Appointments: Freeths, Rushbond, Armstrong Watson

LAW firm Freeths has added Peter Crawford to its Sheffield office, as a partner in the corporate team.

Mr Crawford was previously employed at Taylor & Emmet in Sheffield, and has had experience with a large portfolio of clients from startups to listed firms.

He joins the corporate team in Yorkshire, following the appointment of partner Dahren Naidoo in the Leeds office at the beginning of the year.

Freeths’ managing partner for Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield, John May said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Peter to our corporate team in South Yorkshire.

“This further demonstrates our commitment and presence in the Yorkshire market and is part of the firms significant growth plans for the UK by 2020.

“Peter’s skill set will complement our corporate services allowing us to provide our first class “freethinking” approach to all of our corporate clients.”

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LEEDS property company Rushbond has announced the appointment of Robert Firth, formerly a director at DTZ and of St James Securities.

The firm, which will be turning 30 years-old next year, joins as development director.

He himself has 30 years experience in the industry working throughout the Northern property markets. He joins from Holbeck Land, a firm which he co-founded.

Jonathan Maud, managing director of Rushbond, said: ‘I have known Robert personally for most of his 30 years here in Leeds and I am delighted that he has agreed to join us, with a view not only to helping us expand our development portfolio but also to bring his extensive experience and knowledge to bear on our existing projects’.

Robert Firth said: ‘After several happy years at Holbeck Land I am very much looking forward to playing a key role in Rushbond in what is an exciting new phase of my career.

“I have worked with Jonathan on schemes throughout the City Region, such as Brewery Wharf in Leeds, Centenary Square in Bradford, and Belle Vue Mills in Skipton, and joining Rushbond’s Board provides me with a great opportunity to cement this long standing relationship and help expand the Company’s enviable track record further.”

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ACCOUNTANTS Armstrong Watson has appointed Karen Thomson as director of payroll services.

She joins after 13 years directing policy at the CIPP where she was associate director of policy.

She will be involved with government, ensuring the views of Armstrong Watson and its clients are shared, and has recently become a member of the Local Government Pensions Board.

Paul Dickson, managing partner, said: ‘We are absolutely delighted to be bringing Karen on board.

“Her experience and influence in the world of payroll is second to none and we’re very proud that she will be driving our payroll services forward, maintaining the exceptional levels of service while developing them and ensuring they continue to meet the needs of our clients now and in the future.

“Her influence in the sector coupled with her experience means that we’re now able to utilise that knowledge to the benefit of our clients. Both myself and the existing payroll team are very much looking forward to working with Karen in the coming weeks and months.’

Ms Thomson said: “I am very excited to be coming to work in my local town of Carlisle, for a firm whose reputation for customer service and technical ability is second to none.

“The biggest project for now is of course automatic enrolment. The payroll team will be supporting all our clients through this and will be providing technical and operational support.”