People: Kirk Newsholme Chartered Accountants; Arco; Filtronic; and more

Kirk Newsholme Chartered Accountants, a Leeds-based independent firm, has appointed David Stansfield as its new audit director along with confirming the internal promotion of Clare Thomas to tax director.

Stansfield joins the firm with over 20 years of working in audit roles both in the UK and overseas.

He has a wealth of industry knowledge and has worked with clients ranging from SMEs through to AIM and FTSE listed companies.

Thomas has also been promoted internally to corporate tax director.

Her career with Kirk Newsholme spans over 20 years to date after having joined as a school-leaver in 2004.

Following qualifying at ACCA and working within the firm’s audit department, she progressed on to a tax role becoming CTA qualified 11 years ago.

Andrew Thomas, audit director, said of David’s appointment: “We are happy to welcome David to KN – it’s an exciting time for us as a business as we expand our audit client base following several new business appointments which feels like the perfect time to welcome David in to the team.”

Managing director Justin Smith commented on the appointment of Thomas, adding: “Clare’s promotion cements her position in the current tax team.

“We’re proud of her roots beginning at Kirk Newsholme and there couldn’t be a better person to take the role of tax director after heading the team up for the last few years and having the in-depth knowledge of our client-base and their requirements.

“The accountancy world is changing with many similar sized firms becoming part of larger organisations – at Kirk Newsholme, our future plans are to retain the focus and strengths provided by remaining a large independent Yorkshire practice, putting our clients first in any decisions we make.”

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Hull-based safety solutions business, Arco, has appointed Meine Oldersma as a non-executive director.

He will succeed Kevin Appleton who has completed his third, three-year, term. 

Oldersma is an experienced business leader, bringing insight and industry knowledge to the role having held a number of senior executive and non-executive positions in the UK.

He is currently chairman at Dunlop Protective Footwear, CMS Distribution and Batt Cables Ltd alongside his non-executive director role at Safetykleen.

He is also an advisor to several financial institutions regarding distribution and business services.

Oldersma has worked in numerous senior roles at companies including as director of OM&C M&A consultancy, CEO of SiG plc and CEO & president, China Group at Ingram Micro.

He has held extensive non-executive roles at prominent companies in the safety industry, notably at Bunzl Greenham and Brammer.

Thomas Martin, chairman of Arco, said: “I am personally grateful for the guidance and input Kevin has provided and his contribution during his tenure. We wish him all the best for the future.

“Meine brings an unrivalled global experience in multiple industries, almost all of which centre around distribution, manufacturing or business services.

“He specialises in creating shareholder value through sustainable growth with an enviable track record of successfully achieving this over 30 years. 

“I am confident Meine will be a strong addition to the Board and will provide incredibly relevant insight and knowledge to support our future growth agenda and priorities for Arco.”

Oldersma added: “I am happy to be joining Arco and I’m enthused by the opportunity ahead.

“Arco is a great business with a market leading industry presence, and I am looking forward to working with the Board, Thomas, Guy Bruce (CEO) and the wider team to deliver sustainable growth for the future.”

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Leeds-based communications technology firm, Filtronic, has appointed Paul Clowes as business development director.

Clowes, who recently joined from Global Invacom Group, is responsible for expanding the company’s presence in telecoms, particularly in ground station technology for satellite communications.

He brings over 30 years of experience in telecoms and wireless infrastructure, having worked with leading vendors, mobile operators and system integrators across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Most recently, he was sales director at Global Invacom Group, an independent provider of satellite ground network equipment, where he led sales and business development of very small aperture terminal (VSAT) systems across Europe and the Middle East.

Here, he also worked with satellite operators, distributors and system integrators to develop terminal solutions for Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations.

At Filtronic, Clowes will focus on strengthening the company’s position in the ground station market and expanding its reach in high-frequency communications.

Nat Edington, CEO, said: “Paul’s appointment comes at an exciting time for Filtronic as we aim to expand our footprint in the satellite communications and ground station markets.

“His proven track record in driving process development and his focus on continuous improvement will be crucial in reinforcing our commitment to delivering innovative, market-leading solutions.”

Clowes added: “Joining Filtronic at this exciting time is a great opportunity. I’m excited to use my experience in telecoms and satellite communications to build strong partnerships and help develop innovative, high-frequency solutions that will support global connectivity.”

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The real estate team at Yorkshire law firm, LCF Law, has appointed a new associate.

Rosie Beverley has worked in real estate law since qualifying as a solicitor 16 years ago.

She has extensive experience spanning property acquisitions, disposals and refinancing in both the private and public sectors, including acting for a pharmaceutical transport courier and a large Housing Association.

Harriet Thornton, heads the real estate team at LCF Law, which has offices in Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate and Ilkley. She said: “Rosie was the ideal candidate for us, approachable and responsive, she ensures every transaction is managed seamlessly from start to finish.

“We regularly represent international charities, high net worth individuals and pension funds, as well as advising landlords and owner-occupiers on leasehold enfranchisement.

“It’s great to welcome Rosie to our team as we continue to expand our client service offering.”

Beverley, who is an active Law Society member, added: “I really enjoy building strong relationships with clients and fellow lawyers whilst guiding transactions through smoothly.

“In recent years I have advised and assisted clients acquiring and disposing of multi-million pound property portfolios consisting of freehold and leasehold properties, development sites, as well as acting on behalf of trustees in bankruptcy cases.

“I was excited to join LCF Law as its team of specialist property solicitors are well-known and respected, and they work with an expansive range of commercial and residential property clients.”