People: Andrew Jackson Solicitors; York Professionals; Enjoy Digital; and more
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors has promoted seven members of its team.
Hayley Neal and Ailish Ward have successfully completed their training contracts and qualified as solicitors.
They will continue to assist the property team across a broad range of commercial property transactions, with Ward utilising her experience of assisting with transactions for trusts and landed estates work.
Sam Bailey, Owain Greenfield, Grace Hanson, Papinder Nahl and Huanita Winn have been appointed as trainee solicitors and have embarked on their final formal training towards qualification.
Mark Pearson-Kendall, managing partner, said: “The firm’s success is built on developing strong relationships and nurturing the talent we have right across the firm.
“Hayley and Ailish – along with our trainees Sam, Owain, Grace, Papinder and Huanita – have already made a valuable contribution to our collective achievements, and we are delighted to support them.
“We wish them every success in their future careers with Andrew Jackson.”
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Six new faces are set to join the York Professionals’ Board of Directors.
Tracy Calcraft – Brainkind, Dawn Clements – York Museums Trust, John Lane – YorWealth Ltd, Sue Newton Denton – York College, Luke Norbury – Home Instead York and Joe Richardson – Partners PR joined the Board this month, further strengthening the organisation’s representation of the Business Support, Charity, Finance, Marketing and Partnership sectors.
The appointments come under the leadership of the new incoming chair of York Professionals – Susie Mortonson from Andrew Jackson Solicitors, who took over from Elliot Rich earlier this month.
Mortonson will steer the organisation over her three-year term, supported by the newly appointed vice chair – Lorraine Wilson from YorGuest.
Mortonson said: “I am happy to welcome Tracy, Dawn, John, Sue, Luke and Joe to the team.
“Our dynamic and enthusiastic Board of Directors are all actively engaged in business in York, mirroring York Professionals membership sectors, each bringing a different set of skills to the organisation.
“We currently have over 150 businesses in membership and are so much more than just a network – we are a community of professionals who want to prosper, and see the city’s economy flourish and we all play an active role in making that happen.”
York Professionals represents the professional services economy comprising various key sectors including business support, charity, creative & digital, finance, legal, marketing, people and property.
The organisation champions the professional services sector in the city, creating opportunities for members to do business by providing access to the city’s key decision makers and influencers.
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Enjoy Digital, a Leeds-based digital experience and performance agency, has promoted Andrew Ash to managing director.
Ash has played a pivotal role in the development of the company for over 15 years, most recently leading as operations director where he managed operational efficiency, scalability, and growth.
As one of the first five employees of the agency, starting as a search engine marketing manager, he steadily rose through the ranks, building the Performance team, before heading the Digital Marketing department.
He said: “I’ve grown alongside Enjoy Digital, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together.
“Our focus has always been on delivering real value to our clients, and I’m excited to continue that mission as managing director.
“We have a fantastic team, and I’m confident we’ll continue to achieve great things.”
“We’re keen to refine and hone our proposition based on the needs of our clients and to continue to provide them with fundamental services that drive real value to their business objectives.”
Chris Jackson, co-owner of the company, added: “Andrew has been instrumental in Enjoy Digital’s success and we are very excited for his tenure as MD.
“Andrew lives and breathes the values of the business and I have total belief that he can deliver both our short term and longer-term vision.”
“Culture at Enjoy Digital has always been front of mind and Andrew has been fundamental in driving that alongside his depth of knowledge of services we deliver to the highest quality for our clients.
“His deep understanding of our business, coupled with his passion for delivering exceptional client experiences, makes him the ideal person to lead us into the future.”
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DFS Furniture has confirmed John Fallon has informed the Board of his intention not to stand for re-election at the company’s AGM on 22 November 2024 and to step down from the Board at the end of that meeting.
The Doncaster-headquartered group has started an external search for Fallon’s replacement.
Fallon, who joined the group in November 2022, will remain with the group as the chief financial officer, throughout the remainder of the first half period, to ensure an orderly hand over, before leaving the business in mid-January 2025.
Steve Johnson, chair, said: “I’d like to express our thanks to John for his contribution as CFO.
“During his time with us, he has helped navigate the DFS Group through a challenging period and leaves a resilient business, well placed to grow.
“He has been an asset to the Board and we wish him all the best as he considers his next executive role.”
Tim Stacey, group chief executive, said: “John has made an important contribution over the past two years – and will leave the DFS Group in a strong position.
“I’ve appreciated his support and input as we have navigated some challenging macro-economic times and wish him great success in the next step of his career.
Fallon added: “The DFS Group is a great business, with many exciting opportunities ahead – and I am sure that the business will make the most of those opportunities in the years ahead.
“I’ve enjoyed my time with the group but now is the right time to start thinking about my next executive role.
“In the meantime, I am looking forward to continuing to work with the team through the Christmas trading period.”
