Appointments: Bridge McFarland, Hendersons Insurance, Groundforce, CNG

PERSONAL injury lawyer James Burrell has moved to Hull to join the Bridge McFarland team.

He arrives at the firm from Hudgell Solicitors having worked in personal injury for 10 years.

Mr Burrell specialises in high value personal injury cases, often in excess of £1 million.

His work includes cases involving brain injury, amputation, complex regional pain syndrome, paralysis, spinal cord injury, injury at birth, serious orthopaedic injury and significant psychological disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

Mr Burrell said: “Bridge McFarland has been regarded for many years as one of the leading firms in this region undertaking personal injury work. I am delighted to have the opportunity to join such a successful practice and I look forward to helping them assist clients on both sides of the Humber.”

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LAURA BRELSFORD has joined Henderson Insurance Brokers as claims manager after seven years with Aviva, where she manage commercial and household property claims.

Associate director Chris Harvey said the appointment was ‘another step forward’ for the broker in further developing their in-house claims teams at each of its 12 offices across the UK.

“Laura has a fantastic level of experience and will provide good leadership and management skills for our expert team,” he said.

“Clearly, it is important to be organised when looking after policy renewals, but customers need us most of all when making a claim. Having in-house claims handlers is something that sets us apart from the competition.”

The firm’s Hessle office looks to grow, having opened in 2004, it is now placing more than £10m worth of premiums annually.

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HARROGATE firm Groundforce, part of Vp plc, has hired a sales and marketing executive.

David Garden has worked for FMCG organisations and will now join the senior management team at Groundforce as the group looks to grow through pan European growth.

He joins from Glen Dimplex, a home appliance business with a turnover of £150m.

Mr Garden will be responsible for the regional sales teams within Groundforce Shorco, as well as the marketing department.

Groundforce managing director, Simon Littlewood said: “We are very pleased to have David on board. As our business continues to expand both in the UK and across mainland Europe, it is crucial that we have a high calibre management team in place to continue to take the business forward.

“I am confident his experience will help to further strengthen our already very successful management team.”

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ELEVEN starters have been begun at commercial gas firm CNG.

Harrogate-based CNG announced it is embarking on the development of a new brand, has welcomed eleven new starters, including graduate Katie Westerman, who returns having worked at CNG during her degree.

CNG now employs 112 people, and is continuing to grow, increasing its retail portfolio by 20% within 12 months.

CNG managing director Jacqui Hall said: “Attracting new, quality staff is something we invest time in as we know these are the people that can help us maintain high standards as we grow.

“Our latest recruits have all demonstrated the inherent CNG qualities we look for; putting the customer at the forefront of all we do.

“This is an exciting period of growth as we work towards our new brand and electricity offering.”