People: Chapter II; Lister Haigh; Principles; and more

Sheffield-based PR, marketing and design agency, Chapter II, has promoted long-serving team member Allie Dransfield to head of agency.

Dransfield, who is celebrating her 20th year with the company, has played a key role in Chapter II’s success and development.

Originally joining the business in 2005 as a junior account executive, she has progressed through a number of roles, most recently serving as head of PR.

In her new position, she will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the agency, leading Chapter II’s team of PR, marketing, design, and videography professionals.

Chapter II works with clients across a wide range of sectors, including professional services, property, leisure and healthcare.

Dransfield said: “I am thrilled with my new role. Over the past two decades, I have had the opportunity to work across every facet of the business, gaining invaluable experience and a unique perspective.

“Chapter II has built a strong reputation for creativity and strategic communication excellence, and I am proud to have been part of that journey.

“I am looking forward to leading our talented team with the support of Matt Holmes and James Martin from our senior leadership team.

“As I step into this new role, I will continue to drive the agency’s growth, strengthen our client partnerships, and expand our creative impact.”

Jen Beal, who will continue as director at Chapter II, overseeing the agency at a strategic level, added:  “I’m incredibly proud to see Allie step into the role of head of agency.

“Her dedication, experience and leadership have been invaluable to Chapter II’s success so far, and I have no doubt she will continue to drive the agency forward.

“I look forward to working closely with Allie as she leads the team into an exciting new chapter and seeing the agency thrive under her management.”

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Established North Yorkshire rural property consultancy, Lister Haigh, has appointed experienced property professional Nick Talbot to head its residential property offering across North Yorkshire and into the North East of England.

Talbot said: “I have been involved in the Yorkshire property market all my working life and I know the local market inside and out.

“Having also been a partner and director with two major national country house agents for the last 26 years in Yorkshire, this has provided me with an unrivalled knowledge and experience of the market across the region and I’m looking forward to the move to Lister Haigh.”

He has over 35 years of experience selling high end homes, rural estates and land across the region.

Dacre, Son & Hartley recently acquired Lister Haigh. Talbot said: “With the backing of Dacre, Son & Hartley’s extensive regional and national reach, impressive digital and traditional marketing and a huge database of buyers, we’re in a strong position to provide a bespoke, professional and results-driven service.

“The fact Dacre, Son & Hartley and Lister Haigh have joined forces was a key factor in my decision to make this move, as the new owners are investing heavily in growing the Lister Haigh brand across the region.”

Patrick McCutcheon, head of residential at Dacre, Son & Hartley, added: “Nick’s appointment is part of our wider re-energising of Lister Haigh and his arrival, along with a number of impressive new listings, gives us an immediate boost in market presence.

“Combined with Lister Haigh’s longstanding rural expertise, Nick significantly enhances our ability to serve both new and existing clients across the region and strengthens our presence in North Yorkshire, as well as pushing into the North East of England.

“Together, we’re offering clients one of the most experienced residential and rural property teams in Yorkshire.

“Nick’s move to Lister Haigh reinforces the upward trajectory of the firm whose team of 10 is committed to delivering an exceptional, locally focused service.”

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Leeds-based brand communications agency, Principles, has made a senior hire in the form of Sophie Munton, who joins the team as business development director from Jaywing.

The hire comes on the back of the agency’s record business performance over the past two years, and forms a key part of its strategic approach to achieving its five-year growth targets.

Munton brings with her more than 15 years of industry experience in CRM, media and customer loyalty in FTSE 500 companies.

Her experience spans some of the biggest names in retail, including Nectar at Sainsbury’s and Morrisons’ More card proposition, and she has previously led commercial teams at Audience Collective including Ponderosa and Jaywing.

She said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Principles during a period of such strong growth; the business is on a fantastic trajectory, and I’m eager to contribute to its success.

“I’ve already experienced the agency’s exceptional talent, work ethic, and culture – there’s a real energy and drive to achieve great things together, and I look forward to working alongside the team to build on this momentum and make a real impact.”

The Principles team has been strengthened further by the promotion of Fern Moutrie to senior project manager, whose remit will focus on rolling out new, streamlined agency processes, and Harry Douglas who joins the Client Services team as account executive.

Mike Hackett, Principles’ owner, said: ‘We’re all really pleased to be welcoming Sophie into the agency’s fold at such an exciting time in the business.

“It’s been a record-breaking year for us so far, and I’m pleased that we’re set to see revenue grow by a further 20% in 2025.”

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Hull-headquartered MKM Building Supplies has appointed Dave Castle as its first-ever chief operating officer.

Reporting to CEO Kate Tinsley, Castle brings over 20 years of experience in the building materials sector, most recently as group chief commercial officer and managing director of BSS at Travis Perkins Group.

He said: “I’m thrilled to be joining MKM at such a pivotal time. What makes this business different is the unique mix of local, independent feel and national scale. It’s a merchant that genuinely puts tradespeople first – and that’s why it’s winning.

“I’m looking forward to supporting our branch teams to keep doing what they do best: offering great service, fair pricing, and expert advice.

“Looking ahead, we’ll keep expanding into new areas, embracing smarter ways of working, and helping customers stay ahead of changes in the market – whether that’s environmental regulation or new product requirements.”

Tinsley added: “Dave’s a fantastic addition to the team. His commercial experience, deep sector knowledge and leadership style are a great fit for MKM.

“As we scale up, his appointment reflects our focus on growing with purpose – investing in people, supporting branches, and staying true to our values.”

MKM’s growth plans include further branch openings in key locations, continued investment in operational improvements like smarter logistics and digital tools, and a sharper focus on sustainability – helping customers access more eco-friendly products and solutions.