People: Wake Smith Solicitors; Carnegie School of Sport; Quantum Consult; and more

Corporate M&A and venture capital specialist Tom Goff has joined Wake Smith Solicitors to lead its Corporate team, significantly expanding its legal offering to the region’s growing businesses.

He specialises in advising founders, entrepreneurs, investors and corporates on the full life-cycle of corporate transactions, from angel and venture capital investments though to strategic mergers, acquisitions and exits.

A former City of London-based solicitor, he becomes head of corporate at Wake Smith and will lead the firm’s five-strong team, advising on all aspects of equity and debt financing, intellectual property protection, technology transactions, share incentives, re-organisations, directors’ duties and corporate governance matters.

Goff, who has degrees in Artificial Intelligence and Law, said: “The Sheffield city region has a long and enviable history as a world-class centre of makers, collaborators and innovators.

“I am incredibly proud of the spirit and commitment the people of my home town are known for. It is fantastic to see the region building on that legacy as it continues to attract global talent and investment.

“Wake Smith has its own proud legacy of supporting the industries and people of Sheffield and South Yorkshire.

“As a leading law firm headquartered here in Sheffield, I am happy to join the team and thrilled at the opportunity to help advance the next generation of growth and innovation here in our region.”

Within his 12-year legal career at international law firms, Goff also spent nearly two years as a senior investment manager at the British Business Bank, the UK’s economic development bank, also headquartered in Sheffield.

He made and managed equity investments in several high tech businesses in the aerospace and defence sectors, attending board meetings of a number of portfolio companies.

Neil Salter, chairman at Wake Smith Solicitors, said: “Tom’s hire is an important addition for Wake Smith and reinforces the Wake Smith marque.

“This is as an incredible opportunity to bring a new skills set into the firm at a time when Sheffield and the wider South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire regions are attracting investment, unlocking growth and achieving ambitious plans especially in manufacturing technology and processes, advanced materials and health and life-sciences.”

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Leeds Rhinos legend and current RFL board member Jamie Jones-Buchanan has been appointed a member of the Advisory Board for the newly launched Executive Master of Sport Leadership course, offered by the Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University.

Jones-Buchanan spent over two decades playing for Rugby League side Leeds Rhinos before becoming chair of the RFL Inclusion Board with the role of director of culture, diversity, and inclusivity at the club.

He said: “It’s a great honour to be a part of the Advisory Board for this new course.

“Leeds Beckett is a large part of my journey, and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to shape the careers of the future leaders of sport.

“The course incorporates equality, diversity, and inclusion, three values that are vital to the progression of those working in sport and the industry itself.”

The Executive Master of Sport Leadership is designed to elevate the careers professionals with five or more years of experience to make the leap to C-suite and executive leadership roles, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of modern sport.

The course covers a wide array of topics, from strategy and commercial growth to high performance culture and sustainability, all while keeping Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at the forefront.

As chair of the RFL Board, Jones-Buchanan’s role is to break down barriers and enhance the inclusion of rugby league and his influence will extend through this new role within the Advisory Board.

Dr Sara Ward, director of executive education at the Carnegie School of Sport, said: “We are thrilled to have a character of Jamie’s stature on the Advisory Board.

“He is someone with a strong link to the city of Leeds and the university, and his career is nothing short of inspirational.

“His current role as director of culture, diversity, and inclusion at Leeds Rhinos aligns perfectly with the course’s overarching goal to equip future leaders with the necessary skills and insights to accomplish success in the evolving sports industry.”

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Leeds-based quantity surveying and construction dispute resolution specialist Quantum Consult has strengthened its team at its Thorpe Park offices with the appointment of a new consultant to respond to the needs of a growing client base.

Joe Ford brings nine years’ experience to his new position, including working in-house for a major Yorkshire-based cladding contractor and within an independent consultancy where he worked with clients in all areas of construction.

A major part of his role will be to work closely with company founder and director Stephen Pilling to support clients in adjudication cases – a form of dispute resolution which offers an alternative to full legal proceedings.

Ford said: “What is most satisfying about my role is being able to focus on helping clients in difficult situations find a resolution.

“Often clients in stressful contract disputes are unable to see the wood for the trees, but there is always a way forward providing they know where to begin and what steps to take.

“Supported by a team of highly experienced colleagues, I will be advising clients on the actions required to resolve their disputes and guide them throughout the process to achieve the best possible outcome.

“And we are in a superb location to service clients at Thorpe Park, an important hub of Yorkshire’s construction and property development sectors.”

Quantum Consult is a division of the Quantum Group of companies which provides a range of services to contractors and sub-contractors in the construction and engineering sectors.

The group works with clients regionally, nationally and internationally from its HQ at Thorpe Park and additional offices at Royton near Oldham, providing quantity surveying, contract management, business consultancy and procurement support, as well as dispute resolution services.

Group director Stephen Pilling added: “It is fantastic to have Joe on board and I’m sure he will make an important contribution to the growth and long term success of Quantum.

“His varied experience is ideally suited to the needs of our clients, many of whom are SME specialist sub-contractors who value being able to outsource their critically important contract administration and management obligations to our team.”

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Leeds-based home furnishings business, Riva Home, has revealed key leadership changes and appointments.

Justin Green (former managing director) will take the role of CEO, leading the company in executing its growth plans.

Joining him in this leadership overhaul is Ed Banfield, who steps into the role of managing director after seven successful years with the company.

He has been instrumental in Riva Home’s growth to-date, previously serving as both head of e-commerce and trading director.

Banfield has an in-depth understanding of the company’s operations, technology and customer base.

Lloyd Evans will now become buying director, where he will oversee the company’s expanding product selection, ensuring it remains on the pulse of market trends and consumer demand.

Supporting these roles is Hannah Norbu, finance director, who brings her extensive financial experience from her tenure at GHD, Premier Farnell and more.

The new structure is further strengthened by the appointment of Paul Fitzpatrick as the new trading director.

He joins with 37 years of experience in textiles and a background in sourcing, strategic trading and account management.

He will be instrumental in optimising Riva Home’s commercial and retail relationships as the company expands its reach.

Company CEO, Justin Green, said: “We are thrilled to bring together a team of this calibre to drive the business forward.

“Each member brings unique strengths and a commitment to our vision, which will be essential as we focus on scaling our operations and meeting the evolving needs of our customers.”