People: Torque Law; South Yorkshire Pensions Authority; SMH Group; and more

York-based employment law firm Torque Law, has recruited more team members.  

Laura Harvey joins as practice manager after 16 years at regional law firm Lupton Fawcett.   

Emma Whiting, partner, said: “Laura will be the first in a series of recruitments to expand our exceptional team.

“Laura will be strategically focused on streamlining our processes, procedures and working practices to ensure our reputation for quality of service is maintained during this period of rapid, referral driven, growth.”  

Partner and co-founder, Tiggy Clifford, added: “With Laura in place on the operational side, we are now well positioned continue our search for top calibre solicitors, who can deliver superior quality whilst keeping clients’ needs at the forefront, and bring our ambitious plans to fruition.”  

As part of a social impact initiative to foster links with local educational establishments and support early career women in law, Torque Law has also appointed Alison Coates, law student at York St John’s University, as a legal practice assistant.

She is the second appointment under this initiative, with Tabitha Graddon, now a paralegal at the firm, having joined the team from the university in early 2024.

Having expanded into new office space this time last year, the firm is now in the process of securing larger office space for its next phase of growth.

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South Yorkshire Pensions Authority (SYPA) has confirmed that its director, George Graham, will retire at the end of 2025.

Graham has been with the authority in this role since 2018.

He has overseen several important changes in the way in which the authority approaches its activities including the transition of assets into the Border to Coast pool, the creation of a joint venture with Royal London to manage a substantial portfolio of UK farmland and significant changes to the way in which  the authority interacts with and provides services to scheme members and employers.

He has also served as a practitioner representative on the LGPS Scheme Advisory Board and on the PLSA’s Local Authority Committee.

Councillor Jayne Dunn, chair of SYPA, said: “George has made a significant contribution to making SYPA the organisation it is today and to the wider development of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), and his successor will have large shoes to fill.”

Graham said: “SYPA is a special organisation and I have been incredibly grateful for the support I have received from both elected members and my team as we have developed our organisation and services.

“However, with the next round of changes to the scheme coming down the track it feels like the right time to hand over the reins, although I hope to be able to continue to contribute to the LGPS in various ways.”

The Pensions Authority has agreed to undertake a recruitment process for Graham’s successor over the summer.

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SMH Group, a professional services firm with offices across Yorkshire and Derbyshire, has appointed Steve Fern as chief financial officer.

He brings a wealth of experience in financial leadership, strategic growth, and business transformation, gained over a 25-year career across the UK, USA, and Australia.

He gained his ACA qualification early on in his career and has gone on to hold several senior roles across a diverse range of industries, including business turnaround, insurance and professional services.

Earlier in his career, he supported hundreds of businesses during the financial crisis and implemented an industry-leading Enterprise Risk Management process while working in the US insurance sector.

Fern said: “I’m thrilled to join SMH Group at such an exciting time in its journey. The firm has a strong reputation for its client-first ethos and a dynamic approach to growth, with ten acquisitions since 2018.

“I’m looking forward to contributing to its continued success and helping build on the robust financial foundations already in place.”

Jonathon Dickens, CEO, added: “Steve’s wealth of expertise and his impressive track record in driving growth make him the perfect addition to our leadership team.

“His values align seamlessly with ours, and his appointment reinforces our commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes for our clients and staff alike.”

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Leeds-based Winston Solicitors says Emily Spencer has qualified as a solicitor in its Private Client department.

During her training with Winston Solicitors, Spencer has gained extensive experience assisting clients with wills, trusts, probate, and lasting powers of attorney, helping individuals and families plan for the future with clarity and confidence.

Jonathan Winston, managing partner at Winston Solicitors, said: “Emily has worked incredibly hard throughout her training, consistently demonstrating the skills, knowledge, and dedication required to excel in private client law.

“Her ability to provide clear, empathetic, and practical advice has already made a positive impact on both our clients and our team.

“We are thrilled to see her qualify as a solicitor and have no doubt that she will continue to be a fantastic asset to the firm as she progresses in her career.”