of education at Wrigleys, added: “Graham joins Wrigleys as a leading education lawyer adding further strength to our specialist team.”