People: Minster Law; ilk Agency; Watson Batty Architects; and more

Paul Taylor has been appointed chief operating officer at Wakefield-based Minster Law.

Taylor has been working in a consultancy role for the legal services firm for much of this year and will now formally take up the permanent position of COO. He reports to Shirley Woolham, Minster Law CEO.

He said: “ Minster Law is a forward thinking organisation that I have long admired and supported as a business partner.

“The business has a track record of innovation in a conservative sector, such as their digital claims journey, and I wanted to join an organisation that is open to thinking differently about delivering the best possible customer experience.”

Last year Minster Law signed long term deals with LV= and Esure, and it also acquired Irwin Mitchell’s volume PI book.

The firm is also a major provider of legal services for bike injuries in the UK servicing around 40% of the market and is continuing to grow its presence in serious injury and other legal services provision, including family legal protection.

Taylor added: “I have worked across the motor claims spectrum as an insurer and supplier for the last 20 years and it was important for me to find the right challenge.

“Minster Law have a fantastic service and customer led culture and the best expertise in the marketplace to deliver legal services to the most reputable insurance brands.”

Woolham said: “It’s great that Paul has chosen to join us as COO. He has already made a significant and positive contribution to our volume claims operations.

“He shares our forward-thinking approach and will be pivotal in continuing to evolve our low cost, digital claims model for volume motor personal injury and delivering a market-leading service to our customers and business partners.”

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Leeds-based agency, ilk, is celebrating growth with five new additions across its Creative, Production, Web Development and PR & Social departments.

Stepping into ilk’s Creative Accounts team, Chelsie Brown joins as creative account manager.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Illustration from University of Lincoln, she holds a wealth of project management and account management experience, as well as a creative flair. Since joining ilk, she has played a crucial role in supporting key accounts across a variety of accounts.

Ross Lammin joins as the agency’s senior web developer, bringing with him over six years of experience within the field.

Having gained a Level Four Web Development apprenticeship qualification, he arrives from Zeal Media.

Spanning website builds, development processes and development operations, his responsibilities also include liaising with the Design team to work on design to development strategies, supporting new and existing clients, and new business pitches.

Beth Hutchinson, who achieved a Fashion Marketing Degree from Leeds Beckett University, comes to ilk as PR and social account executive.

Working across a variety of clients, spanning food and beverage, retail, construction and more, she brings with her a variety of industry-relevant experience including Social Media Marketing, Content Creation and Community Engagement.

Joining the Design department, Becca Jones steps in as junior designer.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Design from Leeds Art University, alongside a certification as a Kodak press technician, she has previously worked at a sustainable art printer, running its digital press and Japanese riso press, alongside its in-house design and content generation.

Stepping into the role of creative content producer, Matt Jeffrey’s responsibilities’ cover all aspects of video production, largely spanning a mix of camera operation, directing, producing and video editing.

He brings with him a degree in Media/Film/Production from the University of Staffordshire as well as a Masters in Film Directing.

Upon graduating, he further developed his skills as director of photography, where he was based in Canada, before exploring freelance work across the UK.

Nev Ridley, managing director, said: “I’m pleased to be celebrating our growth as an agency by welcoming five new faces to the business.

“Each contributing to a different department, every single new recruit brings a variety of skill sets to the table.

“Their combined expertise will really help us to generate those all-important results for both new and existing clients across the board.”

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Watson Batty Architects says Philippa Nall has joined its senior team as associate director at the Leeds studio.

The news follows four senior promotions just a few months ago as the practice pursues growth throughout 2022.

Nall is a highly regarded architect in the Yorkshire property industry having delivered projects for commercial schemes including Thorpe Park Leeds, Wellington Place Leeds, and Digital Campus Sheffield.

A graduate from the University of Liverpool as well as Leeds Beckett University, she has acquired strong credentials in high-rise commercial and residential development design having spent her 13-year career to date with leading practices in Leeds and Liverpool.

Peter White, managing director at Watson Batty, said: “Philippa’s considerable expertise and depth of knowledge across all major property sectors will be a great asset for the practice and her passion for good, ethical design is a real coup for us.

“Philippa will help us to drive new business opportunities in large-scale, high profile commercial projects, reinforce our client relationships and also support internal management and mentoring processes.”

Nall said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Watson Batty team, their reputation within the region is second to none. I look forward to exciting times ahead.” 

Watson Batty Architects employs a team of 35 across studios in Leeds and Loughborough. It has traded ahead of target despite the challenges of 2020/21, and surpassed its £2.8m turnover objective this year.

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360 Chartered Accountants has appointed its second senior corporate portfolio manager as part of the firm’s strategic growth.

Natalia Prasal has 10 years’ experience in all aspects of accounting and finance in both practice and industry, as well as specialising in automating accounting processes.

Managing director, Adrian Hunter, said she is a great addition to the 360 team.

He added: “We are building an exceptionally talented team here and Natalia will be a huge asset. She brings real energy and enthusiasm to the role, as we continue to grow our business across Hull, York and the surrounding areas.

“Our clients deserve the best possible service and engagement. That is always our primary focus.”

As well as proactively managing a portfolio of corporate clients, Prasal will lead her own team of accountants and apprentices, developing their skill set and actively mentoring them as part of their professional development.

She said: “I’m very excited and motivated to be a part of such a driven and innovative company with amazing core values.

“360 is constantly achieving great things, with many growth opportunities ahead both for the firm and for our individual career paths.

“I’m looking forward to developing my own professional skills and contributing towards any improvements in the automatisation of processes.”