People: The Biorenewables Development Centre; McCormicks; Appleyard Lees; and more

The Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC), in York, has appointed Professor James Moir as the new chair of its Board.

He succeeds Professor Matthias Ruth, who steps down after a significant period of leadership, coinciding with his departure from the University of York as pro-vice chancellor for Research.

Moir brings a distinguished background in microbiology and a commitment to sustainable technological solutions.

He said: “The BDC represents an essential link in our national and regional sustainability journey.

“We’re not just a research centre – we’re a strategic bridge between local innovation ecosystems, regional economic development ambitions, and national net-zero commitments.

“Our unique value lies in our ability to translate cutting-edge research into commercially viable solutions that can meaningfully support the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s carbon-negative goals, while simultaneously contributing to the UK’s broader industrial biotechnology plans.

“I’m especially impressed by the research converting waste streams into alternatives for petrochemicals and virgin resources.

“There’s a real opportunity for the BDC to demonstrate how a regional centre can become a national model – transforming waste into valuable economic assets, supporting local businesses, attracting investment, and creating a blueprint for circular sustainable industry that can be replicated across the United Kingdom.

“I’m eager to immerse myself in the operational heart of the centre – understanding the complete lifecycle of projects, connecting with the talented specialists driving our innovations, and identifying opportunities to amplify our strengths in this rapidly evolving sector.”

Dr Mark Corbett, director at the BDC, added: “James Moir’s expertise in microbiology, combined with his strategic thinking on sustainability, makes him an ideal fit for the BDC.

“James’s leadership will be invaluable as we navigate the exciting, yet complex, landscape of the bioeconomy.

“We’re confident his insights will further strengthen our position as a national leader in translating cutting-edge research into impactful, real-world solutions.

“His commitment to bridging regional ambitions with national sustainability goals is exactly what the BDC needs to accelerate our contribution to a circular, bio-based future.”

:::

McCormicks of Harrogate has appointed a new partner to the practice.

Iain Jenkins, head of employment law, becomes the latest partner in the firm.

Jenkins, who joined McCormicks in 2019, recently acted for former BBC presenter Liz Green to achieve an apology and settlement from the BBC after she was targeted by former BBC Radio Leeds presenter Alex Bellfield over a period of years.

Belfield was jailed for five years and 26 weeks in 2022 for his campaign of stalking, including of the presenter Jeremy Vine.

Jenkins is an experienced lawyer with a depth of experience and expertise in all areas of contentious and non-contentious employment law, HR issues and data protection, advising businesses across a range of sectors including sport, technology, manufacturing, financial services, recruitment, transport and logistics and health and social care.

He is a CEDR-accredited mediator and an accredited workplace mediator.

Senior partner, Peter McCormick, said: “We are pleased to welcome Iain as a partner. He has worked hard for his clients and the firm, and he deserves this recognition.”

Jenkins said: “It is a pleasure to be part of McCormicks, a practice with a strong reputation, great work and great colleagues.”

Jenkins is also a trustee of both Harrogate International Festivals and Harrogate Town AFC’s Community Foundation.

:::

Intellectual property law firm Appleyard Lees, which has bases in Leeds and Halifax, has confirmed that Paul Roscoe, Beverley Robinson, Sarah Gibbs and James Myatt joined the partnership on 1 April 2025.

This marks the largest-ever cohort to join the Appleyard Lees partnership.

Roscoe is one of a handful of UK patent attorneys who specialise in patenting cutting-edge computer technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Robinson is a trade mark and designs expert, and is leading the development of the firm’s growing, specialist designs team.

Gibbs works with clients to patent chemical and biotech inventions that span technologies and industries, including in the growing area of ChemBio.

Myatt was a drug discovery researcher for many years and now works with highly innovative companies.

Bobby Smithson, managing partner, said: “I am incredibly proud of our new cohort of partners. They each embody what it means to be a partner at Appleyard Lees – an unwavering commitment to clients and colleagues and a dedication to the firm’s long held culture and values.

“I have no doubt they will strengthen our partnership and continue to inspire those around them. 

“Their journey to partnership, with two of them joining Appleyard Lees as trainees, and two joining more recently after experience in other firms, is a testament to the career opportunities available within our firm.

“I am excited to see the impact they will make in the years ahead.”

:::

Commercial real estate firm, Colliers, has promoted an expert in its Leeds office.

Rob Smithson, of the Hotels & Parks Agency team, has been promoted to director.

Across the UK, 65 people were promoted in total; 20 to director, 19 to associate director, 17 to senior surveyor, seven to senior business support and two to consultant.

John Munday, Colliers UK CEO, said: “I am thrilled to be celebrating the recognition of this group of talented individuals from within our team who have shown their passion for seeing Colliers and our clients succeed.

“I’m sure many of them will be the future leaders within Colliers and the real estate industry, and I’m proud of their dedication and determination to be innovative and deliver excellence.

“These promotions are not just a recognition of their hard work, but is also an achievement for their departments as well as our Learning & Development team, who ensure our people are equipped with the ever-evolving skills needed to navigate what can be a challenging market.” 

Rob Whatmuff, head of the Colliers Leeds office, added: “I’d like to congratulate Rob on his promotion and gaining the acknowledgement of colleagues and the wider firm.

“I wish him all the best in the next chapter of his career, playing his part in providing clients with best-in-class service.”