People: Management team at law firm expands; New northern commercial head for insurance business; and more

Law firm Banner Jones Solicitors has announced further expansion of its senior management team, with the promotion of residential property expert Kate Skelton.

The latest in a string of recent promotions at the business, Skelton – who previously worked as a Team Leader in the company’s Chesterfield office – will now take on the position of Director and Head of the Sheffield Residential Property Department.

She will be responsible for managing the Sheffield Residential Property team, and will continue to help provide high-quality services to the firm’s clients.

She brings more than 10 years’ experience to the role, and boasts expertise across all areas of residential property from high end transactions, buy to lets, Freehold and Leasehold titles, New builds, Transfers and re-mortgages.

The move comes amidst continued growth for the firm which employs more than 120 staff across its South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire offices; specialising in a wide spectrum of legal advice for businesses and individuals – including employment law, family law, dispute resolution and conveyancing.

Executive Director at Banner Jones, Chris Sellars, said: “I would like to congratulate Kate on her promotion, which reflects her hard work and commitment that she has shown throughout her time at Banner Jones. I am glad to see her bring this dedication to the role of Director.

“Here at Banner Jones we are committed to investing in our staff and providing them with opportunities to develop their career within the firm.

“Kate’s promotion comes as part of a general effort to recognise the work of capable and enthusiastic individuals throughout Banner Jones to bolster our expert, no-nonsense legal services.”

Skelton said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working at Banner Jones since I joined the firm in 2015 and I am excited to take on the new role in management. I hope to help build the Sheffield team and continue their excellent work.”

:::

Trade credit insurer Atradius has confirmed the appointment of Darren Power as head of commercial for the north.

Power, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the insurance industry, joins Atradius’ Northern Hub.

He moves to Atradius from Aon Credit Solutions where he has been branch director for Aon’s North Eastern Branch since June 2017. Before joining Aon, Power worked at insurance provider Hiscox for 13 years.

A graduate of the University of Sheffield (BSc), he is also ACII qualified (Chartered Insurance Institute, London) and alongside his specialist knowledge of the credit insurance industry, he has a proven track record in all aspects of commercial insurance.

Stuart Ramsden, Head of Commercial for Atradius UK & Ireland, said: “We are delighted to welcome Darren Power to the Atradius team. His knowledge and experience offer the perfect fit to complement our established Northern team.

“The Atradius Northern Hub supports an expanding portfolio of insured customers, providing a wide range of trade credit insurance solutions to businesses of all sizes and across all sectors within the region.

“At Atradius, we work closely with our customers and with their brokers, ensuring we completely understand their business and so provide the very best insurance solutions and credit management strategy.

“Because Darren already knows the region and many of the businesses within it so well, we are confident he is the right person to lead our already successful northern team and take it from strength to strength. We are delighted to welcome him aboard.’’

:::

Principality Building Society has taken on a business development manager in Yorkshire to support its growing broker network in the region.

James Whitford, who has a wealth of experience in intermediary sales, will be on hand to provide a range of assistance to brokers.

His recruitment marks the society’s growth strategy in this region. There are currently ten business development managers across England, with Whitford becoming the third appointment to support the growing broker network in England in 2019. He will play a pivotal part in developing Principality’s presence in Yorkshire, by supporting brokers in the region to ensure they have a positive experience working with the building society.

Whitford said: “I’m excited to be joining Principality to develop the brand in Yorkshire. Being from Yorkshire myself, I am knowledgeable of the market in this region and look forward to delivering an exceptional service to brokers.”

Helen Lewis, National Account Manager at Principality, said: “We are delighted to have James on board to support the Yorkshire and Humberside region. James brings with him a strong background in business development from other mutual, member owned building societies, which will enable him to give our brokers the best possible support.”