Appointments: Armstrong Watson, Irwin Mitchell, Harrogate Chamber, John Holland

A TRIO of appointments have been made at Armstrong Watson across Yorkshire.

Jon Wilson, formerly managing director for York-based Sheppee International, a manufacturer of machinery for the glass container industry, has become a director at the firm.

With an accountancy background, he joined the company through a management buy-out as finance director.

In 2012 Mr Wilson became MD of the company. He helped grow the business from £5m to £9m turnover.

Mike Kienlen, regional lead partner for Armstrong Watson commented: “We are delighted to have Jon join the team in Yorkshire. His experience taking a business through a recession, doubling turnover and implementing award winning strategies through to seeing a business fit for an ongoing sale is completely unique and there are clear benefits to our clients in having this level of industry based experience available to feed into our business advice.”

In addition to Mr Wilson’s appointment, the Leeds office of Armstrong Watson is growing its corporate team with the appointment of Chris Wright, who has been promoted to corporate finance director, and Stephanie Kealey, who joins as a corporate finance executive.

Phil Bailey, corporate finance partner said: “It’s with great pleasure that we’re able to announce the promotion of Chris to Corporate Finance Director and the appointment of Stephanie to the team.”

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ASSOCIATE Zoe Williams has joined the commercial dispute resolution team at Irwin Mitchell.

She has moved from Yorkshire law firm LCF Law, with nine years of commercial litigation experience under her belt.

Ms Williams specialises in claims in relation to contracts, professional negligence, property, construction and building contract disputes.

Steve Beahan, commercial litigation partner at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Zoe is a welcome and valuable addition to our commercial dispute resolution team and we are delighted to have her on board.

“Demand within the department is growing and it is important that we continue to recruit at a level which provides senior level advice to clients.”

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HARROGATE CHAMBER has appointed a chief executive designate, after Brian Dunsby steps down in May.

Sandra Doherty, who served three years as president until May 2015, is taking over, subject to approval at the Chamber’s AGM.

When Mr Dunsby steps down, he takes with him the secretarial team at Perlex Associates, which has carried out the administration for the Chamber since 2002.

Vicky Carr, who has been working for the Chamber on a freelance basis since 2013, will be its PR Officer and also assist with administrative duties.

Outgoing president Mike Shaw is handing over the reins to Michael Webster, owner of Sign-a-Rama based on Knaresborough Road in Harrogate.
Sandra Doherty said: “Brian has done an incredible job of building the Chamber from a fairly small group of business owners to a membership of around 250 businesses across Harrogate.

“With the support of the members, I hope to continue that work from May onwards and help to ensure the Chamber supports and represents local businesses for many years to come.”

Outgoing president Mike Shaw said: “This May will be a time of change for the Chamber, as two of the key leadership roles are taken by new people.

“It is an exciting time for everyone involved with the Chamber and we are looking forward to seeing how things develop over the coming months and years.

“This is also a great opportunity for anyone who has not been a member before, or who has never tried a meeting, to come along and see what the Chamber can offer to local businesses.”
 

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SHEFFIELD car dealership John Holland has appointed two new staff members to boost its team.

Wesley Snoad and James Sharp join as a buyer and a sales consultant respectively.

Mr Snoad spent eight years working for Audi, including six years as a sales manager at the manufacturer’s Ridgeway showroom in Oxfordshire, and has previously worked for Land Rover and Peugeot.

Mr Sharp joins as a sales consultant, and brings with him a wealth of sales experience in the motoring industry.

After starting at Harratts Volvo in Wakefield as a valeter at the age of 15, he worked his way up to the role of senior sales consultant. He worked at Ray Chapman Motors in York before returning to Harratts and then taking on his new role at John Holland.

John Holland managing director, Mark Holland, said: “It’s fantastic news for the company to be taking on two new full-time members of staff.

“Both Wesley and James bring with them a wealth of industry experience to add to the already strong team here at John Holland.

John Holland currently employs 27 members of staff, a figure which has grown by 4 in the past 12 months.