People: Lloyds Bank; Harper James Solicitors; Langleys Solicitors; and more

Lloyds Bank has appointed Steve Harris as regional director for Yorkshire & the North East.

He brings more than three decades of experience in corporate and commercial banking, before joining Lloyds Bank in 2011.

Harris moves to the post after serving as head of manufacturing in the bank’s Corporate and Institutional Coverage team since 2018. Here, he and his team supported some of the UKs biggest manufacturers.

During his time at the bank, he has also held roles supporting businesses across the whole of the North of England, building extensive knowledge of key challenges and opportunities, and how best to provide support to help the region’s businesses prosper.

Based at Lovell Park in Leeds, Lloyds Bank’s biggest commercial banking hub outside of London, he joins an almost 90-strong team dedicated to supporting the levelling up of the Yorkshire economy.

Harris said: “Supporting the UK’s SME and mid-corporate businesses is critical as they look to bounce back from the impact of Covid-19 – and tailored support from a trusted banking partner will be key to their success.

“The region is home to some of the most resilient and innovative businesses in the country, and I’m looking forward to building on the strong client and professional relationships we have to drive further growth and recovery.

“Boasting some of the country’s leading universities, as well as leading the charge in key sectors such as healthcare, infrastructure and sustainability, the potential for growth and strong recovery in Yorkshire is vast.

“These are challenging times, but these businesses have shown resilience in the past, and can do so again with the tools to invest in products, services and talent.”

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A Yorkshire-based law firm is expanding its team with the appointment of two industry-leading solicitors.

David Sant and Becky White have joined the national team at Harper James Solicitors helping more than 1,700 clients with all their legal service needs.

The appointments are the latest phase of development for the business which supports ambitious businesses from start up to scale up.

Sant joins the firm as a commercial technology and data protection solicitor after working in in-house legal teams at the BBC and Oxford University Press.

He said: “In the short time I’ve been at Harper James, it has been fantastic to advise such a wide range of clients on technology and commercial issues.

“I’m really pleased to be able to use my software background and in-house legal experience to get to grips with the issues and provide clients with practical, straightforward advice.

“It’s a great team at Harper James and I can see why clients are attracted to the firm.”

White, a data protection and privacy expert, started out at DAC Beachcrofts nearly 20 years ago before moving in-house, gaining experience in a variety of different sectors, notably construction and engineering, oil and gas and recruitment.

Most recently she worked for a commercial law firm specialising in the IT and digital sector.

Her clients have ranged from start-ups and SMEs to multinationals such as Chevron and Atkins. She was previously data protection officer to a well-known energy company.

She said: “Harper James’ business model is unique and the culture of the firm is so different from more traditional law firms.

“The balance the firm strikes between competitive rates for clients and home-based working for solicitors is a win-win for ambitious businesses and lawyers alike.

“I’m confident that my background in privacy and data protection, along with my commercial experience in industry, will mean that I can be an excellent resource and a good fit for Harper James’ clients.’

Toby Harper, the CEO of Harper James Solicitors, said: “David and Becky’s arrival is a further fantastic boost to our team which offers a full range of services to support businesses at each stage of their development.”

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Langleys Solicitors, a York and Lincoln-based law firm, has appointed Claire Ward as a Partner in its family law team.

Ward has over 20 years’ experience as a family lawyer, and will be joining an expanding practice.

She has a wealth of expertise in advising clients in relation to the issues which can arise upon separation and divorce.

She has been appointed to assist the firm’s growth in the East Yorkshire area, where she has a strong reputation.

Ward was previously based in Hull for many years and now advises clients throughout the East Yorkshire region including Beverley, York, Scarborough and surrounding areas.

She has built up a professional network of barristers, accountants and trusted advisors over the years and is able to put together the most effective team for her clients.

Ward is joining Langleys with a view to building the firm’s family law offering throughout Beverley, Hull and East Yorkshire.

Des Mannion, CEO at Langleys, said: “Claire is a fantastic addition to the team, and will be an excellent asset as we increase our presence in East Yorkshire.

“She is known for her sensible and pragmatic approach to cases, allowing her to resolve complex cases quickly and amicably, and with compassion.

“I have no doubt she is the right person to help lead the team as we develop our family law and wider private client offering in Yorkshire.”

Ward said: “I’m delighted to be joining Langleys and helping the family law team expand further into the East Yorkshire area.

“I am looking forward to developing a leading team of specialist family lawyers providing first class service.

“I always have the best interests of my client’s and their family at heart, and strive to achieve the best possible results for them throughout what can be an extremely difficult process.”

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Staff promotions have been announced at Leeds-based P+HS Architects.

Alice Green and Tom Potter both take up Associate roles and Lauren Sturman moves into a lead role for the administration team.

Since joining the practice in 2015 Green has led on the architectural and interior design for several projects including work for UK Steel enterprise, St Andrew’s Healthcare and Bradford District Care’s new Assessment and Treatment Unit for people with Autism and Learning Disabilities.

Recently she has been heavily involved in strategic work for two healthcare trusts in Yorkshire.

As well as project work, she is an executive board member of the not for profit organisation Architects for Health.

Potter’s architectural career with P+HS began as a student back in 2002. Since qualifying ten years ago he has worked right across the practice with healthcare emerging as a key strength.

He has led numerous successful primary care schemes and is currently working on new developments in Hull and Newcastle.

In the acute sector, Potter is involved with a £50m Emergency Department and Acute Assessment Unit for North Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Trust at Scunthorpe and Grimsby.

Sturman, one of the practice’s newer members of staff, has made rapid progress with P+HS Architects.

Practice manager, Natalie Stirland, said: “Since her appointment just two years ago, Lauren has quickly developed her skills and demonstrated a real flair for organisation in our fast-paced work environment.

“I’m delighted to welcome Lauren into her new role leading and developing our all-important administration team.”

 

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