People: Wilkinson Woodward Solicitors; Northern Accountants; Lake Legal; and more

Wilkinson Woodward Solicitors has appointed Halifax-based family solicitor Aneesah Ansar.

After completing her Law Degree and Legal Practice Course at Leeds Beckett University, Ansar began her legal career in 2018.

Since qualifying as a solicitor in 2020, she has handled a mix of family law work including divorce, separation, children disputes and financial matters.

Managing director of Wilkinson Woodward, Maureen Cawthorn, said: “We are pleased to welcome Aneesah to our busy Family team.

“Her appointment will strengthen our diverse team of young, dynamic lawyers and senior legal professionals. And her appointment forms part of our continuing plans to expand in Calderdale.”

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Toni McCoy

Yorkshire-based firm Northern Accountants has expanded its workforce with the appointment of three key hires following a year of record growth leading to a 30% increase in revenue.

The trio of recruits coincide with promotions for existing colleagues too.

Joining as head of internal services, Toni McCoy will oversee the internal services team to ensure clients receive the highest levels of service and delivery.

An experienced management accountant, she previously ran her own practice and will use her leadership skills to provide specialist training and development to her fellow Northern Accountants colleagues.

She heads a team that includes newly promoted duo James Harrison and Tyler Boston who have moved into the roles of senior financial controller and junior financial controller, respectively.

A specialist in management accounting, James Heighton has been appointed as client manager and will be part of Sally Claxton’s external services team.

James Heighton

They will both be supported by Sarah Lockwood and Sophie Hill who have progressed in their roles to become senior financial controllers.

The third hire is Paula Kingston-Heath who has joined as group business manager.

Her primary responsibilities revolve around ensuring the entire organisation is running smoothly and that clients are supported with everything from accounting records to tax advice.

Meanwhile, Jayne Waugh has moved into the position of head of cloud accounting services with the aim of helping customers access real-time accounting information via data-driven technology. Finally, Shaun Lindley will manage the business’s new self assessment company.

Paula Kingston-Heath

Phil Ellerby, CEO and founder of Northern Accountants, said: “The new team coming in are a really good fit for us and are only going to make us stronger and build on already impressive service levels.

“In terms of the promotions within the team, they are thoroughly deserved and from our point of view, it is really important we recognise our team and consistently provide an environment where they can continue to develop.”

Established in 2008, Northern Accountants has bases in Leeds, Ilkley, Doncaster and Hull.

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Leeds-based family law firm, Lake Legal, has appointed Claire Glaister as managing partner.

The firm will see founder Lyn Ayrton, who remains the senior partner, concentrate on strategic development and growing arbitration practice.

Alongside the management changes, the firm has made two new appointments. Brooke Dempsey, who originally joined as a paralegal, is appointed as a newly qualified solicitor and Rhianna Cameron, who graduated from law school in 2021, is a paralegal.

Glaister said: “Lake Legal has grown to become a highly respected family law firm, and it’s thanks to our ability to recruit and retain the best talent. As we look forward to our next growth phase, it’s great to see young lawyers like Brooke and Rhianna developing their careers with us.

“I first worked with Lyn Ayrton over 20 years ago as a work experience student, and she has supported my career ever since that time. When I joined Lake Legal over 12 years ago, I knew I was joining a unique law firm that is a great place to work.”

Ayrton said: “It’s a proud moment for me to see Claire become managing partner, as we continue to grow and attract new talent to the firm.

“I set out to build a family law firm that put its people and clients first, and this approach continues to drive the firm forward.”

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Bob Wilkes has taken on the leading role of managing director at Hull-based recycling and waste management firm, Wastewise.

Taking over from James Landau, who moves to the position of executive chairman, Wilkes will be responsible for the strategy, planning and management of the business, which currently operates across Yorkshire, Lancashire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Cheshire.

He has a long history with Wastewise, originally joining the family-owned firm in 2009 for a short time and coming back on board in 2017 to manage the rapid growth of the company in the role of operations & development director.

Landau said: “Bob is the ideal candidate to step into my shoes and drive forward the next phase of our growth strategy.  As a respected and well-liked member of the management team this is a natural next step.”

Wilkes added: “As we continue to grow our business further, I look forward to the challenges and opportunities this will bring and to developing our knowledgeable and dedicated team.”