People: Martin Walsh Architectural; TL Dallas; Avison Young; and more

Martin Walsh Architectural (MWA), a RIBA chartered firm of architects based in Dewsbury, has appointed David Hall.

Hall, who has worked within architecture for over 14 years, joins MWA as a chartered architect.

Working across commercial and domestic sectors predominantly in the south of England, he has significant experience in master planning, large residential schemes as well as commercial structures.

He said: “Having worked in and commuted to the South for many years, it was always my ambition to return to my roots and join a Yorkshire-based practice – one that shared my ambition and approach to architecture.

“That is exactly what I have found in the team at Martin Walsh Architectural.

“They have an outstanding reputation for quality and reliability, which is matched by a caring approach, this ticked all my boxes.

“I am now looking forward to working on several exciting projects and to getting to know our clients and partners.”

Marcus Walsh, director at MWA, added: “We’re pleased to welcome David into our team. He has a diverse, exciting portfolio and shares our philosophy, which is to make buildings work harder.

“We believe that David’s skills and experience complement our team and will support our growth as we continue to expand our client base in commercial, industrial, residential and leisure industries.”

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Bradford-headquartered independent insurance broker, TL Dallas, has expanded its in-house claims team with the appointment of claims handler, Caroline Thorpe.

She brings over 12 years of specialist experience in the health and care claims sector, having previously worked at Bupa and Markel.

Her expertise includes handling complex cases involving employers’ and public liability, medical malpractice, and social welfare claims, as well as providing advisory support around inquest matters.

Head of claims at TL Dallas, Rob Gill, said: “Following significant growth, particularly within our health and care sector offering, we are pleased to welcome Caroline to the team.

“She brings a wealth of knowledge from her many years working within this specialist sector, and her conscientious and dedicated approach will undoubtedly enhance the support we provide to our clients during critical times.”

Thorpe’s appointment follows that of Jamie Armitage at the end of 2024. Armitage, now in his seventh-year handling claims, has been a key addition to TL Dallas’ seven-strong Bradford claims team, where he specialises in motor fleet claims.

Gill added: “Jamie’s dedication to achieving the best outcomes for our clients is exceptional.

“His recent success on a private motor claim – where he guided a distressed client through a traumatic experience with professionalism, empathy, and efficiency – is just one example of the outstanding service our claims team delivers.

“Today’s insurance claims landscape can be difficult to navigate, with claims often segmented across multiple departments or even outsourced abroad, leading to frustrating delays.

“In a time when insurers’ claims departments are increasingly fragmented and challenged by recruitment issues, TL Dallas’s in-house, client-focused claims service provides a vital advantage, as we combine technical expertise with personal support and genuine advocacy.”

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James Pitt

Global commercial real estate firm, Avison Young, has appointed two new senior hires to its Place Business Group, based in the company’s Leeds and Newcastle offices.

With more than 25 years of experience in property development, urban regeneration, and placemaking in the North East, James Pitt joins Avison Youngs’s Leeds office from Muse Places, following 12 years at Evans Property Group, where he began as development director and progressed to group director during his tenure.

Pippa Heron joins the firm’s Newcastle office in an associate director position, having recently held roles at Sansec Developments and igloo Regeneration, where she contributed to key developments across the city including Stephenson Quarter and Ouseburn.

Jo Davis, principal, UK executive chair, head of place and chair of real estate balance, said: “We’re committed to supporting regional growth and delivering impactful solutions tailored to local priorities.

“These appointments will enable us to deepen our engagement with clients across the North East and reinforce our long-term commitment to place-led transformation.”

Gordon Hewling, principal and regional managing director, Newcastle, said: “Pippa is someone we have worked alongside on many schemes and it’s great that we can now harness her talents to help us deliver the major schemes we are involved with across the region.

Pippa Heron

“This appointment follows several others that align with our growth strategy in the region and a continuing focus on developing future talent.”

Stuart Howie, principal and regional managing director, Leeds, added: “I’m excited to welcome James to Avison Young.

“James brings deep development, strategic delivery and leadership capability that will further boost our ability to drive value for our clients.

“He is well known to the market and our team and demonstrates AY’s continued commitment to regional investment.”

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Rotherham’s Parkgate shopping park has appointed Mark Kanaris-Sotiriou to lead the shopping park as its new senior operations manager, bringing with him over 25 years of experience in retail operations and customer experience.

He joins from his previous role as head of operations at The Trafford Centre, where he was instrumental in delivering operational excellence and fostering strong partnerships with retailers.

Owned by Columbia Threadneedle Investments and managed by Savills, Parkgate offers 580,000 sq ft of modern retail and leisure space.

A recent opening of a new link road has improved accessibility to Parkgate. It has welcomed a series of openings since Columbia Threadneedle Investments took ownership in early 2024, including a combined Sports Direct, Everlast and USC, the reopening of Wilko, new arrivals such as Starbucks and Pavers, and an upsize from Superdrug.

Kanaris-Sotiriou’s appointment follows the retirement of long-standing centre manager Janet Drury, who leaves after 11 years of service to Parkgate.

Matthew Whiteley, director at Savills, said: “Mark brings a wealth of experience and passion for retail and customer service which will be invaluable in supporting the ongoing development of Parkgate.

“The park has been going from strength-to-strength, with the asset management team focused on providing the right mix and locations for brands while improving the look and feel of the scheme.

“This, paired with Mark’s leadership and deep industry insight, means we are well-positioned for continued success.

“We thank Janet Drury for her incredible contribution to Parkgate over the years – it has been a pleasure working with her over the last 16 months and we wish her a wonderful retirement.”

Kanaris-Sotiriou added: “I’m excited to join the team at Parkgate. With recent developments including the new link road and the announcement of a new mainline train station to Rotherham, right here at Parkgate, there’s real momentum in the area.

“I look forward to building on the park’s strong foundations and working with our retailers to deliver an outstanding experience for every shopper.”