People: Simpson Millar; Persimmon; and more

Yorkshire consumer law firm, Simpson Millar, has expanded its national family law team with the appointment of senior associate, Geoff Lorkins.

Based in the firm’s Leeds office, and working to support clients across Yorkshire, Lorkins has more than 30 years’ experience of dealing with all types of family matters including divorce, matrimonial finances, children proceedings, domestic abuse cases and financial matters involving unmarried couples.

The family team has also recently welcomed Abbie Gower, who has also recently completed her Solicitor Qualification Programme (SQP) with the firm.

It follows a number of recent hires for the firm, including three Military Claims Solicitors, two Court of Protection specialists, and two Care Proceedings experts.

Simpson Millar’s head of family law, Patricia Cannon, said: “Geoff’s expertise will be offered at a very difficult time in our clients’ lives, so it’s really important that in addition to providing expert legal advice our team is also warm, approachable and sensitive to their needs.

“Geoff does that brilliantly, and it is a real privilege to have him onboard.

“We are also really pleased to have Abbie join us within the family law team, having recently completed her SQP with the firm.”

Lorkins said: “I am excited to be joining such an expansive and highly regarded family law team.

“The team have a long-standing reputation for offering clients transparent and forward-thinking legal services, and their passion and commitment truly embody many of my values.”

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York-headquartered housebuilder, Persimmon, has appointed Andrew Duxbury as chief financial officer (CFO).

He will join the Board as an executive director, with his start date to be confirmed in due course.

Dean Finch, group chief executive, will continue to hold interim responsibility for the finance function, supported by Mike Smith, group financial controller, until Duxbury joins.

Duxbury has significant financial experience within the construction and housebuilding sectors.

He joins from Galliford Try where he has worked in various finance roles for over 10 years, latterly as group finance director since March 2019.

Prior to Galliford Try, he spent 16 years at PWC, leading a portfolio of significant clients for the firm.

Roger Devlin, chairman, said: “Andrew has extensive experience as a finance director in the construction and housebuilding industry, which will be an invaluable asset to Persimmon as we continue to provide good quality homes for families across the UK and position the business for future growth.

“We look forward to welcoming Andrew to the team.”

Duxbury added: “Persimmon is a strong business with a proven track record and plays an important role in the UK economy.

“I look forward to working with the team to deliver its industry-leading financial ambitions while continuing the significant recent progress in build quality and service.”

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York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce president, Sarah Czarnecki, has been appointed director of the Business Clinic at York St John University.

In her new role, she will oversee the strategic development, operations and growth of the Business Clinic to ensure it remains a hub of experiential learning, innovation and real-world problem-solving.

She will continue to have an advisory role at Grays Court Hotel and will manage this alongside her new role at York St John and as president of York and North Yorkshire Chamber.

She said “It is 30 years since I started my academic journey as a student at York St John University, where I graduated with a first-class honours degree.

“It is an honour to be able to couple my commercial experience within an academic environment in my alma mater and I am determined to ensure the Business Clinic achieves all of the success it so richly deserves.”

A spokesman for York St John University said: “Sarah comes to us with an impressive background in business, academia and leadership making her the perfect fit to lead our Business Clinic into a new era of innovation and impact.

“As president of York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Sarah boasts a strong track record in strategy and business delivery.

“York Business School is confident Sarah will bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the Business Clinic, enhancing its reputation for excellence and its ability to provide valuable insights and solutions to our community partners.”