People: Holden Smith; Williamsons Solicitors; GV&Co; and more

Holden Smith, a Yorkshire-based law firm, has promoted Ryanne Smith to director of residential property.

In her new role, Smith will oversee the firm’s team of 75 conveyancing staff and will split her time across the company’s five offices in Denby Dale, Elland, Leeds Crossgates, Horsforth, and Queensbury.

David Bancroft, co-founder and director at Holden Smith, said: “Ryanne joined us as a conveyancing assistant in the very early days of the firm, not long after we launched as a team of three people in 2019.

“Her hard work, dedication and passion for her job has been instrumental to the growth of the firm and we are delighted to announce Ryanne as our director of residential property.

“Under her guidance, we’re looking to grow our residential conveyancing team further as we head into our sixth year in business.”

Ryanne added: “The growth journey Holden Smith has been on since 2019 is astounding, and I have loved being a part of the ongoing success of the firm.

“I’m happy to take up this new challenge as director of residential property and look forward to working closely co-founders, James Smith and David Bancroft, to shape our growth strategy over the coming months.”

:::

From left, Eleanor Young, Neeve Pearce and Cathy Fairweather

Neeve Pearce, Eleanor Young and Cathy Fairweather have successfully completed training contracts with East Yorkshire-based Williamsons Solicitors during 2024.

Pearce, who is from Hull, is working in the probate department, and Young from Hessle, in the family and childcare department.

Fairweather, who is originally from Gateshead, is practising in the firm’s clinical negligence department. All three have now been formally admitted to the national roll of solicitors.

The 18-month supervised training contracts, in which the trio gained experience in a variety of disciplines, followed a period working as paralegals at the firm, which operates from Hull, Bridlington and Driffield.

Pearce said: “In the private client department I find it very rewarding to help people achieve an outcome which suits their needs and family life, and also to help them navigate what can be a very difficult time.”

Young said: “I have always known I wanted to practise family law but was concerned about the distressing nature and emotional impact of dealing with sensitive cases. My training has helped to address this.”

Fairweather said: “Clinical negligence cases very often follow traumatic incidents for clients, and I find it highly satisfying to be able to bring a little positivity to what can be bleak circumstances.”

Sarah Clubley, a Williamsons Solicitors owner-director, added: “We are always looking to foster the next generation of legal professionals are very pleased that Cathy, Eleanor and Neeve have started their careers with us.

“We are sure they have a bright future with us and wish them every success.”

Young went to Hessle High School and studied law at the University of Leeds.

Pearce attended Winifred Holtby Academy before studying at the University of Hull, with both completing their legal practice course at the University of Law, Leeds.

Fairweather studied at Teesside University, before completing her legal practice course at Northumbria University.

:::

Leeds-based property consultancy GV&Co is expanding its specialist lease advisory and asset management division, following the appointment of surveyor Ian Aghoghogbe.

Aghoghogbe graduated in Real Estate from Nottingham Trent University and has moved to Leeds from Warwick to take up the role.

GV&Co director, Niall Mackinnon, who heads the company’s lease advisory and asset management division, said: “Since we launched this division three years ago it’s gone from strength-to-strength with us now advising on a diversity of high calibre, multi sector work for a range of clients.

“As a result, we were keen to appoint a graduate like Ian who has a real passion for property and a relevant degree qualification to support our growth.”

Ian said: “From my first interview I felt that GV&Co would be a good fit for me, as everyone was really genuine.

“Working daily alongside an experienced team of directors, in Niall and Tom Preene, who are continually mentoring me, I feel I am getting a real mix of general practice experience, which was a key attraction.”

The lease advisory and asset management division of GV&Co assists investors in maximising capital value of their assets and helps occupiers in generating occupational cost savings.

It provides landlords and tenants with a range of services including rent reviews, lease renewals, expert witness reports, lease restructures, brokerage, agency, estates strategies, investment pricing and section 18 valuations for industrial and office properties.

:::

Leeds-based data consultancy company, Oakland, has appointed Sam Fearnley as its new head of people.

With a background in human resources across diverse sectors, she brings a wealth of experience and a passion for creating an environment where people can thrive.

She said: “The people experience is at the heart of our strategy. I aim to build on the solid foundations already in place and create an environment where everyone feels valued and inspired to do their best work.

“Oakland had already achieved Best Company World Class Status, but there is a clear ambition to reach even greater heights.

“After meeting with several team members, it was evident Oakland doesn’t just talk the talk; they genuinely walk the walk. The culture was inspiring, and I saw a great opportunity to contribute to an outstanding people experience.

“I was immediately impressed by the talent at the company and how our values are championed from the top. I was looking for a role where I could make a lasting impact and quickly felt at home here.”

Fearnley began her career in recruitment and quickly moved into HR roles in the care industry.