People: Tyr Law; Boardside Solicitors; Garbutt + Elliott; and more

Leeds-based commercial law firm Tyr Law has continued its growth with the recruitment of partner, David Cook.

Cook joins from Walker Morris, having trained and spent nine years at DLA Piper and subsequently four years at Addleshaw Goddard.

He further bolsters the complex litigation offering at Tyr Law and brings with him a range of experience of resolving commercial disputes, with specialisms in technology, corporate, pensions and international disputes.

Since April 2020 five further partners have joined Tyr Law.

Partner, Alistair Kennedy, said “David is a fantastic addition to the team. We are attracting great quality complex disputes work and David will be part of us continuing to grow and provide excellent advice and commercial service to all of our clients.

“We set out to build a firm of lawyers of outstanding quality and experience, and David’s recruitment further demonstrates our commitment.”

Cook added: “I am delighted to have joined the team at Tyr Law at this exciting stage of the firm’s development.

“The calibre of clients and quality of work is superb and matched by outstanding lawyers focussed on delivering a first class service.

“I am already enjoying working with the team to drive complex and high value commercial disputes to successful resolutions in an innovative and efficient manner.”

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Niche employment law firm, Boardside, has appointed Hannah Jenkins as its first specialist commercial law solicitor – part of plans to broaden its service offering.

Boardside was established in 2017 as a specialist employment law practice, focused on delivering strategic board level advice and support to business owners, directors, and executives.

A growing client base and demand for a wider range of commercial legal services has enabled the firm to widen its service offering. Based in Harrogate, the firm has clients located both in Yorkshire and nationally.

Jenkins qualified as a solicitor in 2009 having trained with one of the UK’s leading commercial practices before moving to in-house counsel positions at high profile commercial and private institutions, including Aviva and Bannatyne Fitness Limited.

Managing Partner, Richard Port said: “Hannah’s considerable commercial law experience within both a law firm and in-house setting means she has outstanding business acumen that will influence the way she advises clients.

“This approach dovetails perfectly with our ethos of delivering legal advice to businesses that is both strategic and practical.”

Jenkins, who joins as an associate, said: “I’m excited to be part of the growing legal team at Boardside and am looking forward to supporting and working collaboratively with my colleagues to offer a coordinated approach in the delivery of legal services to clients.

“This fantastic opportunity at Boardside is enhanced by the fact that I still have a substantive role as in-house counsel at Bannatyne, continuing to be immersed in a commercial context every single day.”

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Leeds and York accountancy, advisory and audit firm Garbutt+Elliott, says tax partner Becky Maguire will represent the company and the region’s professional services sector on the CBI Yorkshire & Humber Regional Council as a member.

The role of the regional CBI is to champion the issues that make a difference to the region, bringing businesses and government together, so both can have a greater impact.

Maguire said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me to raise important issues impacting on businesses in our region and feed in the concerns and questions of Garbutt + Elliott’s clients.

“It is more important than ever that we all work collaboratively to help support Yorkshire and Humber businesses in this uncertain time.

“I’m really looking forward to actively participating in the council this year when pooling our business knowledge and working together is so important to ensure our business community remains strong and competitive.”

Russell Turner, managing partner at Garbutt+Elliott added: “Becky has a wealth of knowledge and experience of professional services which she can share with colleagues on the CBI Regional Council.

“She is very well respected within her profession, given her 20 plus years experience working in accountancy.

“She has a great talent for bringing the best out of people and identifying important issues which will benefit the Yorkshire and Humber business communities.”

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Emma Thornton

Yorkshire digital agency, Adigi, has made two key appointments as it sets its sights on increasing turnover to £1m.

Boosting the existing six-strong team are Emma Thornton, who has joined the Harrogate-based business as account manager, and Jake Nicolaides as developer.

Adigi, which was launched nine years ago by co-founders Dan Martin and Jonny Wright, provides expert creative and digital services across a wide range of sectors both in the UK and abroad.

Current clients include Wensleydale Creamery, Masons Gin, Wharfedale Homes, Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge, CNG, Ripley Castle, Baird Mint Collection and Children’s E-Hospital.

Managing director Dan Martin said: “This year, we are aiming to significantly grow our turnover and the appointment of Emma and Jake is key to this.

“Having recently won a number of new clients in the Food and Drink, Hospitality, Motor and e-commerce sectors, they have joined us at exactly the right time.

“Over the last 12 months we saw an increase in new client wins, largely from businesses needing support to grow their online presence and update their ecommerce sites due to COVID-19.

“2020 was a standout year for us, and our sights are set on increasing turnover in 2021 to £1m plus.

“This would represent a 45% increase, but by adding new talent to the team we believe this is highly achievable.”