Appointments: Chadwick Lawrence, Vantage Motor Group, Schofield Sweeney

LAW firm Chadwick Lawrence has boosted its team with the appointment of two partners and five associates.

Employment lawyer Daniel Krigers and Dan Hirst in dispute resolution have both been promoted to partner level.

Mr Krigers is the youngest current partner at the Chadwick Lawrence, after starting at the firm in 2005. He will now head up the property, corporate and employment law teams under the commercial department umbrella.

Mr Hirst was an associate in commercial litigation at Godloves following the 2012 merger, after which he headed up Chadwick Lawrence’s financial mis-selling department.

Joanne Jones and Rebecca Payne in the family law division, as well as employment lawyer Nils O’Donoghue, Bhavna Patel in conveyancing, and Peter Harling in corporate and debt recovery have been promoted to associate level.

Managing partner, Neil Wilson, said: “Chadwick Lawrence is about recognising dedication, diligence and teamwork and they all exemplify these principles and fully deserve their success.

“It is down to the hard work and ambition of our staff that we continue to be successful and it is important that we recognise the significant contribution that Daniel, Dan, Joanne, Rebecca, Nils, Bhavna and Peter are making.”

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LAURA WILLIAMS has joined Harrogate’s Vantage Motor Group to lead recruitment following a year of growth.

Ms Williams has been a recruitment manager at the Asda and Walmart head dffice in Leeds, where she recruited for more than 120 positions as part of its global ecommerce project.

Ms Williams said: “It’s critical that we as a business have the ability to attract and retain the right personnel, as people are one of the most important investments a company makes.

“I take an innovative approach to attracting talent, utilising social media as well as building relationships with local colleges and universities. I believe it’s best where possible to source your own candidates and progress them through the organisation.”

Mark Robinson, managing director of Vantage Motor Group said: “I’m excited about what Laura can bring to the role of group resourcing specialist, she has a lot of ideas around how we can improve recruitment efficiency and ensure we are retaining our talent.

“I’m delighted Laura shares our enthusiasm for finding and developing the right individuals.”

Vantage Motor Group was founded in Harrogate North Yorkshire in 2003. The Group now has over 500 employees and 21 dealerships across Northern England and the West Midlands representing Toyota, Kia, Citroen, Honda, Hyundai, ŠKODA, Mazda and Lexus. Turnover to the end of 2014 was £174m.

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THE corporate team Schofield Sweeney has a new addition following the appointment of Chris Blantern.

Mr Blantern has previously worked at LCF Law, Pinsent Masons and Eversheds, bringing 12 years’ experience advising on deals including acquisitions and disposals, MBOs, buy ins and joint ventures.

He said: “I have worked in the corporate community in Leeds and Bradford for over 12 years and have a built a strong network of contacts and have a real understanding of the types of challenges faced by businesses in the region. I look forward to working with such a hands-on and experienced team.”

Schofield Sweeney won the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce Raising the Bar ‘Helping in Education’ award last night.