![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.thebusinessdesk.com\/_files\/images\/nov_25\/Malcolm-Simpson-1-300x199.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSmartSearch, an Ilkley-headquartered provider of digital compliance and anti-money laundering (AML) solutions, has appointed Seyfi G\u00fcnay as chief revenue officer.<\/p>\n
He joins the Executive Leadership Team as the company accelerates its growth and innovation strategy following significant investment from Triple Private Equity and the acquisition of identity verification specialist Credas.<\/p>\n
G\u00fcnay has over two decades of experience in sales leadership at organisations including London Stock Exchange Group, Moody\u2019s Analytics, and S&P Global Market Intelligence.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cSmartSearch has an incredibly talented team dedicated to combatting financial crime and fraud and it is a privilege to join the company as chief revenue officer.<\/p>\n
“I look forward to working alongside the rest of the executive leadership team to drive growth, enhance SmartSearch\u2019s product offerings and provide customers with solutions to strengthen compliance, reduce risk and enable them to achieve their strategic objectives.\u201d<\/p>\n
Phil Cotter, CEO, added: \u201cSeyfi\u2019s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for SmartSearch, as we enter the next stage of our business evolution.<\/p>\n
“His wealth of experience and sector-specific expertise will be invaluable to the leadership team as we work together to accelerate growth and deliver new and exciting solutions that help our clients navigate today\u2019s complex regulatory environment and evolving financial crime landscape.\u201d<\/p>\n
:::<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Law firm Flint Bishop has appointed a former Walker Morris managing partner to lead its North Division.<\/p>\n
It has confirmed the appointment of Malcolm Simpson as managing partner for the North, with responsibility for the firm\u2019s Leeds, Sheffield, and York offices.<\/span><\/p>\n Flint Bishop reported turnover of \u00a332m with projected revenues set to exceed \u00a340m this financial year. It now employs around 420 staff.<\/span><\/p>\n Simpson served as managing partner of Walker Morris between 2018 and 2024. News of his appointment<\/span> follows Flint Bishop\u2019s acquisition of the entire business of Lupton Fawcett on 29 September –\u00a0 a deal that significantly expanded the firm\u2019s northern footprint across Leeds, Sheffield, and York.<\/span><\/p>\n As managing partner for the North, Simpson will spearhead the development of Flint Bishop\u2019s newly established North Division, driving the next phase of the firm\u2019s strategic expansion and integration across its national platform. <\/span><\/p>\n He has a clear mandate to accelerate growth through organic expansion, targeted lateral hires, team integrations, and further acquisition activities.<\/span><\/p>\n During his six-year tenure as managing partner at Walker Morris, he oversaw a period of record financial performance, modernised governance, and enhanced operational efficiency.<\/span><\/p>\n Under his leadership, the firm\u2019s turnover grew from \u00a342m to \u00a374m – achieved without increasing headcount.<\/span><\/p>\n Prior to becoming managing partner, he spent 18 years as a partner at Walker Morris (2000\u20132018), where he built a reputation as a leading disputes lawyer with a strong international client base. <\/span><\/p>\n He has advised FTSE 250, Fortune 500, and private equity\u2013backed businesses across the UK, US, and Europe, with particular expertise in the manufacturing, power generation, and real estate development sectors.<\/span><\/p>\n Qamer Ghafoor, chief executive at Flint Bishop, said: <\/span>\u201cMalcolm\u2019s arrival marks another defining moment in our journey. <\/span><\/p>\n “His proven record of driving transformation, cultural evolution, and sustained performance aligns perfectly with our ambitions. <\/span><\/p>\n “Working closely with me and the Executive Leadership Team, he will help strengthen client relationships and expand our market share across core sectors and regions – reinforcing our commitment to building a high-performing, future-focused national law firm.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Simpson added: <\/span>\u201cFlint Bishop\u2019s vision, momentum, and client-first ethos make it one of the most exciting law firms in the UK market. <\/span><\/p>\n “Following the acquisition of Lupton Fawcett, the North Division presents a phenomenal opportunity – with outstanding teams in Leeds, Sheffield and York, a strong and loyal client base, and huge potential for growth. <\/span><\/p>\n “I\u2019m thrilled to be joining at such a pivotal and energising stage of the firm\u2019s evolution.