People: Yorkshire Building Society; LCF Law; Industrial Textiles and Plastics Ltd; and more

Yorkshire Building Society has confirmed Debra Davies has joined its Board as non-executive director, subject to regulatory approval.

She has over 30 years’ experience in financial services, with the majority of her career at American Express where she gained deep and broad experience at senior levels in customer focused roles, both consumer and business-to-business.

She also currently serves on the Board at AXA UK PLC and Intrum AB.

John Heaps, chair of Yorkshire Building Society, said: “Debra has considerable experience, skill and knowledge in the financial services sector.

“Her focus on remuneration and risk and her great interest in social purpose and sustainability will, I’m sure, be of considerable value as we continue to grow and develop.”

In addition to the non-executive role, Davies will also chair the society’s remuneration committee, subject to regulatory approval.

She said: “I’m pleased to join the Board of Yorkshire Building Society. It’s strong mutual heritage and clear customer-focused approach was particularly appealing.

“I’m looking forward to using my experience and expertise to ensure, among many other things, we’re attracting and rewarding the best talent to lead and deliver outcomes that are in the best interests of our membership as a whole.”

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A Yorkshire law firm is poised to help even more family businesses, after one if its lawyers was awarded a qualification which only a small number from the legal profession have achieved worldwide.

Partner at LCF Law, Haroon Qayum, has been awarded the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners’ (STEP) Advanced Certificate in Family Business Governance, passing with Distinction.

STEP is a global professional body, comprising lawyers, accountants, trustees and other practitioners who help families plan for their futures.

Qayum is part of LCF Law’s Family Business Unit, which includes lawyers from the firm’s private, corporate, employment, property and disputes departments.

He said: “Having been through the examination process and passed this qualification, I have been able to expand my technical knowledge, develop my professional competence and build on my experience and skills that I have developed over my many years in practice, helping families plan for succession, as well as identify and define appropriate governance structures.

“Family businesses are the backbone on which our economy is built and when facing challenges, they need help and advice, especially when it comes to inter-generational transitions and ownership succession.

“At LCF Law we work closely with clients to understand their aims and values and help them overcome these challenges, identify and seize opportunities and prepare for the future.”

Managing partner Simon Stell said: “Our Family Business Unit covers every legal eventuality, so any family business working with us can be reassured that no matter what their problem is, we can help.

“Haroon is an expert when it comes to helping family businesses and guiding them through everything from succession planning to creating the right structures and policies to enable them to thrive.

“Working with colleagues from across the firm to provide a comprehensive offering, catering for the business and personal needs of individuals and families, his latest qualification is a testament to his technical knowledge and practical approach to finding the best solution to a whole host of family business matters.”

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Easingwold-based construction and protective textiles manufacturer, Industrial Textiles and Plastics (ITP) Ltd, is planning for the next phase of its growth strategy with the appointment of Matt Thompson as sales director.

He has a wealth of valuable experience gained through over 20 years in the construction industry.

Previously UK commercial director at Zip-Clip, a manufacturer of high-specification suspension and bracing systems, he brings a comprehensive understanding of effective sales strategy throughout the industry’s supply chain.

He will draw on this expertise to deliver market growth throughout ITP’s product portfolio, which includes sheeting for scaffolding and temporary fencing, acoustic barriers, debris netting, keder sheeting, protective breather membranes and vapour barriers for walls and roofing, and ground barriers for use on contaminated land. 

Marc van der Voort, managing director, said: “As head of our sales operation, Matt will provide a dynamic presence to drive the continued development of our business across a wide range of markets, including construction, environmental protection, petrochemical, marine and offshore.

“He understands how to engage with our broad customer base, from contractors, developers and architects to builders merchants and temporary site protection specialists.”

Thompson said: “As well as being a market-leading manufacturer with a global presence, ITP has been at the forefront of advances in industry standards in the UK, advocating and driving improvements in fire safety in the building envelope and scaffolding solutions.

“With over three decades of experience and a policy of continual investment in product development, ITP works closely with standards committees and trade associations.

“The technical team is regarded as a go-to resource for expertise in compliance, testing certification. That provides a great platform to build relationships with new and existing clients.”

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The Foundry Sheffield, a charitable organisation which runs the city centre’s Victoria Hall, has appointed a new chair of trustees.

Methodist Minister the Rev Ashley Cooper is the principal of Cliff College in Derbyshire.

He takes the place of the Rev Phill Borkett, who is retiring after eight years in the post.

Since 2015 The Foundry Sheffield has been running Victoria Hall, ensuring the safety of the building and operating in the interests of all tenants, users and visitors.

Currently used by more than 1,500 people every week, charities already working out of Victoria Hall’s offices include Age Active, Assist and City of Sanctuary, who work mainly around supporting vulnerable and needy people in Sheffield and the surrounding areas.

The main hall is a popular venue for choral, instrumental and other events and South Yorkshire’s finest amateur orchestra, The Sheffield Philharmonic, holds its weekly rehearsals and the majority of its concert season performances there.

Foundry Sheffield chief executive, Rose Durant, said: “The Victoria Hall has been well known too as the home of Methodism in the city since the early years of the 20th century and Methodist services are still held in the main hall twice every Sunday.

“Various other activities are also held throughout the week and it continues to be the home of the Sheffield Methodist District office.

“Today though, and under the operation of The Foundry Sheffield, the Victoria Hall is becoming firmly established as a real community hub and one that welcomes many people, many interests and many cultures through its doors every week.

“We believe the Rev Cooper brings with him a clear understanding of the way the Victoria Hall needs to develop to meet the needs of 21st century users.”