People: Banks Homes; Diony; ProBiotix Health; and more

Regional housebuilder, Banks Homes, has appointed Michael Harty as its new head of construction.

He brings well over 30 years of housebuilding experience to his new role, which involves overseeing the safe, efficient and high-quality delivery of the family firm’s residential developments across Yorkshire and North East England.

Harty originally trained as an apprentice bricklayer before working his way up through site manager, construction manager and construction director roles with well-known regional housebuilders.

He has been responsible for the delivery of numerous residential developments ranging from 30 to 300 homes across an area stretching from York up to Newcastle.

Set up last year by regional employer the Banks Group, Banks Homes is looking to develop residential sites of all sizes across Yorkshire and the North East, with its first sites in Yorkshire set to come forward this year.

Harty said: “My career path has given me a first-hand view of every aspect of residential development and what the right ways are to plan, realise and complete these complex construction projects.

“I knew of the Banks Group’s various different businesses and found that the Banks Homes management team shared the same commitment as me towards caring about building the best possible homes in the best possible ways
for its customers.

“This new role provides the challenge I was looking for and I’m enjoying being part of a high-quality team that delivers on the promises that it makes.”

Russ Hall, managing director at Banks Homes, added: “Michael’s wide-ranging experience of residential development and his absolute commitment to maintaining the highest possible construction standards made him an ideal candidate for this role and we’re very pleased he is now part of our senior team.

“Banks Homes is focused on building new, high-quality and sustainable homes across Yorkshire and North East England, and we have a pipeline of projects at different stages of development that will be continuing to expand.”

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Hull-based digital marketing agency, Diony, has appointed two new directors to fuel its future success and ambitions.

Lisa Harvey, co-owner and director of the agency, said the move will build on the progress the business has made year-on-year since its 2017 launch.

Ana Watts, now Diony’s creative director, will orchestrate all creative and content departments within the agency.

Lor Harvey steps into the role of performance marketing director, demonstrating her expertise in the firm’s critical services of SEO and PPC.

Harvey said: “Ana’s role encompasses everything from compelling narratives to eye-catching design across social media, paid ads, websites, email marketing and video campaigns.

“In addition to managing a talented team of creatives she will also forge close client relationships to ensure every campaign resonates and delivers.

“Lor’s analytical approach will be invaluable. Her expertise lies in the intricate realms of SEO and PPC, the critical services feeding Diony’s success.

“She commands the search team with a laser-like focus on long-term impact, data-driven insights, and, ultimately, tangible results. Lor’s promotion positions her as a pivotal figure in Diony’s continued growth and success.

“Their promotions are testament to their exceptional contribution since joining us three years ago. They are also a shining example of the talent magnet that is Hull’s thriving digital sector.”

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ProBiotix Health, a Wakefield-based life sciences business developing probiotics to support cardiometabolic health, says Mads Brandt has joined as global supply chain director.

His appointment is part of the company’s strategy to bring experts on board to support future growth plans.

He has over 20 years’ experience in working in the supply chain space, and has a broad understanding of logistics, management consultancy and operations.

Brandt has extensive expertise in the medical device, pharma and medtech industries. He has previously worked for global organisations such as ISS A/S, PA Consulting Group and LEO Pharma where he held key senior management positions.

Steen Andersen, CEO of ProBiotix Health, said: “I would like to welcome Mads as our new global supply chain director and I know he will be a great asset to the company.

“He brings an extensive skillset in the supply chain field, which can help greatly in supporting operational, tactical and strategical aspects of operations at a global scale.

“With his considerable experience, he can help us build and optimise our supply chain, improve on and capitalise on our partnerships with existing and potentially new CMOs, creating an agile and stable supply chain to create a platform for growth and help us to plan our future with efficiency.

“He will allow us to be even more innovative in our approach to product solutions to cater for our customer and market needs.”

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Women in Business Hull has appointed Caroline Neadley as its new chair.

She is a partner at Rollits Solicitors, in Hull, and has specialised in employment law for 20 years.

A long-standing member of the networking organisation, she said she was proud to take on the role for the second time.

She added: “As I take over as chair of Women in Business for 2024, my mission for my tenure will be making sure I do everything I can to support women in their careers in our region.

“This will be my commitment throughout the year and we are planning some excellent events including business networking, training and supportive welfare events for our members and guests.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank last year’s chair, Karen Newton. Karen delivered a hugely successful year of events, with the pinnacle being our charity luncheon focusing on safeguarding women in our region and hearing from the inspirational Lisa Squires, mother of Libby Squires.”

Neadley will be supported in her role by deputy chair, Tracey Dennison, aesthetic and wellness consultant nurse practitioner at East Riding Aesthetics & Wellness.

Women in Business, a not-for-profit organisation which has almost 100 members, supports and encourages inspiring decision-making women in Hull, East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire.