People: Law firm recruits private client director; Double hire for risk management specialist; and more

SHEFFIELD solicitors Wake Smith has appointed Suzanne Porter as a director in its private client team.

Ms Porter brings experience in wills, probate applications and estate administration, inheritance tax planning, elderly client issues, powers of attorney, and trusts.

She also has many years’ experience in dealing with licensing issues for clients across the region and will continue offering this expertise as a director at Wake Smith.

Ms Porter will work closely with the current head of the private client team, director Andrew Vidler, and will take over from him as head of the department in May.

Mr Vidler said: “We are delighted that someone of Suzanne’s calibre has chosen to join the company at this exciting time, as we continue to grow and improve our services to our clients.  

“Suzanne’s experience, her passion for her job, and her business acumen and development skills, will make her an invaluable asset to both the private client team and the company as a whole.”

Ms Porter qualified as a solicitor in 2002 at Favell, Smith & Lawson in Sheffield before moving to Cockertons in Bakewell in 2007 and becoming a partner. The Derbyshire firm merged with Taylor & Emmett three years ago. Ms Porter, as private client partner, was involved in the merger process and marketing the probate and private client department to raise the firm’s profile.

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RISK management expert Lighthouse has started 2017 on a high note with the arrival of two health and safety consultants to join its growing Leeds team.

Lighthouse, which has headquarters in Guiseley, has welcomed Nigel Roberts and Mary-Ann Philips to its team.
 
Lighthouse was established in 2007 to provide a practical support service to its clientele of over 450 UK businesses, helping them to achieve compliance with UK health & safety and employment law legislation.

Gwyn Evans, Lighthouse partner, said: “Nigel and Mary-Ann are of an extremely high calibre and demonstrated drive and ambition for the roles during the recruitment process. They join Lighthouse during an important phase of development for the business, and I’m sure their skills and expertise will help us continue to grow throughout the coming years.”

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HARROGATE agency Impression has expanded its digital team with the addition of two new team members to support its growth plans in 2017.

Michael Dilloway joins as a senior developer bringing experience from his work with companies including Black Sheep brewery and supermarket Nisa.

Aimee Cutino has been appointed digital account Manager having previously worked with Finn PR in Leeds working on campaigns for Morphy Richards & GHD.

Director Charlie Hartley said: “With the continued success of the agency, it was the right time to bolster the team and invest in serious talent. Michael’s experience and Aimee’s talent across digital strategy reflects the investment in putting the right skills in place as one of the region’s most exciting digital agencies.

“These latest appointments enable us to move into 2017 full of confidence to achieve the agency’s ambitious growth plans.”