People: Exchange Chambers; YFM Equity Partners; iSource Group; and more

Leeds-based barristers, Exchange Chambers, has continued its expansion in the city by welcoming Eddy Steele as a new member.

His practice covers all aspects of regulatory with a focus on health & safety law, coronial inquests, road traffic and professional discipline. He also prosecutes and defends in serious criminal cases.

Prior to being called to the Bar by the Inner Temple in 2022, he enjoyed a career as a solicitor, having qualified into a regional heavyweight criminal defence firm, and going on to be the lead regulatory solicitor in Leeds for global business law firm DLA Piper.

He has vast experience representing household name international companies in respect of complex criminal regulatory investigations and prosecutions.

In summer 2022, he was appointed as an assistant coroner and he regularly sits at Hull Coroners Court, further strengthening his depth of expertise in respect of health & safety workplace fatality and inquest work.

Steele said: “I am moving to the Bar with a wealth of experience in regulatory law and corporate crime – areas in which Exchange excels and is recognised as a leading Set.”

Ian Spencer, chambers director for Exchange Chambers in Leeds, said: “Eddy’s arrival further strengthens our Leeds Chambers. He has an outstanding reputation from his time in private practice and is recognised as a leader in his field.”

Jonathan I’Anson, chief executive at Exchange Chambers, added: “Eddy’s career to date has taken in some of the world’s premier law firms. In moving to the Bar, we are delighted to welcome him to Exchange.”

:::

YFM Equity Partners (YFM), which is headquartered in Yorkshire, is continuing to expand its team with investment associate Zach Francis joining the firm which has offices in Leeds, London, Birmingham, Manchester and Reading.

Francis joins from Red Lion Group, a collection of boutique pubs and coaching inns, where he spent the last year working in the corporate development team.

Prior to that, he spent ten years with wealth and accountancy services firm Smith & Williamson (now Evelyn Partners); having qualified as a Chartered Accountant with the firm, he went on to work in its mergers and acquisitions division, latterly as an associate.

This latest appointment follows YFM’s continued expansion which has seen its recent investment in funding the primary buyout of SOS Leak Detection, a Bedfordshire-headquartered provider of non-destructive escape of water detection and remedial services working primarily with the insurance sector.

It has also made a multi-million pound follow on investment in Bournemouth-based film and TV visual effects company Outpost VFX, as well as the successful realisation of YFM’s investment in rubber-to-metal bonded components and rail suspension systems, Ferrabyrne Holdings, based in Littlehampton.

Jamie Roberts, partner and head of new investments in the South for YFM, said: “We were impressed not only by Zach’s solid grounding in lead advisory and sell-side roles where he supported SMEs, but also by his valuable operational experience working ‘in-house’ within a growing hospitality business.

“We also really liked Zach’s approach and felt he would be a great fit for the team.

“As YFM continues to expand, its important that we bring on board people with different skills and backgrounds to add strength in depth to the investment team.”

Francis added: “Joining YFM is a great opportunity to broaden my experience in the investment space as the firm is uniquely positioned to support UK businesses in their next phase of growth through a combination of growth equity and management buy-out funding.

“I’m looking forward to being part of the YFM growth story and also to work within such a reputable and friendly team.”

:::

iSource Group, a Leeds-based IT, digital and change management recruitment specialist, has appointed Chris Moseley as account manager to support the company’s success as it continues to onboard new accounts.

With client wins during 2022 including Rackspace Technology and Cinch, alongside securing a position on the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Permanent Recruitment Framework, the business is expanding at twice the rate forecast the previous year.

Previously a delivery consultant at Fruition IT, Moseley brings with him a wealth of relevant experience within the recruitment sector.

His responsibilities at iSource Group will be to manage and to deliver into key accounts across the organisation.

He said: “As is usually the case with the recruitment sector, I knew a few people from iSource and they said really good things about the business. I’m really looking forward to working on multiple clients and to learning from the team around me.

“I’m very pleased to have landed this role and want to establish myself as the best account manager that I can be. The team have already been really supportive and welcoming, so that’s a good start.”

Managing director of iSource Group, Geoff Shepherd, added: “We could never have predicted last year that we would see such an upturn in activity throughout 2022 and beyond. It’s been an incredible ride so far and to be attracting and adding great talent to the team is really encouraging.

“Chris already knew some of the team here at iSource Group and I’m pleased to hear he had heard good things about us. We look forward to supporting him as he gets to grips with his new role.”

:::

Growing Scunthorpe-based fulfilment firm, Systemise Fulfilment, which has warehouses in the UK, USA and the EU, has recently invested heavily in overhauling its HR systems and team.

Earlier this month, it appointed Nikki Thomas as Head of Global Human Resources – who will spearhead the HR team across all of the firm’s warehouses worldwide.

Kevin Blackburn, director, said: “We are thrilled to have Nikki join our team. We are big believers that our team is our greatest asset and the key to enabling us to achieve our goals and our mission for our partners and customers – so hiring skilled and capable people is the foundation for our long-term success.

“Nikki is incredibly ambitious and has a clear drive to do an amazing job and help her colleagues to succeed, too – so she was a great fit.

“Alongside her passion for HR, Nikki has an impressive track record and a wealth of experience in managing people, recruitment, training, organisation and structure.”

Thomas said: “I was attracted to this role due to the culture, vision and core values of the business that co-founders and directors Kevin, Kylie, and the rest of the team clearly live by.

“As we grow further, we can make a difference in the industry; having a secure, well-founded HR department will help us achieve this.

“Our team is the main focus for me and ensuring everyone remains happy in their roles is a top priority.”

As well as investing in its HR team, Systemise Fulfilment also recently invested in a new HR system to help the company operate more efficiently.

Blackburn added: “Nikki now being in the role and our move to a new HR software system is enabling a better workflow for everyone.

“Building a new HR department that we can shape as we grow is of great importance as we continue to expand and will positively impact the business and our employees.

“Nikki is taking care of all the fundamental HR management, policies and procedures, allowing all employees to have one point of contact if they need advice, knowledge or have any concerns.

“This change will enable all our other senior leaders to focus on their specific roles, knowing they have additional support if they ever need it.”