People: Caddick Group; Avison Young; Legal Studio Solicitors; and more

West Yorkshire-based developer and contractor Caddick has appointed Jessica Herman as its new head of ESG and sustainability.

She will lead on the delivery of Caddick’s ESG strategy, “Places for Life”, across all divisions of the business.

The strategy was launched publicly in 2023, and its vision is to lead in creating the best places in the country, redefining what it means to support people and the environment. 

Herman joins from sustainability consultancy JustOne UK, where she was associate sustainability director, with Caddick being a key client.

She brings over eight years of sustainability and real estate experience to the role, having previously been senior sustainability advisor at JLL, where she worked to drive forward its sustainability strategy across the UK.

She has now joined the team as a full-time employee and will work with Caddick’s senior leaders who form part of its ESG Taskforce and lead governance of the Places for Life strategy.

Myles Hartley, managing director and ESG lead at Caddick, said: “We’re pleased to have Jessica join our team and lead our ESG agenda towards our goals for 2025 and beyond.

“As one of the largest privately-owned developers in the country, we want to not only give back to the local communities of today, but to also invest in the future generations by creating welcoming and sustainable places.

“Our Places for Life vision is about fostering collaboration across all Caddick businesses, engaging our colleagues, partners, clients and residents in meaningful conversations to build a more inclusive, equal, and sustainable future. With her expertise and broad experience, Jessica will be able to lead our ESG ambitions brilliantly.”

Herman added: “I’m thrilled to be joining the Caddick team during this exciting time of growth and innovation across the business.

“This newly created role will be a great opportunity to spearhead the Places for Life vision and support our wider purpose, while empowering our colleagues, communities and wider stakeholders to help achieve a positive impact at every stage.

“I’m looking forward to leading our ESG ambitions as part of the inclusive and progressive Caddick workforce.”

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Global real estate firm, Avison Young, has promoted Jill Goodman to MD of the firm’s lease advisory team.

The promotion follows her appointment as a principal at Avison Young earlier this year, after nearly 14 years with the business.

Based within Avison Young’s Leeds office, her extensive career has seen her play a key role in both Lease Advisory and Office Agency, as well as leading the firm’s NHS Property Services contract.

As the new strategic lead for the national team, her new role will see her managing a team of 11 and responsible for their financial performance.

She will also be overseeing new initiatives to help facilitate growth and increase sustainability within the team.

Goodman said: “I’ve seen our team go from strength-to-strength in recent years and I’m proud to now be stepping into the MD position to help continue that trajectory.

“There have been a number of significant external market shifts during my time at Avison Young and I’ll be using that experience in my new role to facilitate the best results for our clients and growing the talent within the team.”

Nick Walkley, principal and UK president of Avison Young, said: “I’m confident Jill will continue to build on the team’s success, leveraging her deep respect for her colleagues and her ability to adapt to post-COVID market shifts.

“I’m sure she will foster collaboration across key sectors – including industrial, office, agency, and building consultancy – positioning Lease Advisory to deliver the best outcomes for our clients and the wider Avison Young business.”

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Philip Williams has joined Leeds-based Legal Studio as a consultant solicitor – specialising in Private Client.

Prior to joining Legal Studio he began his career at Addleshaw Goddard in Leeds and London and has since held positions at Wrigleys Solicitors in Leeds and as a partner at Harrowells Solicitors in York and North Yorkshire. 

He specialises in Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Probate.

Legal Studio CEO, Ian McCann, said: “It’s fantastic to have Philip join Legal Studio and we’re looking forward to helping him enjoy work again.

“We’re really pleased to have strengthened our Private Client offering and can’t wait to introduce Philip to both our consultants and clients.”

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South Yorkshire-based recruitment agency, Stafforce, has appointed Danny Marshall as operations manager for its specialist Ports division.

Operating from nine hubs around the UK, Stafforce Ports is a subdivision of the Nicholas Associates Group of companies.

In his new role, Marshall will be responsible for driving operational excellence across the division, supporting operations managers nationwide, and contributing to the growth and success of the Stafforce Ports brand.

He brings extensive experience in operations management. His responsibilities will include supporting new site launches, troubleshooting operational challenges, and implementing best practices to enhance efficiency and service delivery.

Tim Platt, brand director, said: “We are excited to welcome Danny to the Stafforce Ports team. His appointment aligns with our vision of becoming the largest supplier of port labour in the UK.

“With our current operations in eight of the Freeports, Danny’s expertise will be invaluable as we continue to expand and strengthen our footprint across the country.

“We are confident his focus on operational excellence and growth will help us achieve our ambitious goals.”

Marshall added: “I am thrilled to join Stafforce Ports and contribute to the division’s continued success.

“The opportunity to support our operations managers and drive operational excellence nationwide is something I am passionate about.

“I look forward to working with the team to ensure we meet our objectives and deliver exceptional results for our clients and candidates.”