Appointments: Austin Hayes, Blacks Solicitors, Freeths, J9 Advisory

REFURBISHMENT and surface coatings firm Austin Hayes has appointed managing director Julie Bickerdyke.

She has been promoted from her previous role of finance director, replacing Nik Vjestica after he spent 25 years in the role, and 35 years altogether at the Yeadon-based company.

Mr Vjestica will stay on in a consultancy role and maintain his stakeholder status.

Ms Bickerdyke has been with the firm since 1994, starting as a company accountant, before becoming finance director in 2008.

She commented: “I am looking forward to working with existing stakeholders to build on the current strengths of the company and will prioritise business development, health, safety, environment and staff development.”

Austin Hayes has 50 years’ experience working across a range of industry sectors, including working with the MoD in the refurbishment of ammunition containers.

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THREE people have been promoted to partner level at Blacks Solicitors.

James Teagle has become a partner in the commercial dispute resolution team, whilst Tom Moyes has been promoted as a partner in the employment division.

Chris Waddingham, who specialises in residential work, is now a partner in the Commercial property team.

Chris Allen, managing partner at Blacks Solicitors LLP, said: “These latest promotions support our ongoing development plans, and help to ensure that we retain talent within the Firm.

“Congratulations to James, Tom and Chris #BestStaffinLeeds.”

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LAW firm Freeths has appointed Lisa Wallis to expand its Sheffield office.

She joins as a solicitor into the corporate team in South Yorkshire from Taylor and Emmet in Sheffield.

Ms Wallis will team up with Peter Crawford who recently joined as partner into the Sheffield office.

Freeths’ managing partner for Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield, John May said: “Lisa is a great addition to the corporate team in Sheffield.

“With her skills and experience, she will be able to support the partners and work towards the ambitious expansion plans we have as a firm, yet still deliver the highest service levels we pride ourselves on.”

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BUSINESS recovery firm J9 Advisory has appointed Keith Boyce as a senior business consultant.

Mr Boyce’s appointment was previously employed at PwC and Begbies Traynor.

Johnny Abraham, managing director of the firm he founded in 2014 said: “As a fellow ex-PwC and Begbies Traynor colleague, and having amassed 25 years of experience with the business recovery and restructuring sector, I know [Keith] will add real value to our offering and ultimately, our clients.”

Mr Boyce said: “In recent times, the recovery and restructuring sector has seen many challenges in the way in which it operates and the way it is perceived by directors.

“J9 Advisory has been strategically placed to offer businesses and directors in the region completely independent advice.”