People: Vet-AI; Jones Myers; Northern Powerhouse Partnership; and more
Leeds-headquartered Vet-AI has appointed a chief operating officer (COO) to its growing team.
Matt Elcock joins with more than a decade of experience in building high growth, innovative technology companies.
He founded Push Doctor in 2013 and was instrumental in the firm’s recent buyout by Square Health.
Push Doctor serves almost six million patients with digital consultations across hundreds of GP practices. Prior to this, Elcock held senior roles at MusicMagpie and Gap.
The COO role at Vet-AI is a new position established to support the further growth of the company.
Elcock will bring a digital-first approach to scaling the company and brings a wealth of experience to the senior team.
The business is on track for its biggest year to date and is currently recruiting more than ten roles across technology and marketing departments.
Elcock said: “The business is well-placed for further growth driven by innovation and I’m proud to able to play a part in shaping the firm’s next chapter alongside the whole team.
“Vet-AI has a proud history of disruption in the vet-tech space and I’m confident the next stage of its journey will present really exciting opportunities to further open up vet care to even more pet owners.”
Paul Hallett, co-founder, added: “I’d like to wish Matt a very warm welcome. Matt will be an integral part of our team here at Vet-AI as we move from being a start-up to a scale-up.
“What Matt has achieved in human healthcare at Push Doctor has been incredible and something we’re excited to replicate for animal health.”
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Niche family law firm Jones Myers, which has offices in Leeds, Harrogate and York, is further boosting its team growth with the appointment of solicitor Becky Vine.
Vine, whose specialisms extend to financial disputes, settling financial arrangements and cohabitation, joins the Financial Remedies Team.
Managing partner, Richard Peaker, who heads the Financial Remedies Department, said: “Clients commend Becky for her conscientious and friendly approach along with her commitment to providing a practical, efficient and tailored approach to resolving issues.
“We warmly welcome Becky to our talented team and we wish her continued success in her career.”
Vine, a member of family justice group Resolution and the West & North Yorkshire Young Resolution Committee, said: “Jones Myers has earned a powerful reputation as a leader in its field and I’m enjoying the opportunity to work with the firm’s partners and continue to expand my skills and knowledge.”
The expansion follows a series of new appointments over the last 12 months which include the promotion of Anthony Parrish to partner.
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Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson, Bradford Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe and the new Transport for the North chair Patrick McLoughlin have been appointed to the board of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership (NPP).
Anderson was elected Mayor of Liverpool in May 2021, the first woman to be Mayor of the city, having previously served as Liverpool city councillor for the Princes Park ward.
Hinchcliffe has served as leader of Bradford Council since May 2016 and is an advocate for further devolution and bringing Northern Powerhouse Rail to the city.
McLoughlin is a former transport secretary and was the Conservative MP for Derbyshire Dales until 2019.
At his first public appearance as the new chair of transport for the North in front of the Transport Select Committee last Wednesday, he told MPs bringing HS2 services to Leeds was “absolutely essential”.
They join a number of senior figures who share a commitment to drive up northern productivity and rebalance the UK economy, including NPP chair George Osborne, vice-chairs Lord Jim O’Neill and Professor Juergen Maier, as well as northern voices from across both the public and private sector.
Launched in 2016, NPP fosters collaboration between industry and civic leaders, as well as experts in areas such as education and culture.
Its stated mission is to close the north-south divide in wages, drive the path to net zero through the creation of more green jobs and promote the north as a place to work, study and live.
Osborne said: “I’m pleased to welcome three leading northern voices from across the political spectrum to our board. I have no doubt that their knowledge and experience will be invaluable at what is a pivotal time for the northern agenda.
“We established the partnership to build on the work of the original northern powerhouse vision.
“Its role is to convene the best of the north’s public and private sector, using their insight, ideas and influence to catalyse investment and shape policy. I look forward to working together.”
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Parfetts has appointed Jason Longstaff as new general manager of its depot in Halifax.
He joins the business with 27 years of experience in the wholesale industry and was most recently general manager of the Bestway site in Huddersfield. He will lead the team to drive the recruitment of retailers across the region.
Jason Barnard, head of operations (East) at Parfetts, said: “Jason is hugely experienced in wholesale and understands the requirements of the local area. I’m confident our Halifax operations will thrive with his leadership. There is a great team there, and Jason will help take it to the next level.”
Parfetts saw 20% growth last year to a £570m turnover, as it focused on availability and maintaining promotions throughout the pandemic to support its retailers.
Longstaff said: “I’d heard a lot about Parfetts before I joined the business. It’s clear that employee ownership makes a big difference to the culture of the organisation and the flexibility it has to support retailers.
“I have a committed team here, and I look forward to working with them to take this operation forward.”
