People: Fortus; Ridley & Hall; T&R Theakston; and more

Fortus, a business advisory and accountancy firm with offices in York, Scarborough and Leeds, has continued its growth with the launch of a new business line headed by expert Dom Marley.

The firm, which launched in April 2020 and has seen revenues grow to more than £4m, is bringing a new wealth management division on board to meet rising demand from its clients which include business owners and SMEs across Yorkshire.

Marley who joins Fortus as its head of wealth management, brings with him a wealth of experience gained over a 25 year career in the sector.

He said: “After years of working within the wealth management arena I took a step back in 2021 to consider what a modern and forward-thinking wealth management business looks like.

“It’s this fresh view which I’m bringing to Fortus and which fits with the group’s ongoing disruption of the traditional accountancy model and its real focus on offering tangible advice to clients.

“I’m pleased to be joining Craig Herbert, Andy Northern and the team as Fortus continues to grow and support its clients, by acting as guide to the changing financial landscape during what is an unprecedented period of economic challenge with the hangover from the pandemic and now the cost-of-living crisis.”

Craig Herbert, executive director, added: “Since our launch in April 2020 Fortus has sought to move away from the outdated concept of traditional accountancy practices and focus on providing our SME clients and business owners with large firm advisory expertise and service lines alongside a more personalised, consultancy led experience, all backed by deep sector and local market knowledge.

“This approach has proved vital as business owners look to seize opportunities and combat the challenges which all sectors are currently facing.

“It’s fantastic to be adding another string to our bow in the form of a wealth management service line and I and the rest of the team are pleaed Dom has joined us and shares our vision of supporting ambitious entrepreneurs and business owners.”

The new wealth management service line will be based out of the York office of Fortus with Marley working across all of the Yorkshire offices, supporting clients both in the region and nationally.

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Yorkshire-based law firm Ridley & Hall has appointed a new partner, a specialist care solicitor, and a raft of staff promotions as it readies for growth in 2023.

Commercial property specialist, Stacey Brook, joins as partner, moving from DLA Piper where she was legal director of the real estate department.

Experienced care solicitor, Zoe Butt, will also join Ridley & Hall’s care department later this month from Makin Dixon.

Private client solicitor, Thomas Grice, is promoted to partner and head of private client, with residential property solicitor, Ashley Sowerby, also promoted to partner.

Solicitors Helen Moody, Rosie Turner, and Shelley Harper have all been promoted to associates, while private client paralegal, Sophie Aldridge, has been offered a training contract at the firm.

Public Law administrator, Tanisha Walker, has been offered a solicitor apprenticeship and will begin her SQE training, while private client secretary, Marie Stanley, will study for her CiLex qualification, supported by the firm.

Emma Pearmaine, managing director, said: “Our investment in people sees the appointment of Stacey Brook, whose city firm expertise strengthens our growing commercial property team. We are really excited to introduce Stacey to our commercial property clients.

“Our people are fundamental to our business growth strategy – and we are particularly proud to announce our partner, associate, trainee solicitor, and apprentice solicitor development.

“We have some incredibly talented and ambitious colleagues, and what better way to retain and support them than proactively assisting them with their ongoing training and career advancement.”

Ridley & Hall employs over 120 people across offices in Huddersfield, Leeds, Pontefract, and Barnsley.

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Yorkshire-based brewery, T&R Theakston, is starting 2023 with a trio of new hires as the family-owned brewery targets further growth.

The Masham-based business has added three to its head count. Helen Barrett joins as a national account executive, alongside Ben Parkinson and Hayley Dodds-Baddon who join as sales development manager and visitor centre manager respectively.

Barrett brings a wealth of experience in the drinks industry, having spent time eight years at Heineken and most recently working with independent whisky bottler, blender and distiller, Douglas Laing and Co.

This will see her lead on the brewery’s work in the sector which includes the recently launched Theakston Spirit of Old Peculier and a collaboration with Ellers Farm Distillery on a new Yorkshire whisky.

Parkinson has extensive retail experience, having worked at Tesco for over 20 years.

He will be responsible for growing Theakston’s existing presence in North Yorkshire and Teesside, areas where the business already has strong distribution thanks to its partnerships with Provenance Inns, Black Rose Pubs, Star Pubs and Bars, LWC, Tate Smith and Sunset Wines in Scarborough.

Dodds-Baddon, who previously worked in marketing and is a qualified primary school teacher, joins Theakston to lead on its visitor centre.

The centre receives around 18,000 visitors each year and allows fans the opportunity to delve into the almost 200-year history of Theakston and learn the story of its tower brewery, one of the last remaining in the country.

Joint managing director, Simon Theakston, said: “In 2022 we sought to drive the business forward under difficult trading circumstances and as we move forward in 2023 with further growth plans, I’m happy to welcome Helen, Ben and Hayley to our team.

“After a turbulent start to the decade, everyone at Theakston is excited for the year ahead as we prepare to launch seven seasonal beers, announce new partnerships and continue with preparations for our second centenary in 2027.

“With these latest appointments, we hope to bring our ales of distinction to even more customers and share with them our vision that for Theakston, it’s always been more than just a pint.”

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Newcastle Building Society has appointed Iain Lightfoot to head its financial advice business.

He has joined the society to become managing director of Newcastle Financial Advisers’ which provides accessible advice on investment, retirement, inheritance tax planning and protection advice across the North East, North West and North Yorkshire.

With 32 years’ experience in financial services and advice, Lightfoot has held senior roles with some of the UK’s most well-known banks and building societies, including Skipton and TSB, and has spent the last five years leading accountancy firm Armstrong Watson’s financial planning team.

He said: “At a time when consumer finances are feeling the pressure of rising inflation and the increased cost of living, it’s important people feel their money is working hard for them, and that they’re able to easily access face-to-face financial advice that’s personalised, authentic and reliable.

“I’m passionate about providing the right environment and culture to deliver financial advice of the highest quality, and working in collaboration with Newcastle Building Society colleagues we’ll continue to deliver on our purpose of connecting our communities with a better financial future, building meaningful, long-lasting customer relationships.”

Stuart Miller, executive director, said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Iain to the society. His strong background in financial advice will ensure we continue to deliver an outstanding experience for our members and grow our financial advice offering ensuring more people can access the advice they need.”