People: Avant Homes; ProBiotix Health; Aberfield Communications; and more

Wakefield-based Avant Homes West Yorkshire has strengthened its senior team with the appointment of a construction director to support the housebuilder’s delivery of its multi-tenure strategy.

Andy Smith, who joins from residential developer Gleeson Homes, has more than 35 years’ experience in the construction and housebuilding industry.

In his new role, he is responsible for Avant Homes West Yorkshire’s delivery of its new homes build programme.

This comprises homes for the private market, affordable housing partners and private rented sector (PRS) providers.

He is leading the office-based and onsite construction teams and contributes to the strategic direction of the regional business at board level.

Smith said: ““Our multi-tenure strategy is complementary to the Government’s policy on housebuilding and is allowing us to deliver our vision of providing quality new homes, for everyone.

“I have joined a region that is clear about its purpose and look forward to leading a construction team full of talent and ambition.

“By providing homes for private sale and to our affordable housing providers, we are ensuring more of our practically designed, energy efficient new homes are available to those that need them.”

Avant Homes West Yorkshire currently has nine live developments ranging from Odette’s Point in Keighley to Sorby Park in Waverley.

In June, Avant Homes West Yorkshire announced it had agreed a £4.3m deal with Manningham Housing Association.

The deal saw the developer construct 20 new homes at its Odette Point development in Keighley for the Bradford-headquartered housing association.

Avant Homes West Yorkshire’s managing director, Richard Hosie, said: “Andy has a wealth of knowledge within the construction and housebuilding industry, making him an excellent addition to our senior management team.

“He has a strong track record in successfully delivering new home build programmes and his experience will play a pivotal role in driving forward our multi-tenure strategy within the region.”

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ProBiotix Health, a Wakefield-based life sciences business developing probiotics to support cardiometabolic health, has confirmed that, Frederik Bruhn-Petersen has been appointed as a non-executive director of the company.

He is currently working in a managing role for Holdingselskabet af 29 Juni 2010 Aps, an investment vehicle of the Bruhn-Petersen family.

Bruhn-Petersen is an entrepreneur and is the co-founder of RobinHus A/S, a real estate brokerage in Denmark, driving the business from its start-up phase to a national franchise based operator, before ultimately selling to Denmark’s largest real estate player, EDC A/S.

He has a Masters of Law Degree from Copenhagen University.

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Eleanor Burgin and Ian Briggs

Leeds-based integrated PR and communications agency, Aberfield Communications, has appointed Eleanor Burgin as a PR consultant.

She joins Aberfield from the Civil Service, where she worked as an external affairs officer in the Government Legal Department, focusing on Government communications and stakeholder management.

After completing a degree in Sociology at the University of Liverpool, she initially gained experience as a consumer insight analyst, before pivoting to communications.

She has also gained valuable experience in creating engaging social content, having built a strong influencer presence in the animal care space with her Doberman and Miniature Dachshund duo, @ViktorandKlaus.

With a core following in the UK, US and Australia, Burgin has secured Viktor and Klaus collaborations with high street and independent pet care brands including Pooch & Mutt and Tag and Tailor Dogwear.

She said: “I am thrilled to be joining Aberfield Communications and progressing my career in the PR and communications industry.

“Aberfield’s strategy and commitment to purpose led communications aligns with my values and ways of working. It’s also great to be back working on the right side of the Pennines!”

Ian Briggs, Director of Aberfield, added: ‘As we move into the final quarter of another highly successful year for Aberfield, we are pleased to be welcoming Eleanor and leveraging her expertise in consumer insight and communications.

“With a growing client list and numerous exciting projects in the pipeline, we are proud to be continuing to grow the team and continue the momentum established this year into 2025 and beyond.”

Burgin will be working with a selection of clients, including Compleat Foodservice, Sofina Europe, NG Bailey and Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana.

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Sheffield-based pharmaceutical company, B Braun Medical, has confirmed that its managing director, Michael Parden, has been elected as a Member of The Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire.

Celebrating 23 years in service at B Braun, this appointment recognises Parden’s significant contributions to the local community and B Braun’s commitment to the Sheffield City Region.

In 2023, Parden was appointed as a Freeman of The Company of Cutlers of Hallamshire for the County of Sheffield in collaboration with the Master Cutler.

The Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire, established in 1624, plays a crucial role in maintaining the standards of Sheffield-manufactured products and promoting the interests of the manufacturing industry in the region.

Membership is highly selective and granted only to individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and make substantial contributions to the local industry.

Parden said: “Becoming a Member of The Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire is a tremendous honour. I am excited about the opportunities it provides to further support Sheffield’s business and charitable landscape.

“At B Braun, we believe in investing in our local community, and this recognition allows us to deepen our engagement and help shape the future of the region.”

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