People: Taylor Emmet; Dennis Distribution; Industrial Textiles and Plastics; and more
Taylor Emmet has appointed Will Forsdike as head of its dedicated Court of Protection team.
He specialises in managing property and financial affairs, with a particular focus on supporting individuals who have experienced brain injuries, and those who have received substantial pay-outs requiring financial management.
Forsdike and his growing team also provide comprehensive services including deputy applications for family members and administration of Lasting Powers of Attorney.
He said: “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to shape a department from the ground up at Taylor Emmet.
“We aim to support people through a comprehensive and integrated service experience, particularly for those involved in Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence cases.
“We’re positioned to offer continuity of care and support, ensuring our clients feel comfortable and well-supported throughout their journey with us at Taylor Emmet.
“I look forward to building a team that understands the unique challenges our clients face, providing personalised support that goes beyond just managing financial affairs.”
Steve Hinshelwood, CEO, added: “Will’s appointment as head of Court of Protection further ensures clients receive integrated support across all our services.
“Will has a vision for creating synergies between our Personal Injury, Clinical Negligence, and Court of Protection services, which will ultimately provide our clients with a more cohesive experience throughout their legal journey.”
:::
Family-owned Malton-based food haulage company, Dennis Distribution, has started 2025 with a series of promotions within its transport team and a growing list of food clients across Yorkshire and beyond.
Andy Iveson who has worked with the company for 10 years has been promoted to the position of general manager of operations, Alex Ferguson has stepped up as transport manager, Stuart Wood with his extensive experience will serve as planning manager, while Joshua Pickering takes on the role of technical planning co-ordinator.
The recent promotions have taken place as a result of growth which the company experienced in 2024, expanding its customer base of food and drink businesses across the UK and Europe, including fellow Yorkshire business, Annabel’s Strawberries and Essex-based Kismet Kebabs.
The company also celebrated its centenary last year. It now employs more than 60 people with the third generation of the family Katie Dennis, who took over the business in 2001, leading as senior partner.
Katie Dennis said: “Our growth over the past years has been driven by the hard work and commitment of our team, many of whom have worked with us for a number of years.
“The internal growth of our team reflects their dedication and commitment to delivering a trusted and high-quality service to all of our customers and also marks the next chapter of our growth plans.
“I am looking forward to continuing to support them and our wider team to continue to develop their careers with us.”
:::
Easingwold-based manufacturer of protective textiles for construction, Industrial Textiles and Plastics (ITP) Ltd, is supporting its global expansion with the appointment of Carl Morse as managing director.
With 30 years of senior leadership experience in the manufacturing industry, including successful tenures with international companies supplying cutting-edge technologies, he brings a wealth of expertise to the position.
He will oversee ITP’s strategy to develop worldwide markets across a diverse product portfolio, which includes protective building membranes for roof and wall applications, ground gas barriers, sheeting for scaffolding and temporary fencing, acoustic barriers, debris netting, defence products and keder sheeting.
Morse said: “I’m very excited to be joining a forward-thinking, quality-driven company known for its technical innovation.
“With an extremely knowledgeable and experienced senior management team, ITP has pioneered the development of standards in engineered protective textiles for construction.
“The company has become a leading advocate of flame-retardant technologies and clarity in fire safety testing and certification, serving as a valued and trusted source of expertise for clients and key industry bodies.
“ITP has established a strong global footprint through a successful export operation, and I look forward to building on that foundation, driving further growth across multiple regions in the years ahead.”
Chairman, Richard Menage, added: “Carl’s experience and strategic vision will take our expansion to the next level.
“Carl’s expertise in international markets will be a huge asset for ITP, further developing our presence in major infrastructure projects and large-scale commercial and industrial schemes, where there is increasing demand for the enhanced performance and fire protection provided by our product range.”
:::
Sue Cooke, CEO of the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre (3M BIC) and deputy director for regional enterprise at the University of Huddersfield, is to retire following a 40-year career in business support, innovation and economic development.
She joined the 3M BIC as CEO in 2019 and has helped grow the centre into a leading hub for business growth and innovation.
During her tenure, she has navigated the challenges of the pandemic, refurbished the centre for its 10th anniversary and seen numerous longstanding tenant businesses break into international markets and move to larger premises to support continued global and business expansion.
She has also led several regional business growth and health innovation projects.
Cooke’s impact spans decades, including her role as executive head of economic services at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), where she was responsible for skills, employment, business support, inward investment and trade initiatives, shaping economic strategies that continue to benefit the region today.
Prior to this, she was director of strategy and operations for Business Link West Yorkshire.
As chair of the University of Huddersfield’s Knowledge Exchange Group, she has enhanced engagement and collaboration between the University of Huddersfield and regional industries.
She is also member of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) Economy Committee and the West Yorkshire Innovation Network, where she championed the creation of the annual West Yorkshire Innovation Festival.
Cooke serves as a non-executive board member for Huddersfield Unlimited and The Media Centre in Huddersfield.
More recently, she has been instrumental in securing and shaping the Huddersfield Health Innovation Partnership, a collaboration between the NHS, academia, WYCA and industry. And she is an active member of the West Yorkshire Healthtech Cluster.
Cooke said: “It has been a privilege to work alongside so many inspiring individuals and organisations, supporting innovation and enterprise across the region.
“The 3M BIC is a testament to the power of collaboration and driving innovation and I am proud of what we have achieved together over the last six years.
“Although I am retiring, my passion for supporting innovation and collaboration remains strong and I will always cherish the memories and relationships I’ve built over the years.”
Professor Bob Cryan, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Huddersfield, added: “Sue has been an exceptional driving force behind the 3M BIC’s success over the last few years.
“Her unwavering commitment and contributions to enterprise, innovation and economic development, have been transformative and her leadership will be greatly missed.
“On behalf of the University of Huddersfield, I want to thank Sue for her outstanding service and wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.”
Cooke’s successor will be revealed in early spring and will take up the post in April.
