People: Lupton Fawcett; JLL; Objective; CLOUD NINE; and more

Lupton Fawcett, which has offices in Leeds, Sheffield and York, has recruited two new colleagues as part of its plans for growth in 2025.

Harjit Singh, senior associate in the firm’s commercial property team, and associate Jonathan Exall, who specialises in dispute resolution, both started the new year at the law firm.

Singh qualified as a solicitor in 2016, and his role includes all aspects of commercial property alongside experience of complex transactions such as collective enfranchisement, right to manage, escheat, and bona vacantia.

He said: “I am excited to work with such a talented team and to contribute to the firm’s success. I am looking forward to helping clients achieve their long-term goals through innovative and effective solutions.”

Exall had roles with regional and national firms before joining Lupton Fawcett and deals with complex and high value commercial litigation including shareholder disputes and breach of commercial contracts alongside regulatory disputes relating to export controls, trade and logistics.

He said: “The firm has high profile clients in the region, and nationally, and I am eager to assist them. I am also excited to be joining a renowned dispute resolution team and continuing to maintain the highest standard of client care.”

The two new additions to the team are the first in a group of new hires in January which form part of the firm’s strategic plans.

James Richardson, managing partner, said: “I’m happy to welcome Harjit and Jonathan to the team, strengthening our offering in commercial property and dispute resolution.

“Alongside further recruitment news, which we will be sharing in the coming weeks, these appointments bolster our position as we enter a new year, and we look forward to delivering the best results for our clients.”

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JLL has confirmed its latest round of promotions in Yorkshire.

The global real estate services firm has made seven promotions across its Industrial & Logistics, Building Consultancy and Value & Risk Advisory teams in Leeds.

Harry Fullerton has been promoted to director in the Industrial & Logistics team, having previously been an associate at the firm for over three years.

Meanwhile, Anna Marland, Ben Fairhurst and Luke Hanwell are all now associates supporting the Value & Risk Advisory, Industrial & Logistics and Building Consultancy teams respectively.

Christabelle Day, who has been at JLL for over six years, has been promoted to senior surveyor along with Bailey Fleming and Jonty Pounds.

Tom McWilliams, head of Yorkshire and the North East at JLL, said: “These promotions demonstrate the quality work that our team has delivered for our clients, driven by their incredible commitment and work ethic.

“By continuing to invest in our team, we are working to ensure that we provide a high-quality service for businesses in Yorkshire.

“They are also a reflection of the positive working environment that we have built at JLL, where our employees are given the opportunity to develop their abilities, allowing them to progress in their careers.”

Harry Fullerton, industrial and logistics director at JLL, added: “I’m looking forward to taking on a new role as director, leading the brilliant industrial and logistics team that we have built here in Yorkshire.

“JLL is a business that invests in its people and recognises the importance of giving us the support we need to develop and progress, as shown with this latest round of promotions.”

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Sheffield B2B creative marketing agency Objective is strengthening its team with two new appointments.

Tyler Moran-Healy, who graduated from Sheffield Hallam University, joins as a creative designer.

Ben Shaw, who has progressed through the Objective Digital Marketing team, has been promoted to digital marketing manager.

He too is a Sheffield Hallam University graduate and a Google accredited digital marketeer.

Managing director, Dan Broadbent, said: “We are happy to further strengthen our award winning B2B creative marketing team.

“In his new role Ben will lead on content development, at a particularly exciting time for the agency, following the launch of our innovative B2B Insights Platform.

“Our unique AI powered technology identifies content most likely to engage B2B audiences.

“B2B Insights is yet another way to ensure our digital marketing campaigns generate more B2B sales leads on behalf of clients.

“Tyler brings unmatched enthusiasm for developing outstanding B2B content.

“Our investment in fantastic people, and sector leading infrastructure, has helped us generate more than £1m of qualified B2B sales leads, in a single client campaign.”

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Julian Kynaston, founder and CEO of Propaganda Brand Consultancy, has been confirmed as the new brand director for CLOUD NINE, a hair styling tools company.

Kynaston will take on this role alongside his existing responsibilities at Propaganda and as chair of GenM.

This move further solidifies the intertwined history of the two Yorkshire-based brands, with Propaganda initially playing a pivotal role in creating CLOUD NINE back in 2009, and the haircare brand recently reappointing Propaganda as its lead marketing and creative agency.

This seven-figure account, previously held by IMA Home, was awarded to Propaganda without a pitch.

CLOUD NINE is embarking on growth plans targeting global retail and e-commerce.

Kynaston and the Propaganda team have experience creating brands across hair and beauty. Kynaston previously acted as marketing director at ghd haircare, delivering the first positioning for the brand and launching it to overseas audiences. He also created beauty brand Illamasqua.

Kynaston said: “After a 14 year absence I’m back to shape up the world of styling irons! I have been working closely with the CLOUD NINE team since they re-engaged with Propaganda last August.

“After many discussions with the shareholders and CEO, I’ll now be helping to deliver their ambitions as brand director.

“Given the shared history between Propaganda and CLOUD NINE, we have an inherent passion for the brand, and we also have a point to prove to the current market leaders.

“We’re looking forward to making a huge impact on styling tools and challenging the status quo once more.”

Martin Rae, owner and founder of CLOUD NINE, added: “We’re so proud of everything that we’ve achieved at CLOUD NINE over 15 years, but there’s always a desire to do more.

“We want to leave a legacy – and we want to really step into our role as the only challenger brand to the market leader.

“No one has made more of an impact in the world of styling iron branding than Julian Kynaston, so bringing him back on the team just felt like the most logical thing to do.

“We’re excited to continue working closely with Julian and the Propaganda team.”

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BGF has made several Northern appointments as part of its transition to Partner titles within its Investment and Portfolio teams.

Barry Jackson has been promoted to regional partner, building on his leadership across Yorkshire and the North West, with his expanded role now including the Midlands.

Since joining BGF, Jackson has played a central role in the growth of BGF’s portfolio.

Harry Jones and Pinesh Mehta have been promoted to partner and will lead the investment team and activity in the North West.

Chris Boyes has been promoted to partner and will lead the investment team and activity in Yorkshire.

Jill Williams and Spencer Woods, who cover portfolio company activity across the North of England, have also been promoted to partner.

Each of these individuals has played a critical role in supporting BGF’s investment approach and relationships with portfolio companies.

Their combined expertise covers sectors such as technology, healthcare, and professional services, ensuring support for businesses at every stage of their growth journey.

Jackson said: “I am pleased to step into this role and continue our work in driving growth and innovation across UK businesses.

“Our team’s dedication and deep regional and sector connections are key to delivering exceptional support to our portfolio businesses.”

Andy Gregory, CEO, added: “The transition to partner titles is an important evolution for BGF’s Investment and Portfolio teams, designed to enhance transparency in career progression and foster further collaboration across the UK.

“This initiative underscores BGF’s commitment to empowering our teams and recognising the vital role they play in achieving shared success.”