People: Wrigleys Solicitors; Harron Homes; Abingdon Health; and more

Yorkshire-based legal specialist, Wrigleys Solicitors, has created a new position within the firm and made a raft of promotions across several departments and offices.

Building on the momentum of last summer’s introduction of associate positions, Wrigleys has revealed the role of managing associate.

The role is designed to offer a structured career path for those committed to advancing their careers at the firm. It recognises exceptional legal expertise, leadership potential, business acumen, and the ability to contribute to the firm’s strategic goals.

12 associates have been promoted into the position, including:

• Orlando Bridgeman – probate, tax and estate planning
• William Foley, property
• Mike Ford, charities and social economy
• Maria Graylen, property
• Isabel McIver, trusts and Court of Protection
• Bella O’Keeffe, probate, trusts and estate planning
• Michelle Pugh, trusts and Court of Protection
• Donna Radcliffe, property
• Kimberley Rhodes, probate, tax and estate planning
• Alexandra Slater, property
• Caroline Wilson, property
• Aurea Wilson, probate, trusts and estate planning

Marie-Louise Hamilton, managing partner, said: “Our introduction of the managing associate role is the result of extensive research and valuable feedback from our team.

“It reflects our steady commitment to being a firm that not only delivers best-in-class service to clients but fosters a culture of growth.

“We know that to build a team of true specialists, we must nurture talent and provide clear paths for professional development.

“The role is fundamental to ensuring stewardship for the future, and we are excited to see the developmental growth that will undoubtedly come from those who step into the new position.

“Congratulations to all our new managing associates who will undoubtedly pave the way for many more in the future.”

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Harron Homes has welcomed Sarah Marsden as its inaugural group operations director.

She spent over 14 years at Gleeson Homes, where she rose to the role of divisional managing director.

Her journey began unexpectedly in 2000 when she moved to Yorkshire and took on a sales executive role at NorthCountry Homes.

She said: “I fell into housebuilding by chance. I moved with my family and was recommended for a sales role, which fit perfectly around childcare. The rest is history.

“It’s such a fulfilling industry. Customers place immense trust in us when buying one of the most emotional and expensive purchases of their lives.

“That’s why it’s so important to offer an exceptional customer experience and produce homes we’re proud of.”

At Harron Homes, she will work across the company’s Barlborough, Colton and Morley offices, focusing on enhancing the group’s internal processes and fostering a cohesive company culture.

Marsden added: “As a whole company, we must be dedicated to deliver quality homes, and that depends on all departments working seamlessly together.

“I’ll be working to create unity between the two regional business units, streamlining processes, modernising operations, and finding the heartbeat of the business.”

James Poynor, group managing director, added: “Sarah’s depth of experience and passion for the housing industry make her the perfect fit for this newly created role.

“Her focus on collaboration, modernisation, and culture aligns perfectly with our vision. I am confident Sarah’s leadership will drive positive change and help us achieve new levels of success.”

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York-headquartered Abingdon Health has appointed Tom Hayes as chief financial officer and a director of the company.

He will join Abingdon – a medical diagnostics test manufacturer – on 6 January 2025 on a part-time basis and will assume the full-time position by April 2025.

Hayes has significant capital markets experience having spent the last 10 years as group finance director at Northern Bear, an AIM-listed Group of 10 specialist building services companies assembled through an acquisition strategy.

He has previously held roles at Sentio Insight, a boutique advisory firm, providing a range of financial due diligence and transaction services, and Ernst & Young LLP, gaining corporate finance advisory experience in the private equity, corporate and public sectors.

He qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Arthur Andersen & Co.

Dr Chris Hand, executive chairman of Abingdon Health, said: “This is a key time for Tom to join as we continue our growth, consolidate our recent acquisitions and expand our activities into the USA via our Madison, WI base.

“Tom has over 25 years’ experience, particularly with AIM-listed companies, having worked as group finance director at Northern Bear plc and prior to this in advisory roles.

“2025 is going to be an exciting year for Abingdon with our upcoming growth plans and Tom with his expertise will be a great addition to the business.”

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The Alternative Board (TAB) has confirmed it is enhancing its support for business leaders across Wakefield.

The business advisory firm has responded to increased demand for leadership support by appointing local man Liam Prendergast as joint owner of TAB Wakefield.

TAB has been operating in the Wakefield area for nearly 13 years, with Simon Banks at the helm since 2021.

It is currently working with over 20 local business leaders, delivering its peer board sessions alongside one-to-one coaching.

The new partnership will enable Banks and Prendergast to welcome even more local businesses to TAB, bolstering support for local SMEs as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of 2025.

Prendergast said: “The coming year holds significant promise for Wakefield businesses, with optimism growing despite economic uncertainties.

“TAB’s proven track record in the district has led to increased demand for our services and I am happy to be working alongside Simon and many hardworking local business owners to bring even greater success to our community.”

He has been a part of the TAB community since 2021, leveraging his passion for operational sales and marketing execution to help businesses thrive.

He has established his first TAB peer board with local firms including Swan Environmental, Water Hygiene Solutions, The Hey Group, Cantidad and Sampson Products meeting once a month to share their leadership experiences.

The board focuses on addressing common business challenges such as recruitment, skills retention, staff development, and exit planning.

Prendergast added:”Running a company can be exciting and exhilarating but it is often also quite an isolated role which is why we so often hear the phrase ‘it’s lonely at the top.’

“It doesn’t have to be. At TAB, we give members a vital outlet to share their day-to-day challenges with peers in leadership roles.

“Our community of like-minded individuals fosters collaboration and camaraderie, creating a supportive environment where ideas flourish.

“We’ve seen first-hand that when leaders perform well, their businesses thrive.”

Strengthening TAB’s local offer through their new partnership, he and Banks plan to expand TAB’s network, launching additional boards and coaching sessions throughout 2025.