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n :::<\/p>\n Gabrielle Richardson, a solicitor in Switalskis\u2019 Child Care team, has achieved specialist accreditation in private children law and in advocacy for private law children from Resolution – the UK\u2019s leading network of family law professionals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Resolution\u2019s specialist accreditation is awarded only to solicitors who show exceptional knowledge, advocacy skills and professional competence in family law.<\/span><\/p>\n To qualify, solicitors must demonstrate their knowledge and skill through a two-stage process involving written assessments, advocacy tests and detailed case portfolios.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Richardson joined Switalskis as a newly qualified solicitor in 2023, based in the firm\u2019s Leeds office. <\/span><\/p>\n She specialises in working with survivors of domestic abuse, securing injunctions, handling parental disputes over child access arrangements, and facilitating special guardianship arrangements. She also carries out public law work and advises on international child abduction cases.<\/span><\/p>\n She said: \u201cI was determined to achieve this accreditation to give clients added assurance that they\u2019re in safe hands. <\/span><\/p>\n “Many of the families I work with are vulnerable, often having been through unimaginably difficult and distressing situations. <\/span><\/p>\n “It\u2019s vital that they know their solicitor has the technical ability and experience, and this accreditation gives that reassurance.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ruth Coneron, head of Switalskis\u2019 Child Care team, added: \u201cGabrielle has worked extremely hard to secure these specialist Resolution accreditations in children law and advocacy. <\/span><\/p>\n “It\u2019s a demanding process that only a select number of lawyers complete successfully. Her determination and ability mean that our clients can be confident that they\u2019re being advised by one the leading specialists in this area of law. <\/span><\/p>\n “Her achievement reflects her hard work and passion for achieving best outcomes for children and families.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n :::<\/p>\n Muse has appointed Leah Parkinson as estates director.<\/span><\/p>\n This is intended to support Muse\u2019s continued growth as it looks to accelerate the delivery of its development pipeline, which includes nearly 15,000 homes across 17 communities.<\/span><\/p>\n Parkinson has joined the New Homes and Places team with a focus on supporting Muse\u2019s regional offices in Yorkshire & North East, the North West and Midlands, where she will work with local teams and partners.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n She brings extensive experience in estate management and customer care to the business. <\/span><\/p>\n In her previous role as head of client relations at Zenith Management, she led across the leasehold and build-to-rent sector, with oversight of a national portfolio of more than 3,300 homes across 40 developments on behalf of clients and residents’ management companies.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This included full oversight of the launch of new places, from the handover after construction through to resident onboarding.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Stephanie Smith, head of residential at Muse, said: \u201cWe are excited to have Leah\u2019s strength and experience as part of our team as we continue to focus on the long-term stewardship within the communities we develop. <\/span><\/p>\n “Her attention to place management strategy and customer care will be a valuable addition to our projects across the country.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cLeah will be pivotal in guiding our estates management approach, working closely with our partners and regional teams to ensure that we are delivering the best possible neighbourhoods where people can be proud to live and work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Parkinson added: \u201cMuse have built a strong reputation for creating vibrant communities that bring people together and which stand the test of time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWith an exciting pipeline of transformative places across the country, I am looking forward to working with Muse\u2019s partners and local teams to ensure that we continue to deliver outstanding places that are thoughtfully designed neighbourhoods which prioritise quality, heart, and identity, and place people at their core.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The latest moves from across the region<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":238857,"featured_media":2146156,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"coauthors":[62387],"class_list":["post-2146155","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-people","tag-featured-story"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.thebusinessdesk.com\/_files\/images\/nov_25\/Gabrielle-Richardson-300x225.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.thebusinessdesk.com\/_files\/images\/nov_25\/Leah-Parkinson-300x225.jpg\")
<\/p>\n