People: Ware & Kay Solicitors; Irwin Mitchell; Harron Homes; and more

Ware & Kay Solicitors, which has offices in York, Wetherby, and Malton, has promoted Akeel Hussain to associate in its Litigation & Dispute Resolution Department, effective from 1 December 2024.

Since joining Ware & Kay, Hussain has become a valued member of the team, recognised for his expertise in handling a wide range of complex litigation matters.

His work includes residential landlord and tenant disputes, breach of contract claims, professional negligence cases and debt recovery.

In his new role as associate, he will continue to deliver tailored legal advice to a diverse range of clients, including property owners, landed estates, farmers, and agricultural businesses.

He will also advise commercial and residential landlords on possession claims, recovery of rent arrears, insolvency, contentious probate, contested business lease renewals, dilapidations, and property ownership disputes.

Additionally, Hussain will provide counsel on partnership and shareholder disputes. 

He graduated from the University of Central Lancashire with a Law degree and a Master’s in Legal Practice, qualifying as a solicitor in 2021.

Originally from Keighley, Hussain joined Ware & Kay in 2023, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his time at a Manchester-based firm.

He said: “I am honoured to take on the role of Associate at Ware & Kay. The firm has an excellent reputation for providing outstanding legal services, and I am excited to continue advising our clients on a wide range of dispute resolution matters.”

Johanne Spittle, director and head of litigation & dispute resolution, added: “Akeel’s promotion to associate is well-deserved recognition of his dedication, expertise, and contribution to the team.

“His ability to navigate complex legal matters and deliver exceptional client service makes him a key asset to the department and the firm. We look forward to seeing him thrive in his new role.”

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Irwin Mitchell has introduced a new regional lead partner (RLP) role, aimed at driving growth in Yorkshire and the Humber and enhancing collaboration across teams to help even more clients.

Serving a fixed three-year term, Kat Wainman, partner (Lifestyle & Estate Planning), will focus on expanding Irwin Mitchell’s presence in Yorkshire and the Humber, fostering collaboration, and aligning efforts across teams.

She will work with client-facing teams, business development, and marketing experts to maximise regional market opportunities, client sharing, and impact as a responsible business in local communities.

Irwin Mitchell has focused on regional expansion in recent years, opening new offices in Brighton, Cardiff, Liverpool, and most recently Nottingham. The full-service law firm also passed £300m revenue for the first time in 2024.

Louise Lumley, group chief client officer, said: “Our new regional lead partners are set to be instrumental in our future success.

“By enhancing team collaboration and connectivity, these roles will unlock new opportunities and bolster our regional market presence.

“I am enthusiastic about the future these roles will help us build and the positive impact we will continue to make in our communities.”

Jon Scarsbrook is the new RLP in South Yorkshire.

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Leeds-based Harron Homes Yorkshire has appointed Katie Charlesworth as sales and marketing director.

She returns to the company after five years working both as a consultant and heading the sales function for a smaller high-end developer, bringing a wealth of experience and fresh perspective to the role.

Her journey with Harron Homes began when she was promoted to sales and marketing director in 2013.

She said: “When I joined the business in 2013, there were just five developments across the whole company. By 2017, the North Midlands region was created, and now there are over 20 developments across both regions, so it is an exciting time to rejoin the business.

“With a renewed focus on customer satisfaction and cross-departmental collaboration to deliver homes in the right way, first time, every time, I am confident we will achieve our goals.

“We have a strong, knowledgeable team of people, across all departments in our business, who are truly enthusiastic about Harron Homes. It is wonderful to see familiar faces working just as hard now as they were during my previous tenure.”

Neil Reaney, managing director of Harron Homes Yorkshire, added: “We are thrilled to have Katie back at Harron Homes.

“Her deep understanding of the industry, strategic mindset, and passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences make her the ideal person to lead our sales and marketing efforts.

“Katie’s leadership will be invaluable as we continue to grow and navigate the challenges of today’s market.”

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YPO, one of the UK’s largest public sector buying organisations, has appointed Joanne Grigg as its head of HR and people services.

Grigg, who has over 35 years’ experience of strategic and operational HR in the public sector, joins the Wakefield-based organisation from West Yorkshire Combined Authority, where she held the role of head of HR for the past six years.

During that time, West Yorkshire achieved a devolution deal and elected its first mayor in 2021.

Before that she led the team providing a range of HR services to schools at Bradford Council and has also held senior roles at Kirklees Council.

She will manage YPO’s Human Resources, Talent and Development and Business Services teams and implement the organisation’s Our People Strategy, which sets out how YPO values and treats its people.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to getting started. YPO is an organisation that I have been a customer of in my various roles for many years and it is great to be joining such an important and well-respected organisation.

“I can hopefully bring lots of experience from my previous roles in the public sector and I look forward to putting that to use and continuing to help YPO be a great place to work.”

Julie Hawley, executive director – finance, added: “This key appointment will allow us to further embed Our People Strategy and provide a strong focus on continuing to create a thriving workplace and enabling us to be the best we can be.”