People: BDO; Nicholas Associates Group; Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors; and more

Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP has announced the promotion of 20 new partners across the firm with Mark Thornton named partner in Yorkshire.

The promotions, delayed from June 2020 as a result of COVID-19, are effective from 1 January 2021.

Thornton joined BDO in 2007 at manager level and has since progressed through the ranks at the firm.

He is FCA and JIEB qualified. Throughout his 12 years at BDO, he has developed a strong reputation for delivering high quality results and advice to a range of businesses in the region.

Thornton said: “BDO is a great place to work with a leadership team which is committed to creating a culture that allows people to develop and progress in their career and achieve their own ambitions.

“The past year has been a challenge for companies in the region and 2021 brings new obstacles on the horizon for those who have weathered the storm.

“We are well placed to support businesses across a range of restructuring opportunities as business owners re-think the way they operate.”

Nationally, the new partners have significant experience across a wide range of sectors and specialisms including the professional services, technology and media, financial services and private equity.

Eight of the 20 promotions are outside of London, including Thornton in Yorkshire.

Terry Jones, head of BDO in Yorkshire and the North East, said: “2020 was a testing year for businesses and individuals alike.

“None of us could have predicted that we’d be working as a fully-remote workforce for almost 12 months as a result of the pandemic.

“As a firm we put a number of measures in place to help us better weather the storm, including a pause on promotions earlier last year.

“Announcing Mark’s promotion to partner is an encouraging start to the year and so well deserved.”

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Rotherham-headquartered talent selection company, Nicholas Associates Group, has implemented a restructuring of its Board of Directors following the recent departure of its CEO.

The move sees Lisa Gainsford, who joined the company five years ago as chief executive officer, transfer into a new role as strategic development director to further support the growth plans of the business.

The group will now be led by Bruce Allen, FD, who has been with the business 22 years, Tony Boorman, managing director of Stafforce with 20 years’ service and Paul Brammer, managing director of Nicholas Associates, who joined the business back in 2010.

Following the latest filed accounts which report Nicholas Associates Group surpassing a £100m turnover, the restructure is part of an ongoing expansion plan which has seen the business set significant growth targets for geographical coverage, headcount and revenue.

Nick Cragg, founder and owner of the company, said the restructure puts the firm in a position to realise its expansion plans.

He said: “We have some ambitious plans for our Group of companies and I am a firm believer that those will not be achieved unless we have the right people in the right places.”

Boorman started his career with eight years in the Fresh Produce industry – his last role being sales and account management for major high street retailers, wholesalers, and caterers.

In 1997 he moved into the Recruitment Sector and in 2001 joined Nicholas Associates Group.

He said: “I was asked to join the board in 2008 and in 2013 became the leader of the Stafforce brand.

“When I started working for Nicholas Associates Group, we turned over £7m and now we turnover in excess of £100m.

“I am so proud of our work family and how dedicated they are to candidates and clients, truly believing that what we do changes peoples’ lives.”

Brammer added: “The business has been on an exciting journey over the last few years and I am privileged to be part of the next period of achieving our growth objectives, working alongside such talent right across the Group.”

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Lauren Bullock

Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has welcomed two new additions to the firm – Lauren Bullock and Pete Konieczko-Hansom.

Bullock has joined the Medical Negligence department and is based in Huddersfield and Konieczko-Hansom into the Corporate and Contracts team based in Leeds.

Bullock qualified as a solicitor in 2015, completing her training at Irwin Mitchell.

She has experience in handling a variety of claims against hospital trusts, GPs, and private practitioners, along with experience in acting for adults and children in a range of claims including birth-related injuries, surgical errors, and delays in cancer diagnosis.

Konieczko-Hansom has extensive experience working with corporate businesses and working for the Government Legal Department.

His main role at Chadwick Lawrence will be advising a variety of businesses and individuals on their legal and commercial needs.

Pete Konieczko-Hansom

Neil Wilson, managing partner, said: “We are thrilled to have Lauren and Pete join the firm. Both individuals have proven already to be valuable members of the team with extensive knowledge and passion for their roles. We sure to see great things from both of them in the future.”

Bullock said: “The firm stood out to me because of the quality of work the team produces and the Medical Negligence team’s commitment to their claimants. It is a friendly, welcoming, and approachable firm with a great culture.”

Konieczko-Hansom said: “I am really pleased to have joined the corporate and contracts department.

“Chadwick Lawrence has an excellent reputation as one of the best legal practices in West Yorkshire, which is why I was eager to be a part of the team.”

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The Institute of Directors has appointed Victoria Brown as chair of its South Yorkshire branch.

Brown is a qualified accountant with more than 20 years’ experience in global manufacturing organisations.

Most recently, she was finance director at Barnsley-based home improvements business Distinction Group.

She sits on the audit and risk committee for Sheffield Hallam University and is part of the Sheffield business response group formed to manage the impact of Covid-19 on local businesses.

In 2018, she achieved one of the highest grades in the country for the IoD’s prestigious Chartered Director qualification.

She succeeds Keith Jackson, chief executive of Brandon Medical and visiting professor at the University of Sheffield.

As chair, she will be the voice of business for South Yorkshire directors, creating connections, enhancing professional development and building influence through the IoD’s national Policy Voice.

Brown said: “I am honoured to take on this important role and build on Keith’s excellent work. This is a challenging time for many businesses but, by working together and sharing our experiences, we can emerge from the pandemic as more agile and resilient directors.

“I’m particularly keen to encourage more directors to follow the Chartered Director pathway, which was the best training I have experienced in my professional career. Being in business is about continuous learning.”

Natalie Sykes, IoD head of English Branches, said: “Victoria has been closely involved with the IoD for many years and has a passion for ethical business and good corporate governance.

“As one of the best performing Chartered Directors, she is a role model for anyone looking to reach the top as a director.”