People: Walker Morris; HJ Consulting Engineers; and more

Walker Morris has appointed Laura Pilkington as its new innovation lead, the first of its kind for the Leeds-based firm.

It follows the recent appointment of its chief information officer, Julia Elliot.

Pilkington joins Walker Morris with a well-established background in legal and technological innovation.

Qualifying as a lawyer in 2011, she has built extensive experience within the employment sector, having worked for over nine years at Pinsent Masons.

Later, she joined Addleshaw Goddard as an employment lawyer and then made the decision to pivot into the innovation space in the role of senior manager in the firm’s growing Innovation and Legal Technology team.

She said: “The opportunity to join Walker Morris as its first innovation lead was compelling. I was attracted by the firm’s engaging and progressive ethos and its clear commitment to drive innovation.

“Specifically, I will be working closely with our lawyer and business services teams to embed an innovative culture.

“My role will also involve facilitating and driving transformative ideas and developing customised solutions for our clients with a specific focus on generative AI.”

Jeanette Burgess, managing partner, added: “Laura brings a wealth of experience and a passion for improvement through innovation.

“Under her stewardship, we are aiming to improve client services, increase lawyers’ engagement with the project teams, and maximise the benefits of our AI offering.

“The appointment complements that of our first chief information officer late last year, with both Laura and Julia advancing our ambitious growth strategy.

“We are confident in achieving these goals with great people in post.”

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HJ Consulting Engineers, a Yorkshire-based civil and structural engineering consultancy, has appointed Andrew Fairburn as its new managing director.

With over 30 years of experience in the engineering industry, he has played a pivotal role in the success and growth of the business.

Since he joined the firm in 2022, it has led major projects across infrastructure, commercial, residential and telecoms, driving innovation and delivering engineering solutions.

Fairburn said: “I am honoured to step into this role at such an exciting time for HJCE.

“Our team’s dedication to excellence and innovation has positioned us as a trusted partner in the industry.

“I look forward to leading the company into its next phase of growth, fostering collaboration, and continuing to deliver high-quality engineering solutions to our clients.”

As managing director, Fairburn will focus on expanding the company’s portfolio, strengthening client relationships, and driving sustainable and cutting-edge engineering practices.

Established in 2008, HJCE employs a team of 23 engineering specialists and continues to recruit additional staff to strengthen its team and meet demand for its civil and structural engineering services.

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Hull-based educational charity, Run With It, has appointed a new administration and charity co-ordinator to its team as part of its continuing growth across the Humber region.

Stephanie Sewell, from Grimsby, has spent her career working in administration, events and fundraising before joining Run With It, which helps raise the levels of literacy and numeracy amongst learners who benefit from being educated through real life experience.

Lisa Dawson, director of Run With It, said: “We are so pleased to welcome Stephanie to the team – and she has already hit the ground running.

“This is the first time we’ve had a dedicated admin and charity co-ordinator.

“It’s a vital role as we continue to expand our reach to help more children across more regions and Stephanie’s experience is just what we’ve been looking for.”

Run With It works out of four sites north of the Humber, at Hull’s MKM stadium, Flemingate shopping centre in Beverley, Bridlington Town Football Club and Sewell Group Craven Park in East Hull.

The charity has also recently expanded its operations to cover Lincolnshire, including North and North East Lincolnshire, inviting schoolchildren to learn at various sites such as Humberside Airport and the Hampton by Hilton Hotel, as well as with Scunthorpe United and Grimsby Town’s community teams.

Sewell said: “I am thrilled to be part of Run With It. As a mum to four boys, each with their own unique learning styles, I deeply resonate with the charity’s mission to deliver engaging and interactive learning experiences to young people – and above all to make learning fun.

“It’s been incredibly rewarding to see first-hand the profound impact the charity has on its learners.

“I’m thoroughly enjoying my role and feel privileged to contribute to such a meaningful cause that’s making a real difference in the lives of so many young people.”