People: Gordons; AAB; Scarborough Group International; and more

Law firm Gordons has welcomed a new cohort of legal talent with the appointment of four new trainee solicitors and two apprentice solicitors.

Of the four trainee solicitors, Oliver Gillyon was already a legal assistant with the firm whilst Beth Inman, Dymphna Lewis and Hafsah Malik are beginning their legal careers with Gordons.

All four have started their two-year training contracts and will undertake seats across various Gordons specialisms.

They will all be developed professionally and personally by colleagues to equip them with legal and client relationship skills.

Walsh and Hutchinson have joined the firm’s apprenticeship scheme.

Managing partner, Victoria Davey, said: “We are always very pleased to welcome our new trainee and apprentice solicitors at this time of year.

“They have already achieved so much to secure their places with the firm as we always have hundreds of quality applicants.

“Each of them has been chosen as much on the basis of their personality and attitude as they are on their academic ability.

“Our experience tells us that those who go on to succeed at Gordons are rounded individuals able to build long lasting relationships with clients and colleagues.

“We now look forward to helping develop all six new colleagues so that they are on the pathway to achieving their individual personal and professional ambitions with us.”

Employing 170 people, Gordons has offices in Leeds and Bradford.

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AAB, a professional services firm, has appointed Leeds-based Mark Bain as partner within its Virtual Finance Function (VFF).

His appointment is the second significant senior-level addition to the team in as many months.

A Chartered Accountant whose international career spans 20-plus years, he has a track record of propelling growth-oriented businesses toward success.

His most recent tenure as COO of a prominent brand has sharpened his capabilities in understanding and enhancing client operations, and also positioned him to harness the benefits of AAB’s Virtual Finance Function, particularly when businesses find themselves at critical junctures.

Bain said: “The opportunity to contribute to the exceptional growth trajectory of AAB and build on the impressive results we’ve already accomplished is exhilarating, ensuring that our clients receive top-tier, transformative financial solutions.”

Lauren McIlroy, head of the Virtual Finance Function at AAB, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Mark to the team. His expertise in finance technology and strategy aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing innovative and tailored financial solutions to our clients.”

James Hunt, head of Leeds, added: “Our Virtual Finance Function team now comprises 35 specialists who are based in offices across the UK and Ireland.

“With his deep insight into the challenges of owner-managed and PE-backed businesses, Mark will undoubtedly be a tremendous asset to this growing team.”

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Real estate developer and investor, Scarborough Group International (SGI), has promoted Paul Kelly to the role of managing director.

Kelly joined SGI in November 2015 as development director and, in September 2016, he was promoted to the board, where he has played a pivotal role in overseeing the delivery of key commercial and mixed-use developments across the North West, Wales and Scotland.

As managing director, he will assume additional Real Estate operational duties, allowing SGI’s chief executive, Simon McCabe, to focus on broader strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating the delivery of the group’s portfolio of projects, growing Scarborough Management Services and driving the Blueprint serviced offices brand.

McCabe said: “Paul has been instrumental in the success of our North West and residential divisions.

“His depth of experience and leadership will be crucial as we move into the next phase of our growth.

“This new role will allow me to focus on strategic initiatives and I am confident that under Paul’s guidance, the business will continue to thrive.”

Kelly is a Chartered Surveyor with more than 20 years of experience in the UK property industry, specialising in large-scale regeneration projects across residential, commercial and other sectors.

He said: “I am excited to take on this new challenge and build on the strong foundation we have established at Scarborough Group.

“My focus will be on driving forward our developments across the UK and ensuring we continue to deliver the high-quality projects we are known for.

“I look forward to working more closely with our talented team and continuing to support the company’s long-term vision.”

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Advisory, outsourcing and compliance group, Azets, has welcomed 35 new graduates and school leavers in its three Yorkshire offices in Leeds, Bradford and York.

In total, the group has recruited 333 new graduates and school leavers across its UK business in the past 12 months, with 201 joining in the autumn.

Damien Russell, Azets UK chief people officer, said: “We believe that nurturing young talent is fundamental to the future of our business and the success of our clients.

“Welcoming 333 new graduates and school leavers this year is a testament to our commitment to building a diverse and dynamic workforce.

“Our tailored apprenticeship and graduate programmes are designed to empower the next generation with the skills, experience, and professional qualifications they need to flourish into fine advisors.

“We’re excited to see the fresh perspectives and energy that these new colleagues will bring to our teams across the UK.”