Appointments: Irwin Mitchell, Driver Hire, Hendersons Insurance Brokers, IT Desk UK

TRANSPORT and logistics recruiter, Driver Hire is beefing up its eServices team with the addition of new support and sales staff Shadia Teers and Jimmy Singh.

Ms Teers is moving into a newly created accounts management support role. She will provide assistance and guidance to customers.

Mr Singh previously worked for Driver Hire’s Bradford-based telemarketing team, has been appointed to esales consultant, a new field-based role. He’ll be using his extensive sales experience to sell Driver Hire’s expanding eServices’ range to a wider range of customers.

Driver Hire eServices include dh Licence Check, eAssessments and eLearning.

Tony Goacher, Driver Hire’s divisional managing director, eServices and Training said: “The popularity of our eServices portfolio is growing quickly. We recently completed our 120,000th licence check and continue to have enquiries from right across the UK.

“Jimmy will ensure that we are able to maximise sales and Shadia, after-sales backup and support. A recent customer survey showed that we’re clearly delivering the goods when it comes to customer service – 97% of respondents consider our service to be either good or excellent.”

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IRWIN MITCHELL has appointed 17 staff in Yorkshire to associate level.

In Leeds, contentious trust and probate solicitor Julia Burns is promoted along with employment Solicitor Padma Tadi and Business Development Manager Robert Cowling.

At the firm’s Sheffield office, Victoria Crossland from the Court of Protection team, Lynn Newhall from the motor team, Jeremy Smith and Zoe Broderick are being promoted along with personal injury solicitor David Withers.

Sarah Field-Blesic, who works in the business legal services team is promoted along with Robert Lankester, and solicitor Michael Hall. They are joined by real estate solicitors Lisa Stratford and Kate McGovern.

Dave Grimshaw from the group services team, and James Simpson, Trevor Piley and Ben Morris from IT have been given the associate title.

Across the UK, the firm has made 38 members of staff associates.

Group chief executive Andrew Tucker said: “These promotions represent a major investment in our services and demonstrate our commitment to developing our staff.

“They highlight the confidence we have in the future of our business and our ambitions to grow as a Group. Becoming an Associate is a significant career step and signals to clients and colleagues that the person concerned is a highly regarded expert in our business.

“Developing our people and creating opportunities for staff to develop their careers is one of Irwin Mitchell’s most important objectives, and this is highlighted by the fact that many of the associates come from non-legal areas such as IT and HR.

“The number of successful candidates reflects well on the quality of people we have in our business. They have demonstrated their strengths and should be very proud of their achievements.”

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CLAIMS manager Laura Brelsford has joined the Hessle office of Henderson Insurance Brokers.

Ms Brelsford, joins the firm after seven years in the role with Aviva, where she managed commercial and household property claims.

Associate director Chris Harvey said: “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.”

Ms Brelsford will lead an experienced team working across a range of general insurance, including business, motoring and property.

Ms Brelsford’s appointment comes as the Hessle office looks to build on increased revenues, premium placements and business activity. It opened in 2004 and is now placing more than £10m worth of premiums annually.

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BARNSLEY IT company IT Desk UK has appointed Joe Allen to help with front line technical support.

IT Desk managing director Chris Wright said: “We’re really pleased to welcome Joe to our growing team. He has a natural interest in IT and is keen to develop his knowledge of different systems and applications.

“Our clients really appreciate the fact that we are available 24/7 to look after their IT needs and Joe will have an important role to play in ensuring that customers’ needs are met.”

IT Desk offers a range of IT support packages and specialises in proactive support including remote monitoring of IT systems. This means issues can be sorted out over the phone, via remote assistance or through on-site support.