People: Scarborough Group International; Andrew Jackson Solicitors; Haith; and more

Scarborough Group International (SGI), a property regeneration and placemaking specialist, has appointed Deb Hetherington as director of innovation ecosystems.

A self-employed innovation consultant and prominent figure in the Norths’ health, tech and digital sectors, Hetherington currently holds several key roles across the public and private sector, helping to shape strategies for regional growth.

She is a growth consultant, with a keen interest in the field of artificial intelligence where she advises businesses on their AI adoption journeys.

She is also an Associate at Leeds Beckett University, where she supports research in the field of AI adoption and a Forum member at the Productivity Institute, contributing to the discussion on improving SME productivity for increased national economic impact.

In her role as executive director at Leeds Digital, she supports the social and economic growth of the region’s digital community.

Prior to establishing Hey Innovation, Hetherington held the position of head of innovation at Bruntwood SciTech, where she developed and executed innovation strategies for developments across the UK.

In her new role at SGI, she will focus on creating pathways that connect businesses with opportunities across the group’s developments while strengthening partnerships with local universities, NHS trusts and other key stakeholders.

Her work will centre on two flagship projects: Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park and the Old Medical School in Leeds.

Hetherington said: “Through my experience working on multiple developments and building networks across innovation sites around the world, it’s become increasingly clear that the most important element for success is in the strength of partnerships within those ecosystems.

“Building impactful and strategic relationships across public and private sector, with a shared vision and a strong appetite for collaboration, is key to growth.

“SGI’s projects are uniquely positioned to harness these connections, and I’m excited to join the team at such a pivotal stage to help shape and expand their innovation strategy and footprint.”

Kevin McCabe, founder and chairman of SGI, added: “Deb’s appointment reflects our commitment to advancing our innovation agenda.

“Her expertise in building ecosystems and her deep understanding of the needs of digital and tech businesses make her an invaluable addition to our team.

“We’re confident her leadership will help us realise the full potential of Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park and the Old Medical School in Leeds, creating thriving hubs for innovation and economic growth.”

:::

Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors has welcomed Jessica Richardson as a partner in the agricultural and landed estates team, further strengthening the firm’s client services offer across the region and beyond.

Richardson, who joins Andrew Jackson from another large regional practice, has extensive experience acting for landed estates, farmers, farm businesses and charitable trusts with agricultural property.

Representing owners, buyers and lenders, she has expertise dealing with all aspects of the ownership, sale and purchase of agricultural and other rural land.

With complementary skills in estate management, her practice also involves the grant, management and termination of agricultural and other tenancies of farm land, including former farm land, and the securing possession of agricultural holdings.

Geoff Phillips, partner, and head of the real estate and property department at Andrew Jackson, said: “I am pleased that Jessica has joined Andrew Jackson Solicitors.

“As demand for our services continues to grow, including in the agricultural sector, her detailed knowledge of regulatory frameworks and environmental considerations allows Jessica to assist landowners in ensuring that they comply with the large and complex range of statutory requirements relating to agricultural and other rural land.”

Helen Mellors, partner, and head of the firm’s agricultural and landed estates team, added: “Jessica is a great addition to our regionally recognised team.

“Her knowledge, expertise and proactive approach will help us ensure we can continue to provide the highest standards in service and value for our clients.”

:::

Trevor King has joined Doncaster-based manufacturer Haith as the company’s head of operations.

He will oversee production, electrical, design, fabrication, scheduling and plan the company’s workflow.

King will also be involved in mentoring and developing the knowledge and skills of Haith’s production team.

Managing director, Duane Hill, said: “Trevor has a wealth of experience across various manufacturing operations.

“He is time-served in technology, engineering and agricultural manufacturing businesses and has a track record of implementing world-class manufacturing processes.

“In his last role, he introduced systems and processes that increased production by 40 per cent.

“As well as being an expert in production improvements, he is also proven in leading, coaching and mentoring people.

“We are very pleased to welcome Trevor to Team Haith and are confident he will be a valuable addition to our senior management team.”

Before joining Haith, King was head of operations at HK Timbers, where over five years he transformed the traditional manufacturing business into a lean, agile operation and also spent time as the company’s interim managing director.

He said: “Haith is an incredibly well-respected company, a leader in its market, and I am really looking forward to the challenge this new role offers me.

“I am excited to combine my manufacturing, commercial and people development experience to help this ambitious and forward-thinking company realise its commercial goals.”

Coinciding with the new appointment, John Nicholls has assumed the role of after sales service & installation manager, taking on responsibility for all after-sales functions.

:::

The founder and former boss of a South Yorkshire transport company has taken on a new trustee role.

David Price, formerly managing director of Price Express Transport Ltd, has joined the Board of South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF).

He established his business in 1979 from his parents’ home. Over nearly four decades, he grew Price Express Transport into a successful logistics company operating in a niche market across the UK, before selling in 2015.

He holds “The David Price Charitable Fund” with SYCF, which supports local charities aligning with his passion for helping young people back into work, education or training and projects reducing social isolation amongst older people.

Price said: “I’ve spent my lifetime living and working in South Yorkshire, so when I sold my business just over 10 years ago, I wanted to find a way to help more disadvantaged people in the region.

“Through a personal fund, South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation has enabled me to achieve that. But I wanted to do even more, so I’m absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to help make a bigger difference by becoming a trustee.

“SYCF is a unique organisation which does some incredible work, particularly supporting the real grassroots groups in our region. I’m proud to be a part of the team.”

He joins SYCF’s 15-strong Board of Trustees led by chair, Chris Booth-Mayblin.

Ruth Willis, CEO of South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation, said: “David has incredible business acumen and a wealth of knowledge and experience which will be a huge asset to our Community Foundation as we continue to make a positive difference across the region.

“Every one of our volunteer trustees play an essential role in leading and governing our organisation as we strive to create a healthier, fairer and stronger South Yorkshire.”