People: Andrew Jackson Solicitors; Walker Singleton; Systemwork; and more

Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors has appointed Emma Bell, who joins the tax and trusts team as an associate.

With over a decade’s experience working in the private client sector, she will assist the firm’s clients on a wealth of matters, from the preparation of Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, to advising on Inheritance Tax and care fee planning.

Bell also deals with the administration of estates, including those of a complex nature.

Richard Hoare, partner and head of private client services at Andrew Jackson, said: “I am delighted to welcome Emma to the private client team.

“We are experiencing an unprecedented demand for our private client services and I know she shares the firm’s commitment to providing clients with high quality legal advice – something which is consistently recognised in our client feedback.

“I am confident Emma’s wealth of specialist knowledge and experience will play a key role as we continue to provide a tailored, personal service with trusted expertise.”

:::

Walker Singleton has strengthened its senior surveying positions with two promotions at associate level.

Luke Hartshorn and Ross Thornton join three existing associates to provide a dynamic team of young professionals, which cover the firms core surveying divisions.

Hartshorn, a surveyor within the Machinery and Business Asset department joined the business in 2010 as a graduate from Northumbria University.

Thornton specialises in the sales, lettings and acquisition of commercial and industrial property and is based in the firm’s Huddersfield office covering the greater Kirklees area serving an established and growing client base.

He has played a pivotal role in the development of our new online property auction platform which has had unprecedented success in the sales held to date. Thornton joins Hartshorn at associate level.

Daniel Hey, director of the Machinery and Business Asset department, said: “Following a year of uncertainty with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is with great pleasure the two promotions are awarded.

“Both Luke and Ross have supported the business and their respective teams and the elevation is well deserved.”

Ryan Barker, commercial property director, added: “Their hard work and dedication is well recognised and is commensurate with the ambition of our firm – we wish them both the best of success in their new roles.”

:::

Leeds-based IT support firm Systemwork has promoted former senior technician, Rob Hill, to director of operations – in a bid to support the brand’s target of increasing turnover by £350,000 in 2021.

After 2020 saw the tech company’s revenue rise by £250,000 – largely due to COVID-19-related support – Hill’s increased responsibility will see him take the lead on future business development, as well as the design and execution of new project infrastructure.

The promotion will also see him coordinating the organisation’s team of engineers – including employee relations and training – overseeing all project deliveries, and upholding its five-star customer rating within the city.

Hill said: “I feel lucky to work within the IT sector, and as you might expect, our services have been in high demand as people have made the switch to home-working.

“In fact, we implemented remote working for around 600 individual users within the first week of lockdown mainly due to planning, and this rose to 900 by the end of 2020.

“Since my very first day with Systemwork, I’ve strived to ensure the service we deliver is exceptional.

“And, as we grow, this will always remain my number one priority. We have clients who came to us with one or two employees, and it’s been a pleasure to support them as they have flourished.

“Personally, there is still a lot I hope to achieve, but I am sure that – over the coming years – myself and Jamie [Durham, founder] can reach the goals we have set, and continue to grow the business and our portfolio of clients,” he concluded.

Systemwork’s founder, Jamie Durham, added: “We have a close-knit team, and collectively strive to give our customers the best experience possible – always going above and beyond to make sure they are happy.

“We exist to ensure users can work with no issues, and continuously seek better solutions which will make their productivity flawless – without any IT stresses.

“Rob has been at the forefront of ensuring our values remain front-and-centre over the past 10 years, and I’m looking forward to seeing what we achieve together during the next decade.”

:::

Richard Taylor

UK and Ireland investor BGF has confirmed a shake-up of roles within its Yorkshire and North East team.

Richard Taylor, who is the head of BGF’s office in the region will move into a new national-facing role as head of growth.

Taylor joined BGF in 2012 and is a member of the Investment Committee. He has 21 years’ experience investing in owner managed businesses through previous roles at YFM, Octopus Private Equity and Sovereign Capital.

He will now be responsible for overseeing BGF’s rapidly growing portfolio of growth-stage investments across its network of 16 offices in the UK & Ireland.

Meanwhile, Barry Jackson, investor at BGF who has been with the business since 2013, will take on the role of head of Yorkshire & North East.

Prior to joining BGF, he spent eleven years at Deloitte in Leeds including eight years in the Corporate Finance Advisory team.

Jackson’s new role will oversee the delivery of new investment opportunities across the two regions.

Andy Gregory, current head of investments, UK & Ireland, has taken on a new role as chief investment officer within the business.

He has been with BGF since 2011, joining as regional director for the North of England.

In his new role, he will oversee investment activity and portfolio management across all business areas including growth, earlier-stage and quoted. He sits on the board of BGF and will report into Stephen Welton, executive chairman at BGF.

Barry Jackson

Taylor said: “I’m really looking forward to this next challenge which will allow me to focus on the growth businesses that are the lifeblood of BGF’s offering.

“The team is in good hands with Barry who has led on some of the biggest deals completed in Yorkshire and North East, and is an integral part of the region’s growth economy.” 

Jackson added: “It’s a huge accolade to lead the office in the Yorkshire and the North East. There is a wealth of ambitious businesses across the north of England that are looking for a supportive equity partner to help them realise their growth potential.

“I’m looking forward to bringing my experience to the fore, to build on the successful track record of investments that the team has delivered to date.”