People: Andrew Jackson Solicitors; Perfect Storm; Ellis Patents; and more

Andrew Jackson Solicitors has appointed Mandy Anfield, who joins the firm’s contentious probate team as a consultant.

With many years’ experience, she has helped clients across a range of property disputes and contested probate claims throughout her career, with particular expertise in handling disputed wills and inheritance act claims.

Well known across the Hull and East Yorkshire region, she acts for both claimants and defendants in disputes ranging from challenges to the validity of a will, to claims for financial provision by beneficiaries or individuals omitted from a will.

She is also skilled in sensitively handling disputes between beneficiaries, executors and trustees.

Anfield said: “I have always been aware of the strength and experience of Andrew Jackson’s wider litigation team and I’m really looking forward to helping to build our existing reputation and continuing to provide an exceptional service and advice to the clients we work with.”

Commercial litigation partner, Hugh Smith, added: “Mandy’s proactive, client focused and tenacious approach means she is highly regarded by her clients, so we are happy that she has joined us, strengthening further our services as we can continue to provide the highest standards in service and value for our clients.”

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Leeds-based digital agency, Perfect Storm, has appointed George Vann as sales and marketing director.

Vann joins from Ingenuity, where he was managing partner, responsible for establishing the company’s first ever hub in the North.

His 12-years of experience spans time leading business development and marketing for McCann Australia, CX agency Lavender, Finn and Ingenuity’s Northern clients.

New business wins he has worked on include Hendrick’s Gin, QANTAS, Absolut, Innocent, Burton’s Biscuits, John West and DFS.

In his latest role he will be responsible for raising the profile of Perfect Storm’s way of working, developing the brand, building systems around the sales and marketing processes and ultimately owning growth ambitions.

In addition to Vann joining the team, the agency started the New Year with an office move, venturing across the road in Leeds from Calls Landing to Wharf Street, doubling its square footage to help house its growing team.

It now employs 17 people full time, and regularly works with over 100 specialist freelancers.

The company is on target to hit over £3m turnover in its current financial year, which is up 30% year-on-year.

Vann said: “The attitude and ambition of the senior team attracted me to Perfect Storm, as well as the genuinely refreshing offering for clients.

“Having worked at the intersection of brands and agencies for the last few years, I’ve genuinely never come across a model like it, and it’s a brilliant way to provide clients with the best talent, scalability, value and transparency.

“I was hearing more and more good things about the agency with a reputation of doing things ‘a better way’. To have the opportunity to join the leadership team was too tempting a proposition to refuse.”

Dave Nutter, who founded the agency with Adam Errington in 2016, said: “George joining the team is a landmark moment for us, given the expertise and experience he brings with him.

“We’re excited to see what 2024 brings for us as an agency and we’re very much on track with our ambitious targets and growth plan.

“Our new office facilities provide us with a larger space to collaborate and be more effective in the way we work, and the year has already seen some exciting new projects get underway.”

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Ellis Patents, a North Yorkshire-based manufacturer of cable cleats and cable hangers, has appointed Tom Rooney as export sales manager.

With an extensive background in industrial offshore electrical engineering and a successful track record in global export sales, he brings valuable experience and expertise to the Ellis Patents team.

His early career was rooted in industrial offshore electrical engineering before transitioning to global export sales with Wiremold.

Following this, he established his own business in Dubai, specialising in high-end specification products and supplying major projects throughout the Middle East.

His experience further expanded with a focus on switchgear energy-saving products.

In his new role, his primary goal is to contribute to the expansion of Ellis Patents’ distributor base and build on the product and brand awareness in the Asia Pacific region.

Kelly Brown, sales director, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Tom to Ellis. His extensive experience and proven track record in global export sales make him an invaluable addition to our team.

“Tom’s knowledge of the Asia Pacific will be instrumental in expanding our presence in these key markets.”

Rooney added: “I am honoured to join Ellis Patents, a company with a strong reputation for quality and innovation.

“I look forward to contributing to the growth of the export sales division, strengthening relationships with distributors, and elevating the awareness of Ellis Patents in the Asia Pacific.”

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Leeds Heritage Theatres’ Board of Trustees has appointed Vicky Cheetham as its new CEO.

She succeeds Chris Blythe who has been in post since 2015 and will retire at the end of March.

Currently interim co-executive director at the Royal Shakespeare Company, Cheetham brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge gained at some of the UK’s most influential cultural organisations including managing director of Tate, executive director, Arts at Southbank Centre, and executive producer at London’s Barbican.

She has worked across music, theatre, dance, comedy, film, literature, visual arts and creative learning, delivering ambitious artistic programmes both nationally and internationally.

She said: “I am very excited to be bringing my experiences to Leeds Heritage Theatres, an organisation that reflects my own beliefs and values.

“As chief Executive, I want to deliver exceptional experiences that are culturally inclusive and relevant to both residents and the wider cultural sector.

“I was fascinated to read about the work and ambitions of both Leeds Heritage Theatres and the wider Leeds cultural sector.

“I benefited from growing up in the city; it is a place full of rich, cultural opportunities and ambition; a home for creative innovators, artists and teachers, with a passion for connecting to the local and the global and I am pleased to be able to return.”

Alan Gay, chair of the Board, said: “As trustees, we are thrilled that Vicky will be leading Leeds Heritage Theatres into the next chapter of its story.

“Over the past two years, we’ve been on a journey of change; redefining who we are and what we are aiming for.

“We believe Vicky has the right mix of skills and experience to support the development of our programme, ensuring we make the most of our heritage venues whilst safeguarding their future and helping us to bring the extraordinary joy of film and performance to people across Leeds and the wider region.”

Outgoing CEO, Chris Blythe, has steered the organisation through a period of significant change and challenge.

Some of his noteworthy accomplishments include overseeing the installation of a new roof on the Leeds Grand Theatre, navigating the organisation through the challenges of the pandemic, and completing refurbishment of the historic Hyde Park Picture House.

Cheetham will take up her new post in summer of this year.