People: York House Leisure; Switch2 Energy; and more

York House Leisure (YHL) has appointed Dawn Hughes as sales and operations manager at its new residential park near Selby.

The Boroughbridge company has recently launched the first phase of homes at Gateforth Park as part of the multi-million pound redevelopment of a 45-acre brownfield site.

Hughes, 36, has 21 years’ experience in the leisure and tourism industry. Originally from Hornsea, she has returned to the North to join YHL after working on the southwest coast for the past six years.

She began her career at Skirlington Leisure Park near Bridlington, where she gained experience in various aspects of running a holiday park, including in operational and customer-facing roles.

Most recently, she was sales manager with South West Holiday Parks in Devon.

She has a long-standing relationship with UK manufacturer Prestige Homeseeker Park & Leisure Homes, which is partnering with YHL to offer a range of high-quality homes at Gateforth Park.

Hughes said: “I’m delighted to be joining a company that has such an excellent reputation in the industry, as well as to be working with Prestige again.

“I feel very lucky to be part of the new venture at Gateforth Park where everything is of such a high standard and everyone involved has so much passion. I’m looking forward to helping people find their perfect park home here.”

YHL director Phil Brierley said: “Dawn is a great addition to our team as we launch the first phase of homes at Gateforth Park.

“This is a really special development which is attracting a lot of interest, and I’m confident Dawn will be brilliant at showcasing everything on offer here and helping people make a seamless move to park home living.”

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Saltaire-based heat network specialist Switch2 Energy has appointed Simon Eddleston as director of construction ­– to lead the design and build of sustainable district heating projects across the UK.

He has more than 25 years’ experience of developing and delivering clean energy infrastructure –  from design and development of power transmission and distribution networks -– to low and zero carbon decentralised community energy projects.

He was previously head of delivery at both Vattenfall Energy Solutions and E.ON, where he led development and delivery of low and zero carbon multi-utility district heating and cooling projects in major mixed-use commercial and residential schemes across the UK.

This included the recent delivery of a cooling, heating and private wire energy solution to London’s Westfield shopping centre and 1,200 neighbouring apartments.

Eddleston, who started his career at National Grid Company, is a Chartered Engineer and has held a number of senior energy industry roles in the UK and Europe.

Richard Slee, CEO of Switch2 Energy, said: “Simon joins our business at an exciting time as we get ready to deliver more end-to-end, full-service heat networks.

“He will use his impressive engineering expertise and experience to drive innovation in the design and construction of communal heating schemes that provide reliable, affordable, sustainable energy.”

Eddleston said: “I look forward to working with the Switch2 technical team to design and build the UK’s next generation heat networks that can that can help meet the urgent need to decarbonise the heating supply.

“We will apply new technologies and techniques to develop the scalable low and zero carbon community energy systems of the future.”

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Ben Flint

A property consultancy has made three promotions at its Doncaster office following a strong period of growth.

Fisher German has promoted Ben Flint to associate and Emma Buckle and Sarah Scarsebrook to senior administrators.

The firm made the promotions as part of its career progression framework, which gives employees a clear pathway to advance within the business.

Fisher German has made a total of 32 promotions across its offices, marking its continuing success across a number of specialisms including commercial agency, planning and development, utilities and rural consultancy.

They come following a strong period of growth for the firm, which saw it merge with Birmingham-based company Vine Property Management last June.

Despite the unprecedented circumstances surrounding Covid-19, senior partner Tim Shuldham says there is still cause to recognise these professional achievements.

He said: “I would like to congratulate all of those who have received promotions.

“While we never could have envisaged these unusual circumstances when we confirmed these appointments earlier this year, it is important that we take time to commend the individuals and recognise the hard work put in to achieve promotion.

“It is exciting to see the talent growing in stature within the business, and it is excellent that our career progression framework continues to give people the opportunity to rise through the firm.

“We have seen a diverse range of promotions across different regions in a variety of disciplines, which demonstrates Fisher German’s all-around commitment to its employees’ careers.

“It is also fantastic to welcome three highly competent new partners who have been through a rigorous pathway programme and will be able to support the growth and success of the business.”