Hodgson Sayers appoints two long-serving managers to board
Stanley-based roofing and building specialist Hodgson Sayers has strengthened its board with the appointment of Marie Errington (Beckwith) as bid and administration director, and Peter Condren as operations director. Both are long-standing members of the team, promoted from office manager and operations manager respectively. Marie, who joined the firm in 2006, will oversee bid management, compliance, quality control, and administration functions. Peter, who started as an apprentice bricklayer aged 17, will lead a team including contract managers, surveyors, and BIM specialists. With 100 staff across the North and the Midlands, managing director John Sayers praised the pair as “tremendous assets” who represent the next generation of company leadership.

Ward Hadaway appoints family law specialist as partner

Ward Hadaway has appointed experienced family lawyer Louise Masters as a Partner in its Family and Matrimonial team. Based in Newcastle and working nationally, Louise brings nearly 20 years’ experience advising on complex family matters, including high-value financial settlements, marital agreements, and disputes involving business and generational assets. She is a collaborative lawyer and community mediator, known for her expertise in alternative dispute resolution. Since joining earlier this year, Louise has taken a lead role in the firm’s expanding One Lawyer, Resolution Together service – a model that enables separating couples to work with one legal adviser to reach agreement without going to court. Partnering with Gemma Iceton, she is helping to meet rising demand for non-court family law solutions.

Keepmoat appoints RMD for Yorkshire West

National housebuilder Keepmoat has named Warren Thompson as Regional Managing Director for Yorkshire West. With over 30 years’ industry experience, including senior roles at Miller Homes and Redrow, Warren will lead regional growth, focusing on brownfield regeneration and delivering affordable housing. His appointment marks a return to Keepmoat, having previously worked with its regeneration-focused arm, Bramall Construction. He aims to scale delivery to over 750 homes annually and expand the land pipeline. Keepmoat currently has 10 active developments in the region and partners with affordable housing providers to support community-focused regeneration across West Yorkshire.

Shakespeare Martineau appoints property litigation specialist
Shakespeare Martineau has appointed Stephen Scott as a partner in its national real estate disputes team. A well-known figure in Sheffield’s legal and business community, Stephen brings over 30 years’ experience advising institutional investors, developers and asset managers on complex property litigation. He previously led the real estate disputes team at Nabarro’s Sheffield office and held senior roles at CMS, Child & Child, and most recently, Howard Kennedy. Though based in London, he will continue advising clients across Yorkshire. The firm said his arrival enhances its national offering and bolsters its ability to support major development and investment projects.

Barnes to lead South Tees Development Corporation
John Barnes has stepped up as Chief Executive of the South Tees Development Corporation, following unanimous board approval. Already serving as COO, he brings over 25 years’ experience in regeneration and infrastructure. His appointment supports efforts to establish clearer governance boundaries between the Corporation and Tees Valley Combined Authority, as recommended by the Tees Valley Review. Barnes will oversee the ongoing transformation of Teesworks – the 4,500-acre former steelworks site in Redcar – into a national hub for low-carbon industry. He said the Corporation remains focused on delivering major projects, including Net Zero Teesside Power and offshore wind manufacturing.

Saffery promotes in Leeds
Saffery has promoted Rick Dunkley to partner in its corporate audit team in Leeds. Rick joined the firm in 2022 from RSM UK and specialises in advising owner-managed businesses, entrepreneurs, and mid-to-large corporates across sectors including recruitment, construction and manufacturing. He also leads audits for FCA-regulated entities and pension schemes. With experience in IFRS and complex transactions, Rick supports cross-border clients through Saffery’s global Nexia network. He will continue developing the firm’s regional presence and talent base.

New lead for Azets in Yorkshire and North East
Azets has named Claire Needham as its new regional managing director for Yorkshire and the North East. Promoted from her role as York office managing partner, Claire will lead over 500 staff across six offices from 1 July. She succeeds Russell Turner, who retires after 25 years with the firm. A chartered accountant with more than two decades of experience, including 19 years at a Big Four firm, Claire also heads Azets’ UK technical accounting team. She described the promotion as “an incredible opportunity” and aims to build on Turner’s legacy while supporting regional businesses and expanding Azets’ footprint.