People: CSX; Wrigleys Solicitors; Tyr; and more

A trio of new starters has joined carbon and biodiversity offsetting solutions provider, CSX.

The appointments expand the firm’s capacity, helping deliver strategic growth in its role as providers of biodiversity net gain (BNG) and carbon offset units.

Joining as BNG project officers are Kennedy Young and Heather Scollick, while Steven Crosby has been appointed a business development executive at the company’s North Yorkshire office.

Young and Scollick are tasked with helping landowners develop their BNG projects, overseeing them from start to finish as well as advising, finalising and communicating plans with local authorities.

Crosby will be responsible for supporting developers, planning consultants and stakeholders in the construction sector to navigate the successful delivery of BNG on their projects.

He will also secure any shortfall in units from the land managers who CSX has supported in the creation of off-site units for sale.

Previously, Young worked at ecology and design practice FPCR as a seasonal assistant ecologist and has studied animal science and welfare.

Young said: “CSX has an important mission which I am more than happy to be part of.

“BNG is a significant change for the sector and people are understandably wary about what is now expected of developments.

“It’s my job to make sure that the benefits of BNG are known, but also the processes are as simple and accessible as possible.”

Scollick said: “It’s not just about progressing these important BNG projects, but also progressing the wider knowledge of the environment, species identification, trees and general habitats.

“It’s important that we utilise all resources at our disposal, especially technology, to tackle this problem head on.”

Crosby added: “I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the role. Being able to talk to these different groups of people and assist them in something this significant is rewarding.

“It’s about having clarifying conversations about BNG – there’s a lot of information and it can be intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be.” 

Andy Howard, company co-founder and chief executive officer, said: “It’s a pleasure having Kennedy, Heather and Steven bolster our team across these two key departments.  

“At CSX we are focused on strategic growth and the awareness of what we can do and how we can help both landowners and developers. 

“We want to make sure we are at the forefront of the discussions around biodiversity net gain in the sector and we do that by having a dedicated team from varied backgrounds with a similar passion for the environment.”

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Yorkshire-based legal specialist, Wrigleys Solicitors, has promoted two solicitors to partner as key departments continue to grow.

Joanna Blackman has been promoted to partner in the specialist charities and social economy department.

Formerly a Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, after a successful career in finance, she opted to make a career change and joined Wrigleys in 2013. There, she qualified as a solicitor and has risen through the ranks over the last decade.

She advises charities, their trading subsidiaries, and social enterprises on a wide range of charity law and other legal matters, including providing governance support and trustee training, advising on registrations, constitutional amendments, and structural transactions such as incorporations, mergers, and asset transfers.

Blackman has a particular interest in the health and social care sector and will further develop the firm’s offering within this market in her new role as partner.

She said: “I am happy to be embarking on the next phase of my legal career here at Wrigleys, where I continue to be inspired by those around me after entering the world of charity law 10 years ago.

“I feel privileged to work with such talented colleagues and wonderfully committed clients, and I am honoured to have been made a partner.”

Clare Lawrence, partner in the charities and social economy team, said: “Jo is a charity governance specialist and is a key member of the team here at Wrigleys.

“She is a trusted adviser to a wide range of charity clients and has built a reputation for advising almshouse charities and independent schools.

“We are excited to welcome her into the partnership and to be part of this new phase of her career.”

Elsewhere in the firm, Hannah Allen has been promoted to partner in the private client department after six years with Wrigleys.

She provides specialist tax and succession planning advice and handles all aspects of private client work, including Wills and Powers of Attorney.

She advises individuals and trustees on trust formation, taxation, and ongoing management, including tax-efficient restructuring.

Allen is also highly specialised in drafting pre  and post-nuptial agreements and cohabitation agreements.

She said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the partnership at Wrigleys. The firm is completely committed to providing the best possible advice and support to clients, and it’s inspiring to work alongside such experienced private client specialists.”

Marie-Louise Hamilton, managing partner, added: “Both Joanna and Hannah are hugely talented legal experts and their promotions are thoroughly deserved.

“During their time with us, each has made a valued contribution to their respective practice area and the firm’s continued success – I look forward to seeing the positive impact they’ll make in their new role as partner.”

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Nigel Brook, commercial litigator and founding member of Leeds-based commercial law firm, Tyr, has now started his 12-month term as president of Leeds Law Society.

Brook has been a committed member of Leeds Law Society for many years. He is originally from West Yorkshire but spent the early part of his career in London. He has been working in Leeds since 2015.

He specialises in contentious tax, both disputes with HMRC and commercial claims with a tax element.

Dean Jowett, managing partner and head of Commercial Property at Tyr, said: “Everyone at Tyr is really proud of Nigel, and looking forward to his year as president. Good luck Nigel!”

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A new resort director has taken up the reigns at Gulliver’s Valley Theme Park, in South Yorkshire.

Craig Seedhouse joins with a background in the leisure and hospitality industry and brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

His career in the leisure industry began in 2014. Prior to that he spent 18 years in the food sector with Pizza Express.

He has since held significant positions at Merlin Entertainment, where he worked from 2014 to 2019, and later re-joined the company post-Covid.

Seedhouse also brought his expertise to Thorpe Park and a smaller regional animal park, further solidifying his extensive experience in managing diverse attractions.

He said: “I’m so excited to have joined Gulliver’s Valley. The theme park holds a unique position in the market. It is well placed in South Yorkshire and has such exciting growth opportunities.

“Being part of a family-owned business is fantastic, and I am thrilled to be part of this team. I look forward to contributing to the continued success and expansion of the park.”

Gulliver’s Valley, between Rotherham and Sheffield, opened in 2020 and is the newest addition to the Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts family.

It spans 250 acres and offers a variety of accommodations and more than 30 rides and attractions.

Julie Dalton, managing director of Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts, said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Craig to the Gulliver’s family.

“His extensive background in the leisure and hospitality industry makes him a valuable addition to our team.

“We are confident that under his leadership, Gulliver’s Valley will continue to thrive and offer exceptional experiences to our visitors.”