National law firm Switalskis has appointed two new directors to its leading medical negligence team, strengthening its presence across East Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the North East.

Chris Gresswell-Green, a specialist in catastrophic injury and fatal claims, joins from a Lincolnshire-based firm and will be based in Doncaster. With 15 years’ experience, he is a member of the Law Society’s Clinical Negligence Panel and focuses on complex cases involving brain and spinal injury.

Clare Thompson, also a Clinical Negligence Panel member and accredited by AvMA, brings more than 25 years' experience and joins from a Newcastle-based firm. She will support clients in the North East, particularly families affected by birth injuries and cerebral palsy.

Switalskis’ medical negligence team now comprises 85 lawyers, including 11 directors. The firm is ranked fifth nationally by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.



Leeds Rhinos Women captain and England international Caitlin Beevers has joined Leeds-based cloud services provider virtualDCS as an account manager. In her new role, Beevers will support clients, resellers and channel partners, managing contracts and driving business growth.

Beevers said: “It’s an exciting role and a great time to join the team at virtualDCS. The business is seeing growing demand for its services as companies seek to prevent cyber attacks and disruption to their operations.”

virtualDCS specialises in cloud hosting, disaster recovery and cyber resilience, working with clients across healthcare, hospitality, retail and other sectors. The appointment follows a recruitment drive that saw five new sales development representatives—Jack Warren, Daniel Jones, Jak Cavanagh, Ashley Chapple and Harry Cooke—join the company following a recruitment day hosted at AMT Headingley Stadium. The event featured motivational talks from Rhinos CEO Gary Hetherington and incoming chief executive Jamie Jones-Buchanan.

The appointments follow private equity firm MonacoSol’s recent majority stake in virtualDCS.



Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust has appointed Dr Sean Fenwick as Acting Chief Executive, effective 18 August 2025. He steps in following Trudie Davies’s secondment to North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust. Fenwick joins from South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, where he is Director of Operations and Deputy Chief Executive. With over 30 years’ NHS experience, including a background as a consultant nephrologist, he brings significant clinical and operational expertise. His interim leadership will ensure continuity as Gateshead Health continues its work within the Great North Healthcare Alliance. Davies remains the Trust’s substantive Chief Executive.



The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa has named Tim O’Sullivan as its new General Manager. With over 25 years’ experience in UK hospitality, including roles at Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa and Rookery Hall, O’Sullivan brings a strong track record in leadership and guest experience. He joins the Yorkshire Dales estate at a pivotal time, tasked with enhancing its award-winning spa, dining, and on-site activities. His appointment signals a renewed focus on regional cuisine, strategic partnerships and elevated guest offerings, as The Coniston aims to further establish itself as a leading destination in northern England.



Arla Foods has appointed Fran Ball as Senior Vice President of UK Supply Chain, effective August 2025. Ball, previously VP of UK Production, brings over 20 years’ experience in manufacturing and a strong focus on diversity and team development. In this newly created role, she will oversee the full UK supply chain, including production and logistics, leading a team of 2,800. Her promotion reflects Arla’s commitment to strengthening its “farm to fridge” operations and enhancing customer delivery. Ball has led major site investments and is set to drive innovation and inclusion across Arla’s expanding UK operations.



Yorkshire housebuilder Thomas Alexander Homes has made three key appointments as it continues its regional growth. Hayden Patterson joins as Site Manager, Elliot Sennett as Quantity Surveyor, and Siobhan Wardle as Sales Progressor.














Patterson will lead site operations at the firm’s new Staveley Walk development, overseeing planning, health and safety, and customer care.

Sennett brings over five years’ experience and will manage the commercial aspects of multiple sites, including Hartley Vale in Burneston.

Wardle, also with a strong property background, will support buyers through to completion, working closely with solicitors and clients to ensure a smooth sales process.



Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), has been appointed as a Trustee of YouthBuild UK. The charity supports disadvantaged young people into construction careers—at a time when the sector faces a critical skills shortage. Berry’s appointment aligns with the FMB’s long-standing advocacy for higher standards in construction, including its Licence to Build campaign for mandatory licensing of building firms. He will formally join the YouthBuild UK board in September. YouthBuild UK Chair Ian Davis and General Manager Christopher Selby welcomed the appointment, citing Berry’s industry profile as a key asset in advancing the charity’s mission.



Yorkshire-based care provider HICA Group has promoted Alan Hutty to Head of Finance. With nearly 40 years’ experience, Hutty steps up from his role as Head of Financial Reporting, having joined the organisation nine years ago as Group Management Accountant. He will now lead HICA’s finance function, overseeing financial reporting and supporting decision-making across the group. Chief Executive Terry Peel said the promotion reflects Hutty’s commitment and the critical role finance plays in delivering high-quality care. HICA Group operates care homes and community services across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the Humber, with a focus on innovation and not-for-profit delivery.



Grimsby Fish Dock Enterprises Ltd has appointed Danny Payne and Ben Walker as directors, recognising their long-standing contributions. Payne, who began as a lumper 17 years ago, becomes operations director, while Walker, a former accountant, is now finance director. Both bring a combined 25 years of internal experience to the board, which oversees traditional fish market operations and supports growth in offshore wind and port services. Their promotions highlight the company’s focus on internal talent and continuity. Board chair Andrew Oliver praised the appointments as a mark of strength and testament to CEO Martyn Boyers’ leadership in developing in-house expertise.



Azets has appointed Becca Murdoch as Director of Tax and promoted Joe Hughes to Audit Director. Based in Lancaster, Murdoch brings over 20 years’ experience in R&D tax relief, with a background at BAE Systems and KPMG, and continues to serve as a trustee for three local charities. Hughes, based in Burnley, has been with Azets for 12 years and now leads the local audit team, working across sectors from manufacturing to major sporting events. Regional MD Susanna Cassey said the appointments reflect Azets’ investment in talent and commitment to growth. Azets operates eight offices across the North West.



Aldwark Manor Estate has appointed Richard Smith as its new General Manager, bringing nearly 20 years of hospitality leadership experience. He joins the North Yorkshire estate during a period of significant development, including the upcoming launch of a luxury spa in late 2025. Smith previously spent 18 years with Classic Lodges, where he played a key role in brand growth and digital strategy. His arrival follows recent accolades for the estate’s dining venues, with Elements earning two AA Rosettes and Chartwell holding three.



LCF Law has strengthened its team with a key senior appointment and two internal promotions. Sarah Hargreaves joins as Head of HR, bringing 25 years of experience across technology, education and professional services, including a recent role at Yorkshire Water. She will lead people strategy, staff wellbeing and organisational development, helping the firm modernise while maintaining its people-first culture. Erin Keeling has been promoted to HR Adviser, less than a year after joining as an administrator. Formerly a professional ballet dancer, her rapid progression reflects her adaptability and commitment. Leanne Rogers, with the firm for nearly 20 years, becomes Accounts Team Leader, managing a team of five while continuing her ILFM qualifications. The award-winning firm employs over 145 staff across offices in Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate and Ilkley, and operates regionally, nationally and internationally.