People: Safestyle UK; LCF Law; Prosura; and more

Safestyle UK, a retailer and manufacturer of PVCu replacement windows and doors, has appointed Michelle Williams to its Board of as an executive director in the role of chief people officer with immediate effect.

Williams joined Bradford-headquartered Safestyle as the HR director in July 2017 and has been responsible for developing the people strategy for the business in alignment with the business’s corporate vision, values and objectives.

Prior to joining, her HR career of 25 years has been in both growth and turnaround business environments in sectors including construction, printing, FMCG food manufacturing, and automotive aftermarket.

She has experience working within B2B and B2C business models in both private and public companies and has successfully managed both human and organisational aspects of business acquisitions and disposals.

She has an MSc in Strategic Personnel & Development and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development.

Alan Lovell, chairman of Safestyle, said: “We are happy to welcome Michelle to our Board. Our people represent a core enabler of our strategic priorities and Michelle’s appointment reflects that.

“Having held the position of HR director since 2017, Michelle understands our people, our business and our industry extremely well and we look forward to her ongoing contribution to the business as a board director.”

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Yorkshire-based LCF Law has appointed employment lawyer, Balal Qaiser.

He has worked in legal practice for almost 10 years and is experienced in providing employment law advice to both businesses and individuals. He will be based at the firm’s Bradford and Leeds offices.

Giving legal counsel on all HR issues, specialist employment matters, settlement agreements and data protection, Qaiser has also dealt with contentious claims.

He joins from a Leeds-based national law firm where he worked on a varied case load involving allegations of whistle blowing, disability discrimination, race discrimination and unfair dismissal.

Qaiser said: “I’m really pleased to join LCF Law. Bradford is my hometown, and I went to university here. L

“LCF Law has a long-standing history in the city, and I was keen to join the firm, as I know how committed they are to career development and what a strong reputation the employment team has.”

Head of employment law, James Austin, said: “Recently we have seen a big increase in the number of businesses seeking advice in all areas of employment law but especially when it comes to redundancies, allegations of unfair dismissal, discrimination and enforcing restrictive covenants.

“Balal is considered, experienced and very personable. He is a welcome addition to our team and a safe pair of hands helping deal with the increased workload.”

LCF Law employs more than 135 people and 24 partners across offices in Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate and Ilkley.

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Prosura, a newly launched business and lifestyle insurance broker based in Wakefield, has welcomed three new team members.

Bringing the company’s recruitment plans forward to meet demand, Prosura has doubled its headcount with the arrival of Kaye Newton and Callum Topliss as commercial account executives and Claire Mouzer, as business development executive.

Jon Newall, CEO, said: “We are an ambitious business determined to offer customers exceptional service and value from the very start. This requires an experienced team that will deliver the support and advice that customers deserve.

“Kaye, Callum and Claire bring with them significant industry experience – our customers are in safe hands.”

Newton, who has worked within insurance for 27 years, said: “I thrive on getting to know what customers need and am looking forward to delivering the best service that’s more than just cover.

“I’m excited to join a team that already has such a good reputation within our industry and also to see and support Prosura’s growth, knowing that I have been part of it from the very early days of its launch.”

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TheCityUK, an industry-led body representing UK-based financial and related professional services, has appointed John Walsh as its new regional chair for Yorkshire and the Humber.

He will join a network of TheCityUK National and regional chairs across some of the UK’s major financial hubs to promote and advocate for the industry across the region.

Walsh, who is head of office Leeds – UK Corporate at Marsh, will also be focused on developing opportunities for greater collaboration with other financial centres across the UK, leading industry engagement with policymakers across the region and in Westminster, and pursuing stronger links with key local stakeholders.

Miles Celic, chief executive officer, TheCityUK, said: “I am pleased to announce John as our new regional chair for Yorkshire and the Humber.

“He will play an important role in our work to champion the industry across the region, strengthen key partnerships with local stakeholders and forge stronger links between other UK financial hubs.

“Financial and related professional services are a major national asset, employing one in 14 people – two thirds of whom are based outside London, creating jobs, and driving economic growth right across the country.”

Walsh added: “Yorkshire and the Humber is an important financial and related financial professional services ecosystem and I’m happy to take up the role with TheCityUK as chair for the region.

“Boosting collaboration within the region will be a key priority, as will looking at how we support local businesses and economic growth.”