PPS Expands Team with Six Strategic Hires
York-based supply firm PPS has announced six new appointments to support its continued growth and commitment to customer service. The hires span operations and senior roles, including three new drivers—Adam Walker, Sam Metcalfe and Matthew Cross—to strengthen delivery capabilities, and Mia Prichard as a Customer Service Advisor. Erin Brennan joins as Customer Service Manager from Evri, while Rob Gammon becomes Regional Account Manager after over a decade with Alliance Disposables. The additions take PPS’ headcount to 58, reinforcing its ‘customer-first’ ethos as the company targets further expansion across its Yorkshire sites in the coming financial year.

Professor Keith Ridgway Named Chair of DigitalCNC
DigitalCNC, the Sheffield-based AI precision manufacturing software firm, has appointed Professor Keith Ridgway CBE as Chair. A leading figure in advanced manufacturing, Ridgway co-founded the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing and has held senior roles across the UK, including at the University of Strathclyde and Industry Wales.

Born in Manchester and educated at UMIST, Ridgway began his career in industry before moving into academia. He has been recognised with both an OBE and a CBE for services to manufacturing and is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.

His appointment signals strong backing for DigitalCNC’s mission to apply AI to improve quality and efficiency in precision manufacturing. The company is a spin-out from Yorkshire AI Labs, developed in partnership with the AMRC. Ridgway praised the firm’s industry collaborations, including with Rolls-Royce, and its potential to boost UK manufacturing performance.

Shakespeare Martineau Expands National Regeneration Practice
Law firm Shakespeare Martineau has appointed Kellie Hatton as a partner to lead its national regeneration and commercial development practice. Based in Sheffield, Kellie brings over 20 years' experience, joining from Shoosmiths with a strong track record in strategic land and urban regeneration schemes. Her appointment supports the firm’s growth ambitions in South Yorkshire and enhances its real estate capabilities nationwide. Hatton will focus on complex mixed-use projects and mentoring junior lawyers. Managing director Victoria Tester praised her “exceptional experience and commercial insight”, highlighting her role in expanding the firm’s specialist development work across key regional markets.

Howarths Strengthens Team with Three Key Appointments
People consultancy Howarths has bolstered its growth and client success teams with three new hires. Basit Mossa joins as Client Relationship Executive, bringing experience from Zenith Vehicle Intelligent Solutions.

Sophie Metcalf takes on the role of HR Growth Partner, offering strategic HR support to clients across multiple sectors. Meanwhile, Bev Healy joins as Business Support Administrator after more than 40 years as an office manager, supporting internal operations and the Howarths Foundation.

CEO Gavin Howarth welcomed the additions, praising their shared commitment to client success and team culture as the business continues to expand its SME-focused services.

Chris Major Appointed Director of Care and Quality at Abbeyfield
Abbeyfield Northumbria has promoted long-serving manager Chris Major to Director of Care and Quality. Based in Newcastle, Chris has worked with the not-for-profit care provider for 20 years and was previously manager of Castle Farm residential home near Jesmond Dene. She now oversees care standards across five homes and over 100 staff. Lisa Bunting, former deputy at Castle Farm, succeeds Chris as manager. CEO Peter Standfield praised both appointments as a sign of continuity and strength within the organisation, as Abbeyfield Northumbria looks ahead to future investment in its people, properties and care provision across the region.

Begbies Traynor Group promotes new director in Yorkshire
Ben Fallon has been promoted to director at Begbies Traynor Group’s Leeds office. A chartered accountant and licensed insolvency practitioner, Fallon joined the firm in 2012 as a trainee and has since built experience in corporate recovery and advisory work. He has spent the past three years supporting senior teams on national restructuring and turnaround projects. Regional managing partner Julian Pitts welcomed the promotion, citing Fallon’s contribution across the Yorkshire and national teams. Fallon, from Wetherby, said he looks forward to helping regional businesses during challenging times. Begbies Traynor operates 10 offices across Yorkshire, the Humber and the North East.

Three Promoted in LCF Law’s Dispute Resolution Team
LCF Law has promoted three members of its dispute resolution team to associate. Andrew Donaldson, Catherine Scholfield and Bridie Johnson-Power have all advanced in recognition of their expertise and client-focused approach. Donaldson, a Canadian-qualified solicitor, specialises in high-value contractual disputes and shareholder claims. Scholfield, who qualified in 2017, handles property litigation and contentious probate, while Johnson-Power, who qualified in 2021, advises across a range of disputes. Team head Charles Abraham praised their strategic insight and commitment. The firm’s dispute resolution practice advises businesses and individuals on commercial, property and private disputes from its offices in Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate and Ilkley.