People: Family law team expands; Senior role changes at listed development company; Promotion at civil engineering operation; and more

Family law firm Jones Myers – which has offices in Leeds, Harrogate and York – is continuing its team expansion to meet growing demand.

The practice has appointed solicitor Benjamin Pitman. He has worked in all areas of family law, including divorce, financial settlements, pre and post nuptial agreements and children matters. He is also experienced in cases involving family businesses and property abroad and has acted on behalf of high net worth individuals.

Applauded by the latest Legal 500 UK guide and by the Chambers UK 2020 guide, Jones Myers includes collaborative experts in house barrister Andrew Fox and founder Peter Jones – a former deputy judge.

Fox said: “Benjamin’s experience complements our team’s expertise and we warmly welcome him on board. Attracting and retaining top talent remains a top priority and Benjamin’s appointment coincides with an increase in instructions from our local, national and international clients.”

The team expansion is the latest in a series of developments in a decisive year in which Jones Myers has further boosted its staff complement at its Harrogate office and expanded its Children Team.

Earlier this year, the practice launched an office in York with a three-strong team headed by partner Nicki Mitchell, a collaboratively trained lawyer and expert in the financial aspects of relationship breakdown and particularly complex cases.

Additional milestones have seen Close Brothers Asset Management again include Jones Myers in its Top Family Law Firms for 2019. The practice is also ranked for the second consecutive year in the eprivate Top Family Law Firms national guide, which recognises and promotes excellence and best practice in the sector.

:::

Leeds-based house builder Persimmon has said Marion Sears, non-executive director and chairman of the Remuneration Committee and Corporate Responsibility Committee will retire from the Board at the conclusion of the company’s AGM on 29 April 2020 after over seven years with Persimmon.

Claire Thomas, who was appointed as a non-executive director in August 2019, will be appointed chairman of the Remuneration Committee on that date and an announcement about the successor to chair the Corporate Responsibility Committee will be made in due course.

Roger Devlin, chairman, said “Marion has made a significant contribution to Persimmon’s Board over many years and the on behalf of the company I would like to wish her every success in her future endeavours.”

:::

Caddick Civil Engineering, a subsidiary of Knottingley-based Caddick Construction, has promoted Jamie Stephenson to its Board as contracts director.

Stephenson has more than 20 years’ industry experience and joined Caddick Civil Engineering in 2002. He is responsible for supervising the team of site managers within the civil engineering operation and works closely with Caddick’s Client Team to oversee the company’s project management operations.

Caddick Construction managing director, Andrew Murray, said: “We are delighted to welcome Jamie onto the Board in recognition of his contribution to Caddick Civil Engineering within the Group.

“We know Caddick clients will also welcome the news as they will continue to benefit from Jamie’s expertise and skills that have helped deliver the very best results for them over the years.”

Stephenson added: “Caddick is a fantastic company to work for and I am very excited about my move onto the Board, where I hope to make a lasting contribution to the future growth and success of the firm.”

:::

Rhodar, a Leeds-based enabling works provider, has made a significant investment in its remediation division through the strategic development of its specialist team.

The firm said its appointment of a new geo-environmental engineer, George Roberts, and support of technical director Matt Bond’s chartered geologist qualification, ensures it will continue to offer an “unrivalled” land remediation service to clients.

Roberts brings with him two years of experience from his previous position, where his role saw him carry out site investigations and subsequent contamination and geo-technical reporting.

Initially working as a subcontracted resident engineer on Rhodar’s £850,000 Broad Street enabling works project in Birmingham earlier in the year, he impressed the team and was offered a permanent role with the business shortly after.

Bond, who has 17 years’ experience in the investigation and assessment of brownfield land, and helped launch Rhodar’s remediation division, has earned his chartership from the Geological Society of London, specialising in site characterisation and contaminated land remediation. His status as a chartered geologist cements Rhodar’s market-leading position and underpins the expertise of its unrivalled team of highly skilled remediation specialists.

Commenting on his chartership, Bond said: “There isn’t a mandatory qualification required for remediation and site investigation but this chartership verifies I am technically competent, backed by the Geological Society of London. It is quality assurance that guarantees Rhodar delivers to the highest standards through investment in its teams.”

George Roberts added: “I am thrilled to have joined Rhodar at such an exciting time for the remediation division. The business’s commitment to personal development and opportunities to progress are a great example of its dedication to employees and an outstanding practice.”

John Davies, Rhodar’s remediation director, said: “Matt has shown he has the drive and ambition to develop his skills within Rhodar and George has already proven to be a great addition to the team with his experience and knowledge. I’m extremely pleased to have them as part of our team.”.

Jason Davy, managing director of Rhodar, said: “Supporting Matt in obtaining his chartership and appointing George is a continuation of Rhodar’s investment into the remediation division, enabling it to continue to grow and become a key player in national remediation services.

“I’m very pleased that we are able to offer a rewarding workplace for our teams – something we strive to achieve through our In Pursuit of Excellence programme – and deliver projects to the highest industry standards for our customers.”