Professionals: Walker Morris backs Growing Zone Project with pro bono support; Leeds City College brief for law firm; and more

A TEAM at Walker Morris has provided free legal advice as part of its ongoing pro bono programme to the Growing Zone, an allotment garden project based in West Yorkshire.

The team drafted waivers and visitor sign in sheets for the Growing Zone, helping the project to deliver its services to the wider community.

The Growing Zone is the brainchild of June Perkin, who secured 1200 sq m of land at the Gibson Lane Kippax site from The Allotment Federation.

The aim of the project is to bring together people of all ages and abilities in a safe environment where they are able to learn from each other, build their confidence and be taught about the land, growing vegetables, flowers and fruit.

With over 3,000 visitors a year the Growing Zone has an active committee of volunteer members who provide help and support to all its visitors. The project offers the opportunity to learn practical life skills as well as woodwork, construction techniques and photography.

Several Walker Morris employees including Rob Starr, Paul Godsmark, Zenia McDermott, Hannah Blood, Mark Scoles and Gemma Johnson swapped their suits for gardening gear to help the Growing Zone prepare for its annual Halloween party.  

Jeanette Burgess, partner at Walker Morris, said: “We are pleased to have been given the opportunity to work with the Growing Zone and support the local project as part of our pro bono programme. Being able to meet with the volunteers and see the project first hand we saw the amazing work the Growing Zone undertakes in supporting the community and how it offers a safe learning environment for people of all ages and disabilities.  June and her team are truly inspirational.”

:::

LAW firm Irwin Mitchell has been appointed to provide employment law and HR support to Leeds City College and the White Rose Academies Trust.

Tracing its roots back to 1824, Leeds City College currently has over 19,000 students and in addition to being one of the largest further education colleges in the UK, is the biggest provider of apprenticeships nationally.

The White Rose Academies Trust is sponsored by Leeds City College and operates Leeds West Academy, Leeds East Academy and Leeds City Academy.

Irwin Mitchell has sector expertise in education and a dedicated team of specialist lawyers who support schools, further education colleges and academy trusts through its ‘IM Educate’ service and general employment law services.

As part of the initial three year contract, Irwin Mitchell will advise Leeds City College and the White Rose Academies Trust on the full range of employment legal issues. The firm will also provide regular training to the organisation’s HR team.

Sam Clark, an associate in the employment team at Irwin Mitchell in Leeds, said:  “We are delighted to be working with Leeds City College and as one of the largest Further Education providers in the local area, it’s an important appointment which clearly demonstrates the strength of Irwin Mitchell’s offering in the education sector.”

:::

LEEDS, Barnsley and Wombwell-based law firm Bury & Walkers Solicitors has maintained its professional endorsements with Lexcel accreditation from The Law Society of England and Wales.

Awarded to law firms meeting high standards of client care and management standards, Lexcel accredited practices undergo rigorous independent assessment every year to ensure they meet required standards of excellence in areas such as client care, legal case handling and risk management.

Managing partner of Bury & Walkers Solicitors, Michael Burke, said: “We are delighted that The Law Society has awarded us Lexcel accreditation for the fifth year running. Bury & Walkers Solicitors strives for the highest standards of professionalism and this further demonstrates to our clients that we are absolutely committed to providing and maintaining the highest quality of service and client care.”

:::

                               
YFM Equity Partners, the specialist private equity fund manager which has offices in Leeds and Sheffield, has backed the MBO of Ferrabyrne.

YFM managed funds have invested alongside private co-investors to provide a £4m funding package. YFM’s funding includes the second investment from its new YFMEP 2016 Fund, which held a first close in June.
 
Ferrabyrne designs, develops, manufactures and services systems and components, including rubber and metal for global customers in the rail, commercial vehicle and energy generation industries.  Its key products include suspension components for passenger and freight rail vehicles and heavy-duty trucks, as well as components for wind turbines. Ferrabyrne has 73 employees.

The company is an approved supplier to global rail businesses including Bombardier, Hitachi, Alstom, Siemens, CAF, Wabtec, Unipart Rail and London Underground. It has invested heavily in design and development capability, as well as in its manufacturing, refurbishment and testing facilities, in order to take advantage of the buoyant rail sector.