People: Benenden Health; Talk Straight Group; and more

Not-for-profit, affordable healthcare provider, Benenden Health, has appointed David Winter as its new head of innovation as well as managing director of its subsidiary, Benenden Wellbeing Ltd (BWL).

Winter will join from the energy sector, having held the role of managing director (Europe) for New Zealand-based energy software company Flux Federation.

Prior to this he has held similar roles with npower and its subsidiary, Powershop UK.

In his title role, he will focus on the innovation of York-based Benenden Health’s core product, which includes its 24/7 GP Helpline, 24/7 Mental Health Helpline, Care Planning & Social Care Advice Service, as well as its Medical Diagnostics, Medical Treatment and Cancer Support Services.

As managing director of BWL, he will be managing the ongoing innovation of additional products sold under the Benenden Health brand, including health assessments, cash plans, travel insurance and home insurance.

Winter said: “I’m extremely excited to join Benenden Health at an important point for the business.

“There are deep and generational issues impacting healthcare provision across the UK, but these challenges enable strong momentum for change, often at a greater pace and with more ambition than it was possible to previously envisage.

“Benenden Health is well-positioned within the market to realise this opportunity. Uniquely, our healthcare is affordable, accessible and accountable to our members. We can build on this heritage, continue enriching our offer with broader, easy-to-access, technology-enabled products and solutions, which an increasingly wider membership will value for their lifestyle, not simply when treatment is required.”

Chief commercial officer, Andy Wiggans, added: “We had a strong feeling David was the right person for the role, and I’m really pleased he’s chosen to join us.

“David is joining at a pivotal time in the business; as well as doing a lot of future-gazing and planning, we are also currently making progress in the intermediary space and have set a strong foundation for digital transformation of the business with the further development of our app and launch of our online community this year.”

Winter will join the business this month, following previous incumbent Neil McCallum’s move to Sovereign Healthcare in May this year.

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Education focused Internet Service Provider (ISP), Talk Straight Group Ltd, has appointed Mark Cowgill as its new acquisitions director. 

Cowgill has more than 20 years’ experience in the telecommunications industry, most notably as a co-founder and director of Education and B2B ISP, Exa Networks. 

Joining the Ilkley-headquartered business on September 4, he will report directly to the company’s chief sales officer, Sean Donohoe, and will play a key role in the business’ future growth plans focusing specifically on significant customer acquisitions. 

David Tindall, CEO, said: “Mark brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the B2B and EdTech sector.

“This will be invaluable to our team and contribute to our ambitious growth plans as we aim to be the largest provider of broadband, WAN, security and e-safety services to MATs and schools throughout the country.”

Cowgill added: “Having watched Talk Straight from afar of the past few years, I’m excited to be joining this fantastic forward-thinking company. The business’s recent growth has been impressive to see. 

“Having spent many years in the industry this was the perfect opportunity for me to utilise my experience, knowledge and insights into how we can work in partnership with schools, MATs and businesses to achieve their digital goals.”

This latest recruitment follows soon after the appointment of Cassie Irving as the business’ new group marketing manager and Pauline Lynn as an internal account manager. 

Lynn joins the sales team with a wealth of experience within the telecoms sector, having previously held the same position for 17 years at RM. Irving joins from Exa Networks where she was marketing manager. 

Sean Donohoe, CSO, said: “The appointments of Mark, Pauline and Cassie demonstrate our commitment to delivering excellent service to our customers.

“They are fantastic additions to our business, and I look forward to working with them as we continue to build upon our success and work towards our aim of being the largest EdTech ISP in the country.”

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Castle Employment Group MD, Kerry Hope, has pledged to help take businesses forward in her new position with an influential Yorkshire organisation.

She has joined the board of the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, which provides essential support and advice and lobbies government on behalf of the region.

Hope said: “The chamber is a voice for local business, connecting, supporting and representing people and business across Yorkshire, which is exactly the same as our purpose as a recruitment agency. 

“Their aim is to support business to grow and that resonates strongly with our strategy of going for growth for our business and our clients. What we do and what they do totally align.”

The West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce provides support to start-ups and helps established businesses in areas such as securing finance, accessing training and trading globally.

Castle has been a member of the chamber for well over 10 years and Hope has previously held a leadership position with the York and North Yorkshire Chamber, one of three local chambers sitting under the regional organisation.

Hope added: “There’s so much the chamber offers that can really benefit businesses. I’m excited about helping to move it forward.

“As business leaders, we face challenges all the time so I’m certain we can help support members of the chamber by sharing our experiences and expertise.”

James Mason, chief executive of the West and North Yorkshire Chamber, said: “Kerry will bring a huge amount of experience and expertise to our board. 

“She has a vast amount of knowledge and understanding of North Yorkshire and the array of world class businesses that contribute to many local communities.”

Castle was founded more than 55 years ago and has offices in Leeds, York and Hull, with its headquarters in Scarborough.