People: Three hires at interior design and fit out firm; New BID board unveiled; and more

A new head of design & build, financial controller and surveyor have boosted the numbers at Dale Office Interiors, a commercial interior design and fit out company based in Sheffield.

Liam Bendelow

The business has confirmed the trio of hires as it continues to grow.

Matt Griffin adds capacity to Dale’s surveying capabilities as an estimating assistant and surveyor after ten years in the industry.

Liam Bendelow joins as financial controller, bringing 15 years of finance and accountancy expertise to the team, and Andy Foot joins the business as head of design & build, bringing with him over 25 years of commercial interiors experience.

Andy Foot

David Bricknell, managing director of the firm, said: “This is an exciting time for Dale Office Interiors; our design skills and extremely high fit-out standards are driving major growth, and our team needs to grow in all areas to accommodate it.

“Having three new team members bringing a combined 50 years of experience to the team means we’re adding not only resource to the business, but also fresh ideas, skills, experience and diversity of strategic thinking and approach.

“Our clients will immediately feel the benefit of this growth and we’re not even done growing yet.”

:::

An organisation created to promote Harrogate town centre as a must-visit destination for shoppers and tourists has unveiled a new board.

Taking on the role of chair of Harrogate BID (Business Improvement District) is retailer Robert Kennedy – the owner of G23 and Porters – whilst restaurateur Sara Ferguson, co-owner of Sasso and Caffe Marconi, has been appointed as his deputy.

The rest of the members are: Andrea Thornborrow, Primark; Mark Robson, Marks and Spencer; Martin Gerrard, Barclays Bank; Rob Spencer, Town House Design; Robert Ogden, Ogden of Harrogate; Chris Bentley, Hornbeam Park; Richard Wheeldon, Berwins Solicitors; Mark Young, The Ivy; Sandra Doherty, Alexa House; David Bowe, North Yorkshire County Council; Coun Richard Cooper, Harrogate Borough Council; Sgt Alex Sellars, North Yorkshire Police; and Sharon Canavar, Harrogate International Festivals.

The board is building on the work of the last 12 months, which has seen the launch of the Harrogate Gift Card, supporting Transdev’s “Sunday Freeway” service, partnering with Harrogate Review and undertaking a series of  marketing initiatives.

Kennedy said: “One of the most successful initiatives the BID has supported over the last 12 months is the ‘Sunday Freeway’, which has given the retail sector a real lift at weekends.

“In total, more than 40,000 people travelled with Transdev on Sundays for free across the year – and the destination for the vast majority was the town centre.

“And since we launched the Harrogate Gift Card last November, 334 cards have been purchased with a combined value of more than £17,000 being loaded on to them.

“More than 80 shops and businesses in the town centre already accept the Gift Card, and more are joining this scheme on a weekly basis.

“Our collaboration with Harrogate Review is also helping to further promote the fabulous shops, restaurants, businesses and attractions that makes Harrogate unique.”

:::

iSource Group, a Leeds-based IT, digital and change management recruitment specialist, has bolstered its plans for European expansion with a duo of new appointments.

With a focus on growing iSource Group’s presence across Germany, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg, Patrick Culliney joins the business as global practice lead – information & cyber security.

Using previous experience from working in the sector for a number of years, he will grow the InfoSec desk in the UK while defining the long-term strategy of the division initially throughout Europe and then across the world.

He said: “It’s great to know that I have the autonomy to do what’s needed to grow the division. Not only that, but there’s also masses of support from the leadership in terms of resources and advice.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve. Knowing that I have the ability to impact the integrational expansion of the brand is a very exciting prospect.”

Meanwhile, joining as change and delivery consultant, Christopher Wright will resource candidates on behalf of business analysis and project management account managers.

He said: “The fact that no two days are ever the same in this role really appealed to me. Keeping on top of multiple roles and tasks will certainly keep me busy.

“I’m looking forward to learning from others within the business and progressing with the 90-day plan that I have in place.”

:::

Agriculture and foodservice specialists The Billington Group has appointed Jon Sheppard as commercial director of the Scunthorpe-based TSC Foods business and David Wilkinson as group business development director.

Sheppard joins the TSC arm of the group with more than 20 years of expertise from roles with Dalehead Foods, Greencore and Uniq.

He will work for TSC MD Ray Pigg on driving the overall business strategy. TSC is known for brands including Glorious! soups and for its own-label products both for the food service and retail industries.

Wilkinson has been working within TSC for the last 18 months where he was responsible for increasing sales and developing customer relations.

His new role will see him move back to group level, where he will take on a focus for new growth areas and emerging markets.

Gary Blake, CEO of The Billington Group, said: “It’s an exciting time for The Billington Group; our businesses are fast-paced and operate in highly competitive markets.

“These appointments are a reflection of our desire to remain at the forefront of our industries and stay ahead of our competition. I’d like to wish Jon and David all the best in their new positions.”