People: GV&Co; DJH; Northern; and more

Leeds-based property consultancy, GV&Co, has appointed a surveyor, as part of its strategic growth plans for its building surveying division.

Sam Alderson joins after spending a decade working for his family construction firm, while also completing a masters degree in building surveying.

He said: “Having worked alongside my father and grandfather since I was 15, I’ve always been interested in construction and property, and after graduating with a business management degree, I helped my family to modernise their construction business, whilst working as a site foreman.

“During this time, I embarked on an MSc in building surveying, which I completed within a year, while still working for the business.

“I felt like a career move into building surveying would give me a good balance of office and on-site work and play to my estimating, negotiating and project management strengths.

“I joined GV&Co because it’s an opportunity to work with a highly experienced team who are clearly very committed to their clients and work across all types of commercial projects spanning retail, office and industrial developments.

“The division is led by three directors who are all supportive, and I’m going to embark on another two years of study whilst working, to become fully chartered.”

Director, Gavin Ritchie, from GV&Co, said: “Sam is a great appointment for us as he has both the technical know-how and on-site experience to hit the ground running and construction is in his blood.

“He’s hugely capable, reliable and driven and we are confident that he will be popular with clients.”

In his new role, Alderson will be working for landlords and tenants providing a range of services including surveys for acquisitions, dilapidations and refurbishments, as well as carrying out project management work.

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Accountancy and business advisory firm, DJH, has appointed Andrew Byram as client services director at its office in Morley, near Leeds.

Byram, who specialises in working with owner-managed businesses, joins from Hentons, where he worked as a director, bringing with him over 25 years of industry experience serving businesses across Leeds and West Yorkshire.

Alongside directors, Claire Howarth and Stephen Tucker, he is set to drive the growth of the DJH brand across the region, supporting businesses with accounts and tax advisory services.

Howarth said: “We’re really pleased to welcome Andrew to DJH. His arrival is another step in our growing Yorkshire presence.

“Our speciality is owner-managed businesses, and Andrew’s wealth of knowledge in that area will be vital for both our client’s success and the development of our team.”

Byram added: “I’m really excited to join DJH, to work with both existing clients, as well as grow our portfolio of owner-managed businesses.

“I’ve seen DJH’s growth in the Yorkshire region and the specialist services that it offers. Both were key in my decision to join. I’m looking forward to playing my part in the next step of the company’s journey.”

Outside of his day-to-day role, he is also heavily involved in the running of Thornhill Trojans Rugby League Club, where he has been the secretary since 1998. He is also a keen runner for Dewsbury Road Runners.

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Northern has appointed Alex Hornby as its new commercial and customer director.

From 18 November, he will lead the train operator’s sales, marketing, commercial development and customer experience functions.

Hornby, who was born in Liverpool and now lives in Harrogate, studied transport management at Aston University in Birmingham.

Prior to joining Northern, he worked for McGill’s, the UK’s largest privately-owned bus operator, where he was group managing director.

He has held a number of senior roles in the bus industry, including that of managing director and then chief executive of Transdev Blazefield between 2015 and 2023. He was also commercial director of trentbarton from 2010 to 2015.

Tricia Williams, managing director of Northern, said: “Alex has a brilliant track record of creating customer-centric services and products that grow demand.

“His experience in public transport, mostly in the commercial bus sector, will be a great addition to our director group and we’re thrilled to have him on-board.”

Hornby said: “This is an incredible role and I’m excited to get started. With the support of colleagues across the network and the potential for growth in the region, I know we have the ability to power economic growth.

“We can also be a valued asset to our customers, supporting their communities and helping to generate prosperity across the North of England.”

In the role of commercial and customer director, Hornby replaces Mark Powles, who is leaving the train operator at the end of December after a handover period.

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A North Yorkshire’s spa and wellness destinations is set to have a new manager.

Richard Coates is joining the Swinton Estate team as head of the Swinton Country Club, just outside Masham.

He is a familiar face around many hotel gyms and spas nationwide, having spent 20 years in the leisure industry managing multiple sites.

He started as a trainee fitness instructor, advancing his career as a regional manager. More recently, he has been running his own health and fitness company.

Coates said: “I am very excited to be taking up this role, I have admired Swinton since my first visit when it opened in 2017.

“It has absolutely amazing facilities, from the gym and spa to the outdoor natural pools, holistic therapies, all complemented by superb outdoor spaces.

“This blend of spa, fitness and wellness is an excellent model for guests and members, and I’m keen to develop our offer as the very best in the region.”

Paul Hunter, general manager, said: “Health and wellness is core to the Swinton Estate experience.

“We encourage guests not only to enjoy the extensive facilities within the country club, but also take full advantage of our wider 200 acres of gardens and parkland, which features a spa garden, woodland wellness space with hammocks, wild swimming lake open all year round, and miles of trails and walks with some of the finest views in Yorkshire, across the wider 20,000 acre estate.

“We are happy to have Richard on board to grow our team and further develop the Swinton Country Club.”

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