People: Clarion; John Howe & Co; Modo25; and more

Leeds-based law firm, Clarion, has welcomed 14 new team members across the business in the third quarter of 2024.
New additions include Alex Mathias, who joins the Real Estate team as associate, working on a variety of commercial real estate matters with a focus in real estate finance.
He acts predominantly on the lender side for various high street and challenger banks on a mix of investment and development finance instructions, as well as acting for borrowers on larger transactions and refinances.
James Watson joins the Real Estate team, dealing primarily with residential conveyancing transactions.
With over 13 years of experience in the legal sector, he has honed his approach to delivering the best service to clients both regionally and nationally. The addition of Watson to the team will support the firm’s residential property specialism and investor clients.
Clarion has also appointed four paralegals: Alina Hutnyk in the Intellectual Property team, Angela Nako in the Costs and Litigation Funding team, Chloe Lazenby in Real Estate and Qasim Ali in Court of Protection.
An additional three apprentice paralegals, Isobel Symonds, Michaela Lowry and Olivia Tinson, have also joined the Costs and Litigation Funding team.
Clarion has welcomed three external candidates as new trainees, with Alicia Pursnani in the Corporate team, Max Holton joining the Real Estate team and Niamh Darren in Real Estate/Construction.
In the central operational teams, two new starters have joined, with Johnny Wong appointed to the front of house while Jenna Hale has joined as account management assistant.
Roger Hutton, joint managing partner, said: “We’re thrilled to continue to see the growth of our team with these talented new hires this quarter.
“These appointments are not only crucial to our growth strategy, but also a reflection of the wealth of exceptional talent in the region.
“We are committed to fostering a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment, and I look forward to seeing our new recruits play a key role in delivering plans and contributing to our goals as a firm, nurturing client relationships and advancing their skills and professional development.”
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From left, Georgia Phillips, Paramveer Singh and Raqeeya Zaman
Law firm John Howe & Co has appointed two new solicitors and promoted a dedicated team member.
The firm, which celebrates 30 years in business this year, has hired Raqeeya Zaman as a solicitor and Paramveer Singh as a trainee solicitor. Georgia Phillips has been promoted to paralegal.
Bradford University graduate, Zaman, joins with a background in property law and litigation, bringing a wealth of experience in conveyancing.
She advises both commercial and individual clients on a variety of property and commercial matters.
After obtaining a BA (Hons) in History at Warwick University, and a Graduate Diploma in Law and LPC at the University of Law, Singh has begun a training contract with the Pudsey-based firm. He is due to qualify in 2026.
He was inspired by his family’s property development business, where witnessing the importance of proper legal support gave him a keen interest in the legal aspects of the industry.
University of Leeds graduate Phillips, who initially joined John Howe & Co as a receptionist, has been promoted to the role of paralegal.
Her journey into the legal world began after completing her degree during the pandemic, which was largely remote learning.
In her new role, she will be working across a wide spectrum of clients, supporting fee-earners in various legal matters.
Phillips, who graduated with a law degree from the University of Leeds in 2023, is also training for qualification under the SQE pathway.
John Howe, founder and managing director, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Raqeeya and Paramveer to our team and to see Georgia progress in her career with us.
“All three will play a vital role as we continue to support a huge range of clients with a broad spectrum of legal working during our third decade in business.
“I am looking forward to seeing the three of them grow and develop their legal prowess.”
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From left, John Readman and David Hart
Leeds-based digital marketing agency, Modo25, and the team behind the AI reporting and forecasting platform ASK BOSCO® has appointed David Hart as a new board member.
He brings extensive experience as a former digital agency owner and multiple software-as-a-service (SaaS) founder, further strengthening Modo25’s strategic leadership as the agency continues to drive innovation in marketing technology.
Hart co-founded the digital agency Codegent in 2004, which he later merged with Thin Martian before selling to Konekt Group.
In addition, he has successfully launched and exited four side projects, showcasing his ability to turn new ideas into thriving businesses.
He also co-founded ScreenCloud, a SaaS digital signage provider with a global presence with offices in the USA, Europe, and Asia.
After relocating to California to spearhead ScreenCloud’s US operations, Hart stepped away from the day-to-day to focus on helping other agencies spin out their own SaaS products.
He now serves as a non-executive director of four SaaS companies and is the author of Productized: Stop Selling Time & Transition to Selling SaaS.
In his role as a board member, he will work alongside CEO John Readman and COO Abi Liddle, providing governance, strategic guidance, and support to the organisation.
Hart said: “I’m excited to join Modo25 at such a dynamic time for the business. The agency has built something truly special with ASK BOSCO®, and I see significant opportunities for growth in both the digital marketing and MarTech space.
“I look forward to working with John, Abi, and the wider board to support Modo25’s continued innovation and expansion.”
John Readman, CEO, added: “David’s experience in the SaaS industry, combined with his entrepreneurial mindset, will be invaluable as we continue to expand and develop innovative solutions, particularly with our ASK BOSCO® platform.”
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Associated British Ports (ABP) has welcomed Steven Clapperton as the new head of marine in the Humber.
He joins ABP from the Port of London Authority (PLA) where for the last three years he has been in the role of director of marine operations.
He arrives in the Humber as an experienced maritime industry leader with over 30 years’ experience in the sector to lead the Marine team which comprises over 300 people and includes the Humber Marine Pilots.
Prior to the Port of London Authority, Clapperton worked at the Port of Tyne, where he was maritime director and harbour master.
Before this, he had an extensive seagoing career, working as a harbour pilot, and spent time working in marine consultancy, including a period on secondment to an international oil major.
Simon Bird, regional director, said: “Steven brings a wealth of experience to the role, having been a pilot and a master mariner; and with his strong background in port management, it’s great to appoint him in the Humber, the UK’s busiest port complex.
“His leadership and knowledge in such an important role are vital for overseeing the shipping movements in what is the UK’s busiest trading estuary with 17% of the seaborne trade coming through our ports.
“I want to thank Fred Firman who has covered the role since the former head of marine, Paul Bristowe was appointed as chief of staff (group).”
Clapperton said: “I am excited to be to joining ABP as head of marine Humber, as we embark on the delivery of our five-year strategic plan.
“I’m particularly focused on safety-led cultures and working collaboratively to make the right decisions in relation to our values.
“I’m looking forward to meeting our customers and stakeholders, collaborating with new colleagues, and working together to deliver safe, efficient, and cost-effective marine operations, contributing to our twin missions of Keeping Britain Trading and Enabling the Energy Transition.”
Clapperton has held several voluntary roles including being a trustee of the Tyne Rivers Trust and is a member of the board of the Guild of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST).
He is a master mariner and associate fellow of the Nautical Institute and is an advocate for seafarers’ welfare and for the health of the UK’s rivers.