People: York Biotech Campus; Yorkshire Windows; and more

York Biotech Campus (YBC) has appointed Victoria de Kock as its head of campus as it strengthens its management team and prepares to introduce a new sustainability strategy.

De Kock brings nearly 20 years’ experience in facilities and estates management to the role.

She began her career with a decade at Hiscox Insurance and played an instrumental role in launching Hiscox’s flagship office on Peasholme Green, York.

Her most recent position was head of the Motor Finance division at Close Brothers Group, where she managed the entire property portfolio across UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands. 

YBC is a hub for bioscience in Yorkshire, providing lab and office space for a variety of organisations in the sector. It is currently home to businesses including Fera Science, Abingdon Health, Labcorp and Defra.  

In her new role, de Kock will focus on stakeholder and supplier management, particularly fostering onsite occupier relationships, and will play a crucial part in overseeing site operations and in complex site infrastructure projects.

Additionally, she will spearhead a site sustainability project, which involves implementing new procedures to reduce energy consumption at the science park.

She said: “I am thrilled to have been appointed as head of campus at YBC. YBC’s strong foundation in customer service aligns perfectly with my passion for meaningful stakeholder engagement.

“YBC stood out to me as an exceptional facility for bioscience in the region, and I am eager to contribute to the development and growth of the campus.

“I’m looking forward to implementing sustainability strategies, particularly in reducing energy usage and enhancing the overall environmental performance of the campus, to futureproof the science park for many years to come.”

Liz Cashon, estates manager at York Biotech Campus, added: “We’re pleased to have Victoria join us at an exciting time for the campus.

“With her extensive background in facilities management and customer experience, she is ideally positioned to assist our current occupiers in their growth.

“Victoria will also be instrumental in advancing the campus’s next growth phase, ensuring YBC is at the forefront of sustainable property management and adapts its spaces to accommodate more organisations joining us.”

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South Yorkshire home improvements specialist, Yorkshire Windows, is continuing its programme of expansion as it welcomes a new sales designer to the team.

Vykki Tufnell is based at the company’s new Rotherham showroom but also visits clients in their homes to assist with design choices and product selection.

Managing director, Ian Chester, said: “We are pleased to welcome Vykki to the Yorkshire Windows team.

“She joins us with the direct aim of increasing sales and capitalising on our sustained period of growth over recent months.

“She brings with her the sort of enthusiasm, ideas and inspiration that are already converting into successful sales.

“The fact that Vykki arrives just as we launch our new Rotherham showroom is giving us access to an even greater slice of the market and she has already proved herself an outstanding addition to our team.”

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Rotherham-headquartered Nicholas Associates Group has appointed Tony Jackson as new director of its specialist recruitment brands.

These include Nicholas Associates Engineering and Construction, Ashley Kate HR & Finance, and Main-Board.

This strategic appointment is part of the group’s growth plans aimed at enhancing its market position and expanding its geographical footprint.

Jackson, a professional with extensive experience in the recruitment industry, will be driving these specialist brands forward.

In conjunction with Jackson’s appointment, Paul Brammer, the previous director, has been named director of talent solutions.

He will now focus on supporting the group’s learning and development brands, including the Apprentice Employment Agency, Graduate Career Solutions, and Stafforce Training division.

Paul Smith, chief executive officer of Nicholas Associates Group, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Tony Jackson to his new role.

“His appointment aligns with our strategic vision for growth and excellence. Tony’s extensive industry experience will undoubtedly drive our specialist recruitment brands to new heights.

“Additionally, Paul Brammer’s transition to director of talent solutions will further strengthen our commitment to developing talent and providing comprehensive learning and development services. This is a period of significant investment, transformation, and growth for our group.”

Jackson said: “I am honoured to take on this role at such a dynamic time for Nicholas Associates Group.

“The specialist recruitment brands have a strong foundation, and I am eager to build on this success and drive our growth plans forward.

“I look forward to working with the talented teams across Nicholas Associates Engineering and Construction, Ashley Kate HR & Finance, and Main-Board to achieve our ambitious goals.”

Brammer added: “I am excited to focus on our talent solutions and learning and development brands.

“The Apprentice Employment Agency, Graduate Career Solutions, and Stafforce Training division are crucial to our mission of nurturing talent and providing exceptional career development opportunities.

“I am committed to driving innovation and excellence in these areas.”