People: The AVA; Williams Investment Management; Ward Hadaway; and more

The AVA, the Wetherby-based trade body and voice for vending and 24-hour food and beverage industry, has welcomed Alex Walsh as its new public affairs manager.

After graduating in 2015, she has spent the last 10 years working for the former Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak MP.

During this time, she used her political experience to influence positive outcomes for local constituents and businesses.

As public affairs manager, she will be supporting the development and delivery of the public affairs strategy at the AVA.

She will be liaising with member businesses and stakeholder groups on policy matters to understand the impact any policy changes may have.

Walsh will be focusing on building constructive relationships with political stakeholders and working to influence government policy for the benefit of AVA members.

David Llewellyn, AVA chief executive, said: “As the ever-accumulating weight of new legislation, regulations, and ‘official guidance’ continues to shape the environment in which we operate, the importance of a strong, informed, and proactive voice for our industry has never been greater.

“To ensure the AVA remains both responsive and forward-looking in the face of these developments, we are pleased to welcome Alex Walsh in the new role of AVA public affairs manager.

“With a wealth of experience in navigating complex policy landscapes, Alex will play a vital role in shaping our responses to consultations, strengthening relationships with partner associations, and forging valuable new connections across the political and regulatory spectrum.

“We’re thrilled to have her on board and look forward to the insight, energy, and expertise she’ll bring to our small but dynamic team.”

Walsh added: “I am happy to join the team and look forward to working with members to ensure the industry is heard in Westminster and beyond.”

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Harrogate-based Williams Investment Management LLP has welcomed two more people to its team – Abi Ostler and James Newsome.

Founder Duncan Williams said: “As our sector develops there are fewer independent investment management firms that provide a truly bespoke and personal service to their clients.

“We are committed to do that, which means we need exceptional people, the most recent of whom are Abi and James.”

Ostler brings with her a wealth of experience from her previous role as chief operating officer at a technology company where she led operations in Securities Administration and Tax Reporting, providing specialised services to investment and wealth managers, private banks, family offices, and individuals.

Previously, she worked with Duncan Williams and John Newsome at Brown Shipley and Cawood Smithie.

She said: “It is lovely to be able to work with Duncan and John again and to be part of the next phase of development at Williams Investment Management LLP.”

Newsome is a chartered accountant and has acquired knowledge and  experience of financial reporting across multiple sectors whilst working for two national accounting firms.

He is now moving into investment management where he intends to use his experience and analytical approach to evaluate investment opportunities and help meet our clients’ objectives.

He said: “My experience of audit, investigation and financial reporting is a good background for evaluating investment opportunities and it is great to be able to do this within a firm that values its client relationships.”

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Ward Hadaway has appointed James Foster as its new finance director, strengthening its senior team.

He brings extensive experience in venture capital and financial services. He has a strong track record of supporting companies of all sizes, providing financial guidance and strategic insight.

His expertise will be instrumental in driving forward the firm’s expansion strategy, which includes the opening of a new Birmingham office this summer and ongoing merger discussions with Teesside-based The Endeavour Partnership LLP.​

The appointment comes as the firm makes 34 new hires across its Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle offices in the first quarter of 2025.

These include three partners, one director, three managing associates, three associates, four solicitors, two conveyancers, two paralegals and 15 professionals in business support roles across teams such as real estate, corporate finance and construction. Eight are based in the Leeds office.

Steven Petrie, managing partner, said: “This time last year we set out ambitious plans to double the firm’s revenue within five years and reach £100m by 2034. Continuing to invest in talent and infrastructure and attracting the right people is essential to achieving this growth.

“James brings invaluable commercial and financial insight that will support our next phase of expansion

“We’re also pleased to welcome new colleagues across our business who strengthen the specialist teams we’ve built across the entire firm.”

Other new starters include Tom Wills and Richard Bradbury who join the Real Estate department as partners, with Tom bringing substantial experience and expertise to the firm’s agricultural team and Richard specialising in a wide range of commercial property matters.

Meanwhile, Louise Masters brings almost two decades of experience in high value and complex financial remedy cases, as well as being a pioneer in the “one lawyer” approach to divorce settlements.

Foster added: “It’s a very exciting time to be joining Ward Hadaway. The scale of the firm’s growth plans is ambitious, but the clarity of vision and client-first approach I’ve seen so far gives me every confidence in what’s ahead.

“I’m looking forward to contributing to a firm with such deep roots in its regions, an extremely strong and diverse client base, and a depth of legal talent.”

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Wetherby-based life sciences company, Avacta Therapeutics, has confirmed that Dr Trevor Nicholls, one of the group’s non-executive directors, is retiring from the Board with effect from 30 April 2025. 

Mark Goldberg will take over as the Board’s chair of the Remuneration Committee.

Shaun Chilton, non-executive chairman, said: “On behalf of the Avacta Board, I would like to thank Trevor for his valued contribution and dedication to the company since his appointment in 2013 and wish him all the best for the future.

“As Avacta transitions to a pure-play biotechnology company, we have initiated the process of appointing an independent non-executive director with relevant international commercial experience and expertise.

“A further announcement will be made in due course.”