People: CambridgeHOK; Journey Further; SIG; and more

Further expertise has been added to the CambridgeHOK team with the appointment of horticulture tech consultant Steve Edwards as indoor farming & research engineering manager.

Edwards has more than 10 years’ experience of working within the sector and specialises in LED horticulture lighting systems, the design and engineering of indoor farming facilities and the development of hydroponic and aeroponic growing systems.

He has designed and developed systems and solutions for universities, research organisations and commercial horticulture clients, establishing his own successful businesses supplying the sector in that time.

John Holland, managing director at Brough-based CambridgeHOK, says it is another strategic addition to the team.

Edwards will form part of the expanding engineering division, led by recently recruited Dr Ian MacKenzie.

Holland sasid: “We are delighted to have added Steve to our team as he fits perfectly with our innovation and engineering-led approach.

“He is a highly-experienced horticulture specialist engineer with a track record of innovation throughout his career.

“Our paths have crossed on numerous projects over the years and Steve has always been held in high-regard within our business.

“We know the quality of Steve’s work, which is always entirely focused on giving the best support to growers and going that extra mile to offer something others don’t.”

Edwards said: “The market has long talked about Vertical Farming really taking off in the UK, but it hasn’t really delivered. CambridgeHOK is delivering now though and leading the way. That makes it a very exciting time.

“I am very much driven by innovation and engineering solutions and that is exactly what this company does.

“There is a very broad range of industry-leading skills at the business, from the engineering team to the horticultural knowledge. I think a key part of my role will be to help bridge the gap between concept and solution.

“That will involve assessing the needs of clients and turning that into a specification for our engineering team to ensure we deliver the best commercial option for our customers.

“That could be through use of existing products, a mix of existing and new products or completely fresh systems and innovations.”

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Performance marketing agency, Journey Further, has appointed Ben Ducker as its new executive creative director as it looks to bolster its creative offering.

Ducker has previously worked for VCCP and Fold7, as well as running his own production company where he has written and shot campaigns for brands including Carlsberg, O2, Diageo, Microsoft, Easyjet and more.

Based in Journey Further’s Leeds office, he will provide a deep understanding of the traditional creative agency approach to brand advertising and combine it with existing data capabilities to create a  performance-led and measurable approach to brand marketing.

Ducker said: “The industry and world is changing quickly, so I was looking to join a fast moving company that can keep up with the pace.

“It’s refreshing to be calling out the ways of the past and exciting to develop a creative agency model that’s able to deliver on imagination and insight equally.”

Robin Skidmore, CEO at Journey Further, said: “Ben has incredible creative pedigree delivering campaigns for many of the world’s biggest brands.

“We have a real opportunity to blend a conceptual and data-driven approach to creative and I’m excited to see how Ben’s expertise and insight enhances our offering for clients.”

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SIG, a listed supplier of specialist building solutions to trade customers, has appointed Shatish Dasani as a non-executive director and chairman of its Audit Committee with effect from 1 February 2021. 

He will also be a member of the Nominations and Remuneration Committees.

He will replace Ian Duncan who will be stepping down as non-executive director and chairman of the Audit Committee with effect from 31 January 2021.  

Duncan had informed the Board last year that he was looking to reduce his work commitments and planned to retire from his role at the company as soon as a successor could be appointed.

Dasani is currently a non-executive director and chairman of the Audit & Risk Committee of Renew Holdings plc, and trustee and interim chairman of Unicef UK.

He has also been appointed as a non-executive director and chairman of the Audit & Risk Committee of Speedy Hire Plc with effect from 1 February 2021.

He has over 20 years’ experience in senior public company finance roles across various sectors including building materials, advanced electronics, engineering, general industrial, business services, construction and infrastructure.

Dasani was previously the chief financial officer of Forterra plc and TT Electronics plc, and was also an alternate non-executive director of Camelot Group plc and Public Member at Network Rail plc.

Andrew Allner, chairman of Sheffield-based SIG, said: “We are delighted that Shatish will be joining SIG’s Board. He is an experienced senior public company finance professional and chair of Audit Committee. 

“He has strong international experience across several sectors including industrial, building materials, technology, construction and infrastructure. 

“Shatish has a proven track record of driving shareholder value which will be invaluable as we seek to return the company to profitable growth.

“On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Ian for his dedication and commitment over the last four years and for his help in navigating the company through some challenging times.  The Board wishes Ian all the best for the future.”

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Leeds accountancy practice, Kirk Newsholme, has continued with plans for trainee recruitment through 2020/21 and has welcomed four new trainees as part of its growth plans.

Rachel Paling, Charlie Jackson and Beth Johnson all join after having completed their A levels last year and will study AAT as part of an apprenticeship whilst gaining valuable work experience within their teams.

Ben Inman joins after working for a large national accountancy practice and is a part qualified ACA student. He will also continue his studies with the practice as part of the Kirk Newsholme Tax team.

Jill Wright, KN director, said: “After such a challenging year, we are delighted to still be in a position to be able to give these young people an opportunity at Kirk Newsholme.

“Our trainees are a huge part of the firm here and we really value having them as part of our team in supporting our clients.

“They face a few more challenges to the start of their careers with us than those in previous years but all four have got off to a great start and I’ve no doubt it was the right decision to continue recruiting.”