People: Lupton Fawcett; Unity Trust Bank; iSource Group; and more

Law firm Lupton Fawcett has expanded its dispute management team with the appointment of a new senior associate.

Kate Saunders has over 20 years’ experience working in the legal sector with over 10 years practicing as a solicitor. She has previously worked for firms in Harrogate and Sheffield.

She said: “I was attracted to the role at Lupton Fawcett as it is a reputable Yorkshire firm, with strong links across the county and beyond. It has a very strong client base with a great variety of clients.

“The expertise in the firm and across the different departments is second to none and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with new colleagues and within an experienced disputes team and to continue to provide a first rate service to all clients and contacts.”

Her area of expertise is exclusively in wills and inheritance disputes relating to an individual’s assets after their death.

She acts for both claimants and defendants and has represented a number of varying clients, ranging from family members, executors, solicitors and professional trustees.

Claire Moss, partner and head of the Dispute Management team, said: “Kate is a valuable addition, bringing a wealth of experience to a niche, but crucial, part of our area of practice.

“Together, the team is looking forward to supporting more clients through disputes to achieve the best possible outcome.”

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Unity Trust Bank has confirmed the appointment of a third relationship manager in its Yorkshire & North East team.

Experienced commercial banker, Matt Coatsworth, brings a wealth of expertise to Unity, across a range of sectors including corporate, healthcare and education.

In his new role, he will support and grow a diverse portfolio of customers, working alongside relationship managers Michael Wicks and Jenny Lehan, who joined last year, and regional director, John Copping, who leads Unity’s North & Scotland team.

Coatsworth said: “For the past 11 years I’ve worked for a commercial bank in a variety of roles, most recently as a Relationship Manager supporting SME Healthcare clients within the South Yorkshire area.

“I’m so pleased to bring my experience to Unity, and I look forward to working for an organisation that makes a real difference to local communities across the UK.”

Lehan added: “I’ve worked in commercial banking for over 20 years, and I’m happy to now be a part of Unity’s Yorkshire & North East team. Alongside Matt and Michael, I’m committed to help grow the regions’ business customer portfolio.”

Wicks said: “Having joined Unity in 2019, I’m so pleased to see the continued investment in our regional team, enabling us to provide best-in-class services to our growing customer base.

“Collectively we help to strengthen our portfolio and support Unity’s continued growth in the region.”

Copping said: “Matt will join Michael and Jenny in providing the very best support to organisations across Yorkshire and the North East, enabling them to deliver positive social impact in local communities across the region.

“As we continue to expand our customer base across a range of sectors, we’re committed to investing in our people and strengthening our regional network, and I’ve no doubt that Matt will be a real asset to the team.”

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iSource Group (iSG) Technology Talent Partners, has appointed Gareth Huxall as sales director and promoted Finty Kissane to senior recruitment consultant, supporting the strategic growth of the business.

Starting the year with several client wins, the Leeds-based recruitment agency has redefined the way that it works to make target setting and delivery more transparent throughout the business.

The appointment of Huxall will place greater focus on driving new business, while Kissane’s promotion reinforces a commitment to providing the best experience and service to clients the company already works with.

Huxall said: “I am really pleased to announce my appointment at iSG. We have a strong pipeline of work and are making new introductions every week.

“It’s an exciting time for the business and with big ambitions in place for 2024, I’m looking forward to seeing where this year takes us.”

Kissane said: “I’ve been at iSG for 18 months now and am really pleased to have secured my second promotion at the business.

“Recruitment can be a tough sector to work in, but with the right team around you, it can be very rewarding.”

Managing director, Geoff Shepherd, added: “We’ve had a really strong start to the year and want to continue with this pace and trajectory. In order to meet with our targets, we have to have the right talent around the table.

“It’s important that we evolve and make changes to support the future success of the company.

“In addition to appointments, that means giving our team members the recognition they deserve. I’d like to welcome Gareth to the team and to thank Finty for all her hard work.

“There’s a lot to be done this year, but with a redefined focus and a team that are all committed to working towards the same goals, it is also set to be one of the most exciting.”

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Sheffield-headquartered Cirata, previously known as WANdisco, has confirmed that Ken Lever has been appointed as chair and non-executive director of its Board of Directors.

Lever has served as interim chair and non-executive director since 17 March 2023.

He was initially appointed as interim chair to provide leadership and direction to the Board during a period of great instability for the firm.

As previously reported, the business was badly impacted in March 2023 by the discovery of millions of pounds worth of false purchase orders made by one of its senior sales employees.

During his term as interim chair, Lever has overseen a restructure of the Board, a transformation of the governance structures of the company, a raise of equity capital and the appointment of an executive team.

Peter Lees, senior independent director, said: “Since the early days of his interim appointment, Ken’s leadership qualities, tireless work ethic and vision for the future of Cirata have helped rebuild the foundations of the company.

“This, combined with his commercial track record and industry background, leaves us in no doubt that this is the right appointment to lead the company on its next phase of growth.”

Lever added: “I am pleased to accept the role as chair of the Board. Since my interim appointment, everyone inside the company has put in a huge amount of work to turn around the business.

“Looking forward, the Board and executive team remain focused on the next important phase of Cirata’s recovery as we build for growth in 2024 and beyond.”

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Leeds-based flexible packaging manufacturer, Roberts Mart, has made an addition to its leadership team, appointing Simon Lewis to sales director.

With experience in packaging solutions, sales and account management, Lewis joined Roberts Mart in 2012 as business development manager, being promoted to head of sales in 2021, as the company stepped up its growth plans.

He has worked with his sales team to bring on new business – over 10 new customers in the past 12 months alone – including clients in the frozen food, pet food, chilled foods and snacks markets.

Lewis said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be promoted to sales director.  The future for Roberts Mart is very exciting and I am pleased to have the opportunity to play an important role in this new phase of development.”

Projections for Roberts Mart this year include continued growth and acquiring new customer accounts with a target to increase turnover to over £50m by the end of 2024.

William Roberts, managing director, said: “Simon has played a significant role in the growth of our business over the past decade, as we continue to consolidate our position in expanding markets whilst increasing support in our core business sectors. 

“Simon is a great asset to our company, and we are happy to welcome him onto the Board.”

Roberts Mart has made other significant managerial appointments to strengthen its production and warehouse teams. 

James Campbell has been promoted to production manager and Gosia Mierzwa-Paszkowska to operations manager, responsible for warehouse, logistics and quality departments. 

Sam Hocker takes on the role of quality & technical co-ordinator and Paul Walshaw is the new engineering & facilities manager.

The firm also welcomes to the business Dominic Kissack as business development manager, bringing the team up to six and Jo Fletcher joins as health, safety & environmental manager.