People: Textile Centre of Excellence; Spike; Mills & Reeve; and more

After 25 years at the helm, Bill Macbeth, managing director of Huddersfield’s Textile Centre of Excellence, has retired.

He played a key role in helping the industry navigate apprenticeships, Brexit, Covid-19 and shifting Government policies.

As a former national and local Skills policy leader, he influenced UK and European employment, education and ICT policy.

He served as president of the European Regional Information Society Association (2000 – 2003) and was a director of the UK Fashion and Textiles Association.

Macbeth also represented the UK on the Euratex Director Generals’ Group in Brussels, leading on skills strategy.

A trustee of the environmental charity, Cobbett Environmental Trust, he was awarded an OBE in 2013 for services to Education and Skills.

He said: “I’ve been lucky to work with some incredible people – directors, members, partners and our brilliant team. The Centre is in great hands. Exciting times lie ahead.”

Under his leadership, the Textile Centre of Excellence launched major initiatives, including the Manufacturing Leadership Programme, Design Incubator, the Textile Innovation Programme, Manufacturing Skills Brokerage, and Future Fashion Factory.

Stepping into the role of managing director of the Textile Centre of Excellence is Shahban Aziz.

The former senior funding manager for the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE), brings expertise in education, funding and industry leadership.

Aziz has advised on £2.7bn in Government apprenticeship funding and held leadership roles at Kaplan and BPP Professional Education Group. He also serves as a director and trustee at Young Citizens.

He joins the Board of Directors and the executive team, working together to promote education and encourage growth and innovation in the sector.

Aziz said: “Bill’s efforts have undoubtedly shaped the sector, setting a strong foundation for the future.

“The centre has a rich history of training and innovation. I’m excited to build on Bill’s legacy and help drive the industry forward.

“As a world-class training provider for textiles and manufacturing, we have exciting plans for growth to support the UK’s skills needs.”

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Leeds-based digital marketing agency, Spike, has appointed Said Lopez as head of AI.

He brings over a decade of expertise in machine learning (ML), automation, process improvement and digital transformation.

In the past four years, he has spearheaded artificial intelligence (AI) and ML initiatives, driving innovation and delivering impactful results for venture capital-backed companies.

His extensive experience includes leadership roles at companies such as Flexitallic UK and Ilke Homes, where he integrated AI-powered solutions to enhance operational efficiency and innovation in manufacturing environments.

In his new role at Spike, the first of its kind for the business, he will spearhead the development and deployment of the agency’s AI tools, helping to accelerate the impact of Spike’s marketing strategies and deliver greater value and measurable results for its clients.

Rob Powell, founder and director, said: “AI is going to revolutionise marketing as we know it, and we’re thrilled to welcome Said to our team to ensure we remain at the forefront of the technology.

“He has a breadth of experience, as well as an incredible passion and energy that I know will help take our innovative AI and digital transformation strategies to new heights.

“I can’t wait to see the impact he’ll make not only on how we work, but also the successes we drive for our clients.”

Lopez added: “I’m really excited to be joining Spike at such a pivotal time for the agency. The bold move toward AI-driven digital transformation is a forward-thinking direction, and I can’t wait to help bring it to life.

“It’s inspiring to be part of a team so committed to pushing the boundaries of technology.

“The talent and potential here are incredible, and I’m looking forward to helping elevate their capabilities, empowering them to become the best versions of themselves and deliver even greater value for our clients.

“I can’t wait to get started, working alongside the leadership team to shape the future of digital marketing and take Spike to the next level.”

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National law firm, Mills & Reeve, has welcomed Laura Johnson to its Leeds insurance disputes team.

Johnson, who is joining as a principal associate, has a wealth of experience in handling complex, high value professional negligence claims.

Her primary area of expertise is acting on the defence of claims against professionals in the construction sector (including architects, engineers, and design and build contractors). She also handles claims against lawyers and professionals in the financial sector.

Her appointment marks a return to Mills & Reeve for Johnson, who spent more than 11 years at the firm before joining DAC Beachcroft in 2022 as a senior associate.

Neil Howes, partner and head of Mills & Reeve’s insurance disputes team in Leeds, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Laura back to team.

“She is an excellent lawyer with an outstanding reputation advising on high value and complex disputes and she will be a superb addition to our growing team.”

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Abzorb, a West Yorkshire-based provider of flexible mobile, connectivity, and unified communication solutions has appointed Mike Walker as business development manager.

Walker brings with him three decades of industry experience with previous appointments in channel sales teams at Inter-Tel and NEC.

Louise Purdie, head of indirect, Abzorb, said: “Mike’s appointment augments our team considerably with his experience, enthusiasm and knowledge helping Abzorb to grow its partner base and boost business growth.

“He will be working closely with partners strengthening relationships and simplifying communications. He will be enabling partners to accelerate opportunities in mobile, connectivity and unified communications.”

Walker added: “This industry never stands still and that’s what makes it exciting, you never stop learning and developing robust relationships with partners is what it’s all about.

“Our single portal is a fantastic tool to simplify day to day business for our partners and this coupled with building and nurturing relationships are key to long-term business success.”