People: Bailie Group; Exchange Chambers; The Build Chain; and more

Leeds-headquartered Bailie Group, a family-owned communications specialist, has appointed non-executive director, Frank Hayden.

Hayden has worked on many critical projects and has led the strategic and operational transformation of several high-technology businesses including Land Rover, BMW, Airbus, BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce.

He played a leading role in the launch of the BMW Mini, Airbus A380, Eurofighter Typhoon, F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and Rolls-Royce engines for the Boeing 787 & Airbus A350.

Now working as a consultant and non-executive director, he has served more than 300 client leadership teams all over the world.

In recent years, he was called upon to support the UK Cabinet Office, leading work to accelerate the scale up of Covid-19 rapid test devices. He has also been a consultant with McKinsey & Company.

He said: “Bailie Group has an enviable reputation with its customers for innovation, service delivery and added value.

“I look forward to helping the board of directors to continue to grow our competitive advantages and customer offering. I will bring valuable strategy and governance guidance, alongside customer insight, having previously worked with Bailie Group customers.”

CEO Fergus Bailie added: “We have ambitious growth plans for every company in the Bailie Group and we wanted an experienced individual to help us achieve the ambitious targets we have set ourselves.

“I’m happy to have found someone with Frank’s expertise which complements every area of the Group.

“We have a purpose to invest in people and ideas that make a positive difference and Frank’s background epitomises this.

“Frank’s input has already been valuable, and he is bringing new ideas and an infectious enthusiasm to our meetings.”

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Exchange Chambers has continued its expansion in Leeds by welcoming Paul Lakin as a new member.

Lakin joins Exchange from Kings Chambers. Before being called to the Bar in 2000, he was a solicitor with both Watson Burton and Brooke North.

He practises in all aspects of chancery and commercial dispute resolution.

Lakin’s practice is predominantly contentious with particular specialism in all areas of Real Property work (registered and unregistered land, commercial, residential and agricultural) including restrictive covenants, easements, boundaries, highways, mortgages and landlord & tenant.

He also specialises in all aspects of trust, probate and administration, commercial, company and insolvency work with particular emphasis on claims for equitable relief.

He undertakes professional negligence work in his practice areas with particular emphasis on solicitors, surveyors, construction professionals, architects and accountants.

Lakin said: “Exchange Chambers is an exceptional Set with a proven track record developing the careers of its members. Exchange’s Northern Powerhouse strategy also aligns with the profile of my own practice.”

Giles Maynard-Connor KC, head of Exchange Chambers’ Business and Property department, said: “We are very pleased Paul has decided to join us.

“He will be a great addition to the team as we continue to develop our Business and Property department across the North.”

Lisa Linklater KC said: “Paul is an excellent and well-established practitioner who is very positive and easy to work with.

“He is an excellent addition to the Business and Property department and enhances our established strength in property and probate in particular.”

Jonathan I’Anson, chief executive of Exchange Chambers, said: “We are absolutely delighted Paul has joined Exchange.

“We are actively developing our Business and Property department in Leeds and across the North and his arrival fits in with our plan for growth.”

Ian Spencer, chambers director for Exchange in Leeds, added: “Paul is an outstanding barrister with a highly successful practice. We look forward to supporting his career ambitions moving forward.”

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Digital procurement platform, The Build Chain, has reinforced its plan for rapid growth through two senior level appointments.

The Build Chain, based in Doncaster, aims to revolutionise the construction procurement process.

It is an online platform that connects contractors nationally to suppliers locally and helps its users to solve long-standing supply chain issues by giving quotes for hire equipment or purchased building materials.

The appointment of Keith Wright as non-executive director, and Phil Sheldon as sales director, further strengthens the growing team with a combined industry experience of more than 65 years.

Wright said: “I love the business model and ethos of The Build Chain, as well as the energy and enthusiasm of the team for the product they’re offering.

“It felt like an exciting prospect just to hear about the solution they’ve created, let alone being a part of its direction.

“It’s important to help to continue modernising the way the construction industry works, allowing contractors and merchants to become more efficient and streamlined in the digital era of doing business.”

Sheldon has more than 35-years’ experience at previous roles at leading contractors, major manufacturers, and national merchants.

He said: “Despite significant progress in recent years, the construction industry continues to lag when it comes to digital solutions. This role presents a fantastic opportunity to help solve that industry-wide challenge.

“Over the next year my focus will be on building a solid and sustainable base for the business while bringing procurement into the modern digital world.”

Matthew McClune, co-founder of The Build Chain, added: “These two key appointments mark a step change for the company’s growth plans and progression.

“We’re really excited about Keith and Phil joining the team at this pivotal time – they both bring fantastic experience to the team, and the ideas they have brought to the table are avenues we’re excited to explore.”

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Leeds-based performance brand agency, Journey Further, has appointed Kim Strachan as its new people director.

Photo of Kim Strachan

With over 10 years of experience in learning and development, coaching and talent, she will be responsible for leading people strategy at the agency.

This will include developing a roadmap of initiatives that will enable the agency to continue its rapid growth while enhancing culture and employee experience.

Key areas of focus will include learning and development, EDI, career frameworks, ESG, performance, recruitment and engagement.

Strachan said: “I didn’t think I would find a business like Journey Further when I started looking for my next challenge.

“I am so excited to join a company that genuinely aligns with my personal values of openness, authenticity, autonomy and continuous learning.

“Journey Further’s ethos has people at the very heart of it and I can’t wait to help the company continue to grow by creating amazing experiences and opportunities for our people.”

Matt Kwiecinski, UK CEO at the agency, said: “Recently winning #1 mid-sized company in the UK for employee wellbeing was a real highlight for the agency.

“We want to build on this success and continue to grow our culture, therefore hiring the right person as people director was critical.

“Kim is experienced, qualified and committed to delivering people-first strategies, and is 100% aligned to the ethos of our agency. We’re very excited to have Kim on board, driving our people strategy and execution across both the UK and US.”

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