People: Non-exec joins distribution business; Law firm welcomes trio of new appointments

EPE International, the Bradford-based B2B distributor of branded Small Domestic Appliances (SDA), has appointed Paul Beaumont as a Non-Executive Director.

EPE provides a complete service to cook shop, electrical retail and department store customers.

Beaumont, a serial entrepreneur, semi-retired around five years ago and now works with high growth potential businesses on behalf of Leeds Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

He is also a Non-Exec Director of Usha Martin Technologies, the arm of the Usha Martin Group.

Beaumont said: “After working with the business for the last 6 months, I am impressed with EPE’s focus on representing quality brands and the constant drive for optimum customer satisfaction, in addition to their impressive growth and the resulting accolades that have been bestowed upon them by the industry, customers and suppliers.

“I’m looking forward to assisting the business to continue their impressive growth in the future and to further develop in this exciting market sector.”

Harry Singh and Noel Pamment, co-founders of EPE, added: “We have been working with Paul for the last six months through the Leeds LEP High Growth Coaching Programme and have been impressed with his wide breadth of knowledge and his experience of running startups and SME’s to complex Blue-Chip organisations with annual revenues in excess of £250m.

“In particular, Paul brings substantial experience in distribution systems and operations and has extensive experience of growing sales and revenues by unlocking the underlaying potential in growing businesses.”

:::

Law firm Harper James Solicitors has announced a trio of new appointments at the firm’s Sheffield headquarters, Velocity Tower.

Ashley Mott, Dispute Resolution Partner; Jackie Howard, Finance Manager; and William Parsonage, Business Development Executive, have all joined the firm.

Mott joins the firm’s team of senior lawyers bringing with him 30 years’ experience handling UK based and international business disputes, across several sectors including technology, infrastructure, manufacturing and engineering.

Mott is an accredited mediator and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Prior to taking on the role at Harper James, he spent 28 years at global law firm, DLA Piper.

Howard, newly appointed Finance Manager, is a former Director at Deloitte UK, where she managed financial ledgers, HR practices and IT systems. Jackie will head up the finance function of the Harper James business, focusing on the improved efficiency of the current processes, controls, and systems.  

Working in the firm’s Business Development team, Parsonage comes from a healthcare background. His role will involve introducing the firm’s commercial legal services to UK companies.

Toby Harper, Founder and CEO, said: “Harper James has been designed to be able to provide top quality legal advice and assistance to all businesses, large and small, at a sensible and affordable cost.

“I’m delighted to welcome Ashley, Jackie and William. The three appointments are indicative of the growth we’ve achieved to date and my confidence in the future success of the firm.”