People: Brabners; The Bigger Boat; LCF Residential; and more

Independent law firm, Brabners, has strengthened its more than 50-strong corporate team with the appointment of partner Dan McCormack.

He brings more than 20 years’ experience to the corporate team.

Based in Leeds, he has a strong track record of supporting and delivering a wide range of mergers and acquisitions, management buy-outs (MBOs), group re-organisations, joint ventures and shareholders’ agreements at previous law firms including Lupton Fawcett and DLA Piper.

He recently played a key role in deals such as the MBO of DSG Chartered Accountants in Liverpool, as well as the acquisition of North Brewing by Kirkstall Brewery and the disposal of Chapmans Agricultural to private investment group GIL Investments.

He joins Brabners’ corporate practice, working with colleagues across Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Lancashire, which supported a deal book of almost £800m last year.

Nik White, managing partner, said: “Dan brings valuable experience to our team across the North, underpinned by his exemplary work in the region over the past two decades.

“His expertise and extensive contacts in the Leeds and wider Yorkshire advisory community will prove invaluable for the ongoing growth of our corporate team, which is supporting a wide range of important deals both nationally and internationally.”

McCormack added: “M&A has benefited from more certain operating conditions this year and, with the Government’s economic agenda now set out, we would expect to see that continue into 2025.

“Brabners has an established reputation as one of the most active advisers across the North, so I’m looking forward to working with the team to support clients old and new in pursuing their growth plans.”

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Integrated marketing agency, The Bigger Boat, has added three new team members and made several senior leadership appointments.

As part of this phase of growth, the business has integrated the acquired PR agency Scriba into The Bigger Boat brand and established a dedicated PR department.

The Mirfield-based agency has bolstered its design and digital marketing capabilities with the addition of three professionals, including Karla Robbeson as senior designer, Rodger Dumisani as a midweight designer and Max Singh as SEO manager.

Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, Robbeson brings nine years of expertise in layout, branding, UI, and social media content design.

Her experience spans a range of B2B and B2C industries, including fintech, beauty, and e-commerce.

A University of Huddersfield graduate with a degree in graphic design and animation, Dumisani brings six years of experience working across in-house and agency roles with brands such as Asda, McCain Foods, and Riso Gallo.

Skilled in brand design and motion graphics, he has collaborated with clients across the hospitality, retail, and engineering sectors.

Meanwhile, Singh returns to The Bigger Boat after starting his career as a digital marketing intern at the agency in 2019.

He has since gained significant experience, progressing to SEO consultant at Manchester agency UNRVLD (formerly Kagool & Delete).

Specialising in technical and on-page SEO, he will now lead SEO strategies and client campaigns at The Bigger Boat.

These hires coincide with key leadership appointments to support the agency’s growth and enhance its service offering.

Emma Heslop is now commercial director, overseeing client satisfaction, retention, and profitability.

Alison Croston takes on the role of director of strategy and growth, focusing on creating effective client strategies and achieving results aligned with the agency’s vision.

Carrie Webb has been appointed head of communications, managing content, PR, and social media services, and Louise Jaggar continues as operations and HR manager, ensuring efficient business processes.

The Bigger Boat has also created new roles for internal promotion within the team, including PPC and tracking manager, junior social media manager, and digital account manager, allowing team members to specialise in key areas and deliver outstanding results for clients.

Managing director and co-founder, Andy McCaul, said: “These latest hires and promotions demonstrate our ambition to deliver exceptional work for our clients while fostering a culture where talent can thrive.

“Karla, Rodger, and Max bring a lot of valuable experience to our growing team, and we’re happy to welcome them aboard.”

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LCF Residential, the conveyancing division of Yorkshire law firm LCF Law, has appointed solicitor, Rabiya Zafar and conveyancing assistant, Ben Hopwood.

The duo join senior licensed conveyancer, Tracey Lynam and paralegal, Toni Nicholson at LCF Residential’s Ilkley office.

Lynam, who lives locally and has family in the town, is also a trustee and director at the Clarke Foley Centre.

She said: “We have a busy office with a great reputation. In the past three years we have significantly grown the business and have successfully built on our relationships with local estate agents and community groups to become the go-to conveyancing firm in Ilkley and all its surrounding towns and villages.

“It’s important to keep that momentum going and increase the size of our team to service our ever-growing client base.”

Both Zafar and Hopwood are experienced at working with home buyers and sellers, as well as estate agents and mortgage lenders.

Julie Davis, head of LCF Residential, said: “LCF Residential’s team in Ilkley have plenty of experience acting for buyers, sellers and lenders and are dedicated to making property transactions as smooth as possible.

“It’s great to welcome two new team members, especially with the current stamp duty thresholds coming to an end in March 2025, making it a really busy few months ahead with many buyers looking to complete as quickly as possible.”

LCF Residential has a 27-strong team based across its offices in Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate and Ilkley.

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Wakefield-based off-site manufacturing specialist, Thurston Group, has appointed a new HR director as it looks forward to continued growth in 2025.

The company achieved a record turnover of £51m for the year ending October 2023.

Liz Scott joins the team with 24 years of HR experience under her belt, including six years as head of HR at industrial and engineering services company, Actavo.

Matt Goff, managing director, said: “Liz’s appointment represents Thurston’s continued effort to ensure we’re providing the best product and service to our clients and demonstrate our commitment to becoming the employer of choice.

“Liz brings vast experience from across the manufacturing spectrum, which is sure to help us build on the high standards our clients and team already expect from us.”

Scott added: “Thurston’s focus on innovation and growth, along with its commitment to employee development, is what drew me to the role.

“As HR director, I’m excited to lead initiatives that enhance our workplace culture, champion diversity, and support the talented team driving Thurston’s success.

“With such a dedicated workforce, I’m confident we can make Thurston a destination employer in the manufacturing sector.”