People: Switalskis; Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre; Yorkshire Laser and Fabrication; and more

Law firm Switalskis has welcomed four new future solicitors as part of its ongoing growth across Yorkshire and its expanding presence in London. 

The new intake includes graduate apprentice solicitors Emily Bosworth, Sana Mahmood, and Harry Aukett alongside trainee solicitor Polina Tureac.

Bosworth and Mahmood have worked at Switalskis since 2022. Bosworth worked as a wills advisor at the Wakefield office and takes her first seat in the wills and probate team.

Mahmood worked as a care paralegal in the Bradford office and moves to residential conveyancing for her first seat.

Aukett becomes the first graduate solicitor apprentice in London’s clinical negligence team, as Switalskis continues to strengthen its presence in the capital.

Tureac joins the clinical negligence team as a trainee solicitor based in the firm’s York office.

Amy Clowrey, director and solicitor in the Child Abuse compensation team and training principal, said: “We’re pleased to welcome such an impressive cohort of future solicitors.

“Our programme offers two fantastic routes to becoming a qualified solicitor. We have carefully developed our Qualifying Solicitors Programme (QSP) to make qualification more accessible for aspiring solicitors.

“It’s also great to have two of our current employees work towards becoming solicitors – testament to our commitment to developing our people.”

Tim Halstead, chief operating officer, added: “Recruiting and retaining the right people is fundamental to our growth and progression.

“We’re particularly excited about further expanding our London team with our first graduate solicitor apprentice based there.

“All of our future solicitors are part of our wider commitment to developing legal talent and providing clear career progression within our business.”

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B Braun Medical Ltd managing director, Michael Parden, has joined Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) Strategic Advisory Board.

The role involves advising on the delivery of the AWRC strategy, particularly with respect to private-sector engagement.

The Strategic Advisory Board comprises key representatives from the public and private sectors who collectively support the AWRC to achieve its strategic objectives, assist in identifying and developing new priority areas and recommend actions to effectively seize these opportunities.

The AWRC’s mission is to transform lives through innovations that help people move.

It brings together researchers, communities, businesses, clinical services and the public sector to co-produce solutions to key global challenges relating to physical inactivity. Its research, innovation and knowledge exchange places a particular focus on the reduction of health inequalities in the region.

Parden’s role as part of the Strategic Advisory Board will help to inform the development of action plans to address priorities, integrating activities across research, business engagement, skills development, and partnerships.

The board also advises the AWRC on the necessary evidence to inform future programmes and help identify market demand.

Parden will play an important role in informing the AWRC’s strategic delivery, using his wide-ranging industry experience and strong community connections.

He said: “I am deeply honoured to join the AWRC Strategic Advisory Board. I look forward to contributing to the AWRC’s mission and fostering a stronger relationship between B Braun and our local community.”

“This is a unique opportunity to share my insights and experience, and to learn from others involved in this important initiative.

“I am committed to ensuring that our collaborations create benefits for the Sheffield city region and beyond, enhancing the lives of individuals and contributing to the growth and prosperity of our city.”

Jason Brannan, deputy director of the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, added: “The AWRC Strategic Advisory Board (SAB) has been important for us in ensuring we garner the best understanding of what is happening outside of the AWRC across all sectors, and how to effectively engage with this to benefit the health and wellbeing of the region and beyond.

“The makeup of the SAB reflects the wide range of audiences that we have, and Michael’s appointment continues our long running association with B Braun Medical whilst providing hugely valuable insights into the interface between industry and academia.”

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A West Yorkshire laser cutting and sheet metal fabrication firm has added a new manager to its sales team.

Richard Binks, who joins Normanton-based Yorkshire Laser and Fabrication (YLF) to work alongside sales director John Miller as sales manager, has worked in the sheet metal industry since leaving school at 15.

Starting out sweeping the shop floor, he has worked his way through the industry taking on roles in welding, powder coating, CNC machining operating folding, punching and laser cutting machinery before taking on sales and successfully contributing to business growth.

Binks said: “The sheet metal industry is in my blood. Having experience across all elements of sheet metal fabrication means I am confident reading drawings in front of customers and talking them through the materials, manufacturing processes and finishing options available to them with first-hand knowledge of having worked with those materials and processes.

“I am pleased to have joined Yorkshire Laser. It is a forward-looking company made up of fantastic people all committed to providing customers with the best product and service possible.

“My initial focus is on bringing in new business to Yorkshire Laser although I’m also looking forward to getting to know our existing customers over time.”

Away from work, Binks has a keen interest and involvement in grassroots football. A former goalkeeper, he played semi-professional football in Bradford for two seasons before returning to club football.

Today he volunteers as commercial director for a West Yorkshire club, looking after sponsors on match days and maximising opportunities to secure further sponsorship for the club.

Yorkshire Laser’s managing director, Matt Orford, said: “Richard has a strong background in the sheet metal industry and first-hand experience of many of the services we offer. He is a valuable addition to our sales team.”

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Caddick Construction has welcomed Jason Clarke into its newly created role of design director.

Clarke will lead the business design function with a focus on the Building Safety Act, while helping to shape the future of Caddick’s design management capability, quality and regulation across Yorkshire and the North East.

He joins the business having worked as a director at DLA Architecture for over 30 years.

During his time there he worked across multiple sectors and oversaw the design and delivery of many complex and high-profile schemes, including Central Square in Leeds, Hyatt Hotel in Leeds and Trinity Walk in Wakefield.

He said: “My relationship with Caddick spans many years having worked with their fantastic teams during my time at DLA, helping to design and deliver several of their most high-profile schemes in the region, such as Headingley Stadium in Leeds and Vangarde Retail Park in York.

“More recently this has included their new state-of-the-art headquarters at Calder House in Wakefield, where I will now be based in my new role.

“Using the ever-changing legislative landscape as a framework for change, I look forward to bringing my previous experiences, perhaps offering a slightly different perspective, to help shape the design and delivery narrative at Caddick.

“I look forward to working with the team to streamline design, procurement and construction to adjust to meet tighter standards, offering reassurance to clients and other stakeholders alike.”

Steve Ford, regional managing director at Caddick Construction in Yorkshire and the North East, added: “As a client, having worked closely with Jason for over a decade now on numerous schemes, I have seen first-hand the level of technical rigour, quality and engagement that he strives for.

“He will add huge value building and leading a strong team as the Caddick business continues to grow and we continue to invest to attract the very best talent.

“With his unique perspective of independent architectural consultancy, Jason’s presence in our team will allow us to evolve our offer through early design engagement and output, which will be invaluable for our clients.”