People: Hela Brands; Middleton Law; Begbies Traynor Group; and more
Theekshana Kotuwegoda, 35, has made an 8,000-mile career move from Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean to brand licensing house Hela Brands, in Huddersfield.
Formerly part of the strategic planning and merchandising division at Colombo-based Hela Apparel Holdings, Kotuwegoda has joined colleagues at Hela’s UK office in Paddock, Huddersfield for a new role as accounts administrator.
Working with Hela’s growing UK team, he will gain new experience helping to manage and develop Hela’s independent customer base in the UK and Europe, working with clients to understand their different needs and ensure Hela’s licensed clothing collections reach them on time for retail sale.
He primarily made the move to the UK to support his wife who is undertaking a medical degree in London but is excited to learn more about Hela Brands UK operations and the different licensed brands it represents within its portfolio.
He said: “I’m looking forward to gaining further knowledge and experience about the world of licensed brands, from initial concept and development to production and retail, to enhance my overall understanding of the supply chain.
“In Sri Lanka I was involved in the sourcing of raw materials and initial manufacturing side of the chain, and here in the UK I will learn more about the creative side of the brand development, how the designs come to life and are supplied to different retail outlets.
“I am really enjoying life here in the UK, especially in Huddersfield which is a calm place to live and very friendly.
“There’s a fantastic and very welcoming culture in the UK office and I immediately felt part of the team which has helped me settle in and get up to speed with my new role really fast.”
CEO at Hela Brands, Ray Evans, added: “We are happy to have Theek join us here in Huddersfield. He brings a wealth of experience from his role in Sri Lanka and has made a great start already working with some of our major brands and retail partners on current licensed collections.”
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Leeds-based Middleton Law has appointed Matthew Clayton as senior personal injury solicitor and head of catastrophic injury.
This further strengthens the firm’s expertise in high-value and complex medical negligence and personal injury claims.
Clayton brings more than 30 years of legal experience, having built a distinguished career supporting clients with life-changing injuries, including brain and head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and amputations.
Formerly a principal lawyer with Slater and Gordon Lawyers UK, he most recently led the Serious Injury department at Simpson Millar.
He said: “I’m pleased to join Middleton Law Ltd and to work with a team that shares my commitment to achieving life-improving results for seriously injured clients.
“Helping people rebuild their lives after major trauma has always been at the heart of my work, and I look forward to continuing that here.”
Neil Fearn, medical negligence solicitor and MD of Middleton Law, added: “Matthew’s track record in serious injury litigation speaks for itself, and his expertise will significantly strengthen our ability to support clients facing the most complex and life-changing injuries across the UK.
“Matthew’s arrival reflects our ongoing commitment to growing a first-class team and ensuring every client receives not only exceptional legal advice, but real support when they need it most.”
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Begbies Traynor Group has promoted Laura Baxter and Mike Jenkins to partner, enhancing its senior-level insolvency and restructuring support for businesses across Hull, the Humber, York and the surrounding areas.
The pair have almost two decades of collective experience as qualified insolvency practitioners, supporting businesses across a full range of insolvency and restructuring activities, as well as complementing the other business services provided by Begbies Traynor Group across the region.
Based in the Begbies Traynor Group Hull, Grimsby and Scunthorpe offices, Baxter has been with the firm more than 12 years and delivers advice to businesses across Hull and East Yorkshire.
After obtaining a law degree at the University of Hull, she completed her Legal Practice Course in 2006.
She then moved into financial services consultancy, climbing the ranks before qualifying as an insolvency practitioner in 2019.
She regularly advises both corporate and personal clients across a range of industries including manufacturing, construction, hospitality and retail.
Jenkins has been at the firm since 2008, when the business he started at as a trainee was acquired by Begbies Traynor.
He qualified as an insolvency practitioner in 2013 and has risen to partner at the firm.
In his role he works across industries including agriculture, retail, construction, hospitality and manufacturing, supporting businesses in York and its surrounding rural areas and towns.
Julian Pitts, regional managing partner for Yorkshire, said: “Businesses across the region need senior advice to help them make difficult decisions and navigate their way through the current economic climate.
“Both Laura and Mike have proven time and time again that their guidance and support to businesses is vital.
“These promotions are richly deserved and I know that the clients they work with on a daily basis appreciate the valuable guidance they offer during times of extreme pressure and distress.”
Baxter said: “There is much positivity across industries in the Hull and Humber region, but there are also many that need support at this time.
“Due to the opportunities in the region we have been able to see significant success with CVAs and restructuring work, especially for those businesses that get in touch at the first signs of distress.
“In my new role as partner I am looking forward to continuing to help businesses survive, assist those that need to restructure or refinance and support the continued growth of the Begbies Traynor Group services across the region.”
Jenkins added: “York and the surrounding area have always created vibrant, successful businesses and there are some exciting industries cropping up in the region.
“However, some more traditional sectors do need support and we can help them at this time.
“We also have the ability to bring in other parts of the Begbies Traynor Group to offer a full range of services including restructure, refinance, revival and growth.
“This is a very exciting time to be promoted to partner at the firm and help companies across the York region take the next steps in their journey.”
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Leeds-based electrical engineering specialist, Meson, has made a significant business expansion with the launch of a dedicated Commercial Solar division and the appointment of a new business leader to bolster the team.
Dean Betteridge, who brings over 13 years of experience in continuous development, joins Meson from Fera Science, where he managed high-impact projects, including the delivery of £3m worth of new property and assets.
This expansion follows a successful year for Meson, marked by a substantial increase in annual turnover.
The new Solar division will complement the company’s existing services, which include Controls, EV Charging, and Inspection & Testing across the Fuel and Energy sector.
Betteridge’s expertise in strategic planning, project execution, and business growth positions him to lead Meson’s growth initiatives for 2025.
The launch of the Solar division represents a strategic step forward for Meson, enhancing its expertise in the electrical engineering sector.
This new arm of the business will offer sustainable energy solutions with a focus on commercial installations.
Betteridge will be responsible for driving strategic business growth, identifying new opportunities, and strengthening existing client relationships across the business.
He said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the company at such an exciting time. With the UK’s drive toward net zero, the launch of Meson Solar positions us perfectly to support that transition.
“We have ambitious growth plans for 2025, and I’m excited to work with the team to develop and implement strategies that not only drive sustainable growth but also help our clients reduce their carbon footprint and embrace cleaner energy solutions.”
James Hennigan, managing director, “Dean’s experience, strategic vision, and passion for business growth will play a crucial role in shaping not just the launch of Meson Solar, but also the future direction of the entire business.
“As we continue to expand, his leadership will help us explore new opportunities and build strong, lasting partnerships with our clients.”
