People: Airnow; Shenward; Wellspring Therapy and Training; and more

Leeds-based cybersecurity specialists, Airnow, has promoted security specialist Jay George to the position of director.

George, who joined Airnow two years ago, will become the fifth director on the firm’s management board at a time when cybersecurity is becoming an ever-growing priority for both public and private sector organisations.

Airnow director, Mark Adams, said: “The growing threats from data breaches and cyber-attacks have contributed towards the importance of cybersecurity for organisations of all sizes.

“Jay’s promotion to the board after just two years at Airnow demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the highest of standards when it comes to protecting our clients’ data and IT infrastructure.

“Jay came to us with a wealth of information security experience and his knowledge has enhanced the integrity of our operations and will only add to the effectiveness and robustness of our board.”

George, a keen technical diver who has travelled across the world pursuing his passion, added: “I have been a dedicated security professional for almost 20 years, helping all sorts of organisations with their security problems, from charities and healthcare companies to defence and nuclear research bodies.”

Airnow Cybersecurity, founded in 2007 and based at Airebank House in Kirkstall Road, delivers a range of digital cybersecurity services and solutions for organisations and app publishers.

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Yorkshire-based professional services firm, Shenward, has appointed a new accountant with specialist cloud accounting expertise as it continues to build its multi service offering.

Sabhia Quaddus has joined the multidisciplinary practice as assistant accountant and will be based at its new HQ in Cleckheaton.

Her appointment is part of the company’s ongoing digital transformation strategy which began in 2016 when Sherad Dewedi joined the firm as managing partner.

Quaddus will be responsible for supporting a range of clients with the adoption of cloud accounting and bookkeeping.

Having previously worked as a financial advisor for a leading bank, as well as a bursar for an independent school, she is familiar with both the ever-changing needs of today’s business person as well as the end customer.

Dewedi said: “We’re proud to have Sabhia join Shenward, particularly at such an exciting moment of growth for the company.

“Sabhia has a unique perspective and insight as not only does she have incredible skills from her career experience, but having experienced the client side of accountancy, she truly understands the needs of clients.”

Dewedi and Quaddus were introduced when Shenward was appointed as the lead accountants for the school Quaddus previously worked at.

The school closed, making Quaddus redundant in the process and leaving her looking for new work.

She said: “It was sad to see my previous workplace face closure, but when looking for a new career venture I knew Shenward was a reputable firm and a place that would allow me to further my experience.

“I had watched the firm grow from a distance as a client and working for a growing firm was a goal for my next career move. It was unfortunate circumstances, but it’s amazing how things work out.

“As I move forward with my career at Shenward, it’s a privilege to know we are always working to find the best and most innovative ways to help our clients receive their accounting services.”

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Wellspring Therapy and Training, a Harrogate-based counselling and training centre, has appointed a new head of fundraising.

Kennie Cheung, who has moved from Hong Kong to Harrogate, is an experienced charity fundraiser, having worked for Oxfam and the Hong Kong Cancer Fund in her native country.

Wellspring, which was founded in 2003, provides short and long-term counselling for the Harrogate and district community.

Emily Fullarton, executive director of Wellspring, said: “Kennie’s experience and expertise are just what we need – and I know she will be a real asset to Wellspring.

“There is no doubt that the pandemic has had a detrimental effect on the mental health of both children and adults across all sections of society.

“As a result, the demand for our services in the Harrogate area is growing fast, which means we need a proactive and effective fundraiser to ensure we have the staff and the resources to keep pace with this demand.”

Cheung said: “This is a dream job for me. The political situation in Hong Kong, combined with the fact that our son Samuel is studying at University of Leeds, meant we wanted to relocate to England and, in particular, Yorkshire.

“Harrogate is the most wonderful town – and I count myself incredibly blessed to have found a job here, which is suited to my skills and which is so worthwhile.

“I look forward to making new friends and contacts here and to reach out to individuals and businesses who are keen to help such a brilliant mental health charity like Wellspring.

“Before leaving Hong Kong, I was part of the senior management team at Oxfam Hong Kong, involved in strategy, communications and fund-raising.

“Prior to that, I spent 20 years with the Hong Kong Cancer Fund, focusing primarily on marketing and fundraising.”

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Aptamer Group, a developer of Optimer^® binders to enable innovation in the life sciences industry, says its chief financial officer Eleanor Brown has resigned for personal reasons.

She will be stepping down from the Board and her role as CFO with immediate effect and will leave the York-based Group on 28 December 2022.

Jenny Cutler has joined the company as interim chief financial officer and a search for a permanent successor has begun.

Cutler is a Chartered Accountant (FCA) with over 20 years of finance leadership experience and has worked at AIM and Main Listed business.

Most recently, she was CFO of Fulcrum Utility Services Limited (AIM) and was previously director of finance and interim finance director at Harworth Group plc (Main Market (premium)).

Dr Arron Tolley, chief executive officer, said: “Aptamer Group is grateful to Eleanor for her four years of service during which time the company has grown significantly, become revenue generating and, at the end of 2021, was successfully admitted to AIM raising gross proceeds of £10.8m, a process which Eleanor was central to.

“On behalf of the company, I wish Eleanor well in her future endeavours.

“I am also pleased to welcome Jenny Cutler as interim chief financial officer. Jenny is a highly accomplished and experienced finance executive who has worked in interim and permanent roles in a variety of listed businesses.

“Jenny is well equipped to fulfil the role while a permanent successor is appointed, and I look forward to working with her.”

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A Farsley-based craft beer brewery has appointed three new starters and has promoted two team members as it continues its expansion.

The new head brewer, Tom Summerscales from Horsforth, was educated in Brewing and Distilling at Heriot Watt University before gaining experience from well-known Yorkshire breweries Vocation Brewery and Kirkstall Brewery.

Joining him are new bar team members Sam Farrer and Malika Dennis-Winfield along with promotions for current bar team members Jake Green moving to assistant brewer and Tina Rimmer as a marketing executive.

Back in March 2022, Amity Brew Co’s crowdfund raised £30,000, allowing the team to take over future mill space for oak barrel storage, invest in brewery equipment including a 10HL tank and weatherproofing improvements to the outdoor area overlooking the Weavers Yard in Sunny Bank Mills.

The brewer has also been supported by AD:VENTURE, a business growth programme for early stage businesses in North and West Yorkshire.

Summerscales said: “I’m really happy to be joining the team at such an exciting time for the brewery. Everyone has made me feel very much at home already and I can’t wait to help take Amity into its new chapter and help put Farsley on the beer map.”

Co-founder of Amity Brew Co, Russ Clarke, added: “We know Tom will use all of his hard won experience to push our beer even further with new styles, flavours and even better quality and consistency.

“He’s a huge asset to the team already with his positivity, motivation and proactivity.”