People: Building society appoints new non-exec, Law firm welcomes associate solicitor; and more

Skipton Building Society has announced the appointment of Heather Jackson as Non-Executive Director.

Jackson joins the Non-Executive team with effect from 24th October 2018. She brings to the Board 25 years’ experience in senior change, digital and IT roles at HBOS/Lloyds PLC, Capital One, Boots the Chemist, ASDA and Burton Group PLC.

Jackson is currently Managing Director of her own consultancy business and a Non-Executive Director of Ikano Bank AB, JD Sports & Fashion PLC and Ditto AI Ltd.

Until recently, she was a Non-Executive Director of Tandem Bank.

David Cutter, Skipton’s Group Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted that Heather has joined the Board of the Society, as Non-Executive Director. As a mutual, we are run for the benefit of our members, and the Board of Directors is ultimately responsible for the Society’s performance and strategic direction.

“Heather joins this board, bringing a wealth of wider business knowledge and experience – and these skills will help ensure we continue to build a better Society for our members.

Jackson added: “I’m really pleased to be joining Skipton’s Board and sharing my business experience with such an established mutual. And I’m very much looking forward to playing my part in guiding the Society over the next few years.”

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Caroline Hawcroft has joined the York office of law firm, Lupton Fawcett, as a senior associate solicitor.

Hawcroft specialises in agricultural and rural property work covering a wide range of matters including complex and high value purchases, through to agricultural tenancy agreements, sporting rights, and dealing with easements.

She also has experience of all aspects of commercial property work.

Having qualified as a solicitor in 2006, Hawcroft has worked for a number of leading law firms across the Yorkshire region. During that time she has acted for both large and small farming clients, large estates and financial institutions.

As well as being a Fellow of the Agricultural Law Association (FALA), Hawcroft also sits on the ALA’s committee for the Yorkshire region.

Hawcroft said: “I have always admired the way Lupton Fawcett has advised on agricultural matters and the excellent reputation it has built in the sector. It has an extremely experienced team representing a number of high profile clients. Naturally, when the chance arose to join them I leapt at the opportunity.”

Johanne Spittle, who heads up the agricultural team, added: “Caroline is well known and highly respected within the rural community through the help and guidance she has provided, as well as her work with the ALA. It is therefore a real coup that she has decided to join the Lupton Fawcett team and we are all looking forward to working with her.”

Jonathan Moore, who heads up the commercial property team at Lupton Fawcett in York, said: “Our commercial property team has enjoyed great success over the last few years. This has resulted in our team doubling in size over the last 18 months, which currently stands at 10 experienced members of staff providing advice to our clients.

“The appointment of Caroline shows our commitment to providing a top quality service across all sectors and she will make a valuable addition to the team. ”

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The insurance team at the Leeds of Mills & Reeve has appointed Giverny Wroe as part of its continued expansion.

Wroe has joined the professional indemnity team as an associate from Plexus Law in Leeds, where she was a solicitor. She will advise on a wide a range of disputes including claims brought against solicitors, barristers, financial institutions, surveyors and construction professionals.

Partner Neil Howes said: “We are delighted to welcome Giverny to the Leeds office. The professional indemnity team is now a top tier player in the region and Giverny’s appointment is testament to our continued growth. She is a much welcome addition and will play a major part in our expansion.”

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The Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA) and Yorkshire & Humber Academic Health Science Network (AHSN) have strengthened their teams with a Business Development Officer and Analyst.

Ben Martyn joins the health partnerships in a joint role which will see him work across both the NHSA and the Yorkshire & Humber (AHSN).

Based in Sheffield, a core focus of Martyn’s role will be supporting the organisations’ development of commercial engagement with the NHS and clinical research environment across the Northern Powerhouse.

Martyn developed an understanding of working at the intersection of business and life sciences research while studying for his doctorate. Alongside his academic research, Martyn also undertook a business course delivered by Warwick Ventures, the University’s technology commercialisation office.

Martyn said: “Collaboration between business, healthcare and academia is at the heart of what the NHSA and Yorkshire & Humber AHSN do, and that was one of the main things that attracted me to this role.

“The work that I will deliver for both organisations will contribute to outcomes that have a very definite real-world impact, both on the patient side and also in terms of industrial growth. I get to talk to lots of different people, find out about the work they’re doing and then help them move that forward, which is really rewarding.”

Since taking up the new position with the NHSA, Maryn has been working with Suzanne Ali-Hassan, Head of Corporate Engagement, to maximise opportunities for the North following the signing of the MOU between the NHSA and the UK Israel Tech Hub (UKITH) earlier this year.

Dr Hakim Yadi, CEO of the NHSA, said: “Ben’s academic experience and his passion for collaboration across healthcare and industry has been impressive from the outset. He joins us at a busy and exciting time while we continue to promote the North as a leader in health innovation on an international scale.

“His skillset and enthusiasm are perfectly aligned to the NHSA and we’re thrilled to welcome him on board.”

Dr Neville Young, Director of Enterprise & Innovation, Yorkshire & Humber Academic Health Science Network, added: “Understanding the healthcare landscape – both from an academic and business perspective – is vitally important as we continue to develop commercial engagement with the NHS within the region. Ben brings with him a sound knowledge of the sector and we know he’ll make an extremely valuable addition to our team.”