Latest appointments: hlw adds to employment team; Two join Hainsworth’s board; and more

LEEDS and Sheffield-based commercial law firm hlw has added to its employment department with the appointment of solicitor Andrew Lightburn.

With more than eight years’ experience in employment law, Mr Lightburn brings to hlw expertise in contentious work, as well as a history of advising on complex disciplinary and grievance issues at a senior level.

Barry Warne, head of hlw’s employment department, said: “The new employment legislation which came into force in spring has created significant demand for expert legal advice from companies across the region – indeed throughout the UK.

“I’m delighted to welcome Andrew to the team; his experience in tribunal claims and the impact of corporate change on employment contracts will be particularly valuable to our clients.”

:::

TEXTILE firm Hainsworth has promoted two leading members of the management team to director level.

Diane Simpson becomes sales director and Graham Hutton production director.

Ms Simpson has made a major contribution to the company’s development in the past 23 years, most recently leading the Hainsworth brand review and restructuring of the sales team across the four ranges – apparel, interiors, technical and industrial textiles and innovation.

Her current brief includes leading the strategic review of each market to maintain the company’s continued growth.

Mr Hutton has managed production for the company through an unprecedented period of growth over the past three years.

He said: “Supporting the production team through a time of huge change for a unique business has been a great and exciting challenge.

“We are embracing the principles of continual improvement demanded by our customers which means an ongoing commitment to training and development of people and processes.”

:::

TURNAROUND specialist Endless has appointed Kerry Swain as investment executive.

Ms Swain will be based in the Leeds office and will focus on transactions across the UK as well as providing support to portfolio investments.

Ms Swain previously worked at the transaction, audit and consulting departments of KPMG.

Her appointment takes the Endless team to 14 investment professionals.

Managing director Chris Clegg said: “We are delighted to welcome Kerry to the team. We expect to strengthen the team further in the near future to support our growth. ”