People: Progeny; Taylor Emmet; The British Business Bank; and more

Leeds-based Progeny has appointed Stewart Cape, formerly of KPMG, to the newly-created role of head of corporate development.

He will take responsibility for informing and driving the acquisition activity of the business in line with Progeny’s broader strategic objectives for development and growth.

Cape spent 12 years at KPMG where he led the financial services M&A practice for its Northern corporate finance business, advising shareholders and financial investors on a range of significant transactions in the sector including, partial and full exits, acquisitions and private equity deals.

He said: “Progeny is a business I know extremely well, having spent a significant proportion of last year working closely with Neil and the team, so when Neil offered me the role of head of corporate development I was excited to come onboard.

“It is a firm that is on an impressive growth journey, and I look forward to working with the leadership team to find ways to add to its unique client proposition and support its ambition to change the industry for the better.”

Neil Moles, CEO, said: “We’re very happy to announce Stewart’s appointment to this new role. He is one of the best-known finance services specialists in corporate finance in the UK and comes with an impeccable pedigree.

“Stewart advised Progeny on our partnering with Further Global in 2021 so he already knows the business inside out.

“Now he is going to play a vital role within Progeny, professionalising our inorganic growth activity and spearheading the ongoing transformation of the business.

“It’s clear the positive impact that someone with Stewart’s insight, experience and analytical skills will have on our corporate ambitions.”

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Taylor Emmet has boosted its senior team in Sheffield with the appointment of Philip Jordan as corporate partner.

Jordan has moved to Taylor Emmet from his previous corporate law role at The Progeny Group in Leeds.

With 40 years’ experience in the business law sector, he has worked across all aspects of corporate and commercial law.

His appointment is part of a long-term growth plan for Taylor Emmet, as the firm looks to double the size of its Business Legal Services team.

Jordan has already been assigned a trainee to work with and will be supporting the growth of Taylor Emmet as more appointments are planned in the coming months.

He said: “I can’t wait to get back into mainstream law once again. The firm has an excellent client base in the South Yorkshire region and further afield, so I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running.

“The enthusiasm and support from the team has already been incredible. I have worked at much larger firms in the past but at Taylor Emmet, there is a feeling that it’s a big family and everyone is so friendly. I feel like part of the team already.”

Sharna Poxon, HR director, said: “Philip’s appointment comes at an extremely exciting time of growth for the firm, and we couldn’t be more pleased to welcome his extensive expertise and enthusiasm for the field.

“As soon as the decision had been made to enhance our existing team, we approached Philip because we knew we wanted him on board to support our future growth plans for the Business Legal Services division and enhance our service provisions for our clients.

“We’re thrilled that he has come on board and are very much looking forward to what he can bring to Taylor Emmet.”

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The British Business Bank has appointed Cat Smith to the role of senior manager for Yorkshire and the Humber.

Joining from West Yorkshire Combined Authority, where she was innovation growth manager, she has over 10 years’ experience working with businesses on skills gaps, accessing finance and strategic partnerships.

Her experience has spanned senior roles at Calderdale College, Construction Industry Training Board and the Combined Authority, supporting the growth of a diverse range of businesses and sectors.

Representing the British Business Bank in the region, Smith will work with funding delivery partners, business development agencies and other organisations across the small business finance ecosystem to improve access to financial support.

She said: “As smaller businesses face various economic headwinds, access to finance is fundamental for supporting them now and to help reach their long term potential.

“Innovation and sustainability are two strategic areas of focus for the region’s economy, and so I’m particularly looking forward to bringing my experience to support smaller businesses operating in these spaces.”

Dr Sophie Dale-Black, UKN director, North at the British Business Bank, said: “Cat brings tremendous experience supporting smaller businesses with the finance best suited to their needs.

“Backing innovation is a key objective for the Bank, so we’re pleased to have Cat on board with her strong background.

“We look forward to working with her to create a more diverse finance market for smaller businesses and reduce regional imbalances in access to finance.”

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Pneumatics expert PCL has appointed Lee Wright as managing director to lead the company’s move towards a more market-driven approach.

Wright has now taken the helm at the company’s Sheffield-based HQ. Previously, the position was part of Joerg F Mayer’s remit as group managing director at PCL’s parent company, HORNGROUP Holding.

Mayer has assumed the role of non-executive chairman, while Roz Shepherd and Dean Battersby remain as finance director and company secretary and operations director respectively.

This change to the Board of Directors gives PCL more autonomy, with a UK figurehead to provide on-site, operational leadership.

Wright said: “There is a lot to do, we have a huge agenda, and I am pleased to have the opportunity to take things forward.

“Operations will be crafted around customer needs, beginning with spearheading improvements in our lead times, processes and workflows and new product development delivery; meaning service levels are streamlined to develop and enhance the customer experience.

“In the new role I will continue to lead the sales and marketing effort within the business so will be regularly talking to our customers in order to better understand their needs and embed their requirements at the apex of the business starting of course at Automechanika.

“It will be fantastic to see customers face-to-face at the Messe Frankfurt after a four-year hiatus due to Covid.”