Hull-based commercial property developer Wykeland Group has appointed Neil Riseham as Property Director. Mr Riseham brings 25 years of experience to the role, joining from Arriva Bus where he served as UK Property Director. His background includes senior positions at MKM Building Supplies, where he oversaw a portfolio expansion to 130 sites, and safety equipment supplier Arco. Succeeding the retired David Donkin, Mr Riseham will manage assets across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and the Humber. Managing Director Dominic Gibbons stated that Mr Riseham’s credentials would complement the firm’s ambitions for its business parks and regeneration projects.



Leeds Community Foundation and GiveBradford have appointed Josh Lawrence as Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships. Returning to his Yorkshire roots, Mr Lawrence brings over a decade of experience in corporate fundraising across the UK and Australia. Most recently Head of Corporate Partnerships at St John Ambulance, he previously held senior roles at Ronald McDonald House Charities Western Australia. In his new position, he will drive the charity’s fundraising strategy, building on a legacy that has seen £70m invested in local communities over 20 years. Chief Executive Steph Taylor said Mr Lawrence’s leadership would be key to inspiring new investment.



Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP has announced the promotion of 231 people across the North West region. This includes the appointment of Matthew Savage as a Transaction Services Partner and Helena Cartmell as a Valuations Partner. BDO has promoted 138 people in its Manchester office, with a further 93 in Liverpool. BDO has promoted almost 2,000 of its people across its UK offices, including 24 newly promoted partners across its Audit, Tax, Consulting, Risk & Outsourcing, Deals and Central Operations business areas. Effective from 1 November 2025, the partner promotions follow the appointment of 16 new external partners since January, taking BDO’s partnership to more than 500. Of the national cohort of newly promoted partners, more than a third are based in regions outside London and 40% are female, supporting BDO’s commitment of achieving a 30% female partnership by the end of 2030 as a signatory of the HM Treasury’s Women in Finance Charter.



Des Moore, Chief Executive of the Cumberland Building Society, has been named Business Leader of the Year at the 2025 in-Cumbria Awards. The accolade, presented at a ceremony in Carlisle, comes as Mr Moore prepares to step down next summer after eight years at the helm. Judges recognised his "outstanding contribution" to the Society, citing a 32 per cent growth in the balance sheet and a cultural shift towards sustainability and community support. Under his leadership, the Carlisle-based mutual has achieved "world class" accreditation from Best Companies and grown its assets to £3.29bn. Mr Moore, 63, described the award as a reflection of the "hard work and dedication" of his colleagues. He will leave the Society in a strong position, with mortgage lending now standing at £2.76bn and a continued commitment to its branch network across the region.



Stanley-based building maintenance and roofing contractor Hodgson Sayers has expanded its workforce with the appointment of nine apprentices. The new intake, which brings the firm’s total number of trainees to 13, will operate across flat roofing, bricklaying, and groundworks. Working in partnership with Derwentside College in Consett, the County Durham company has assigned mentors to each recruit to support their development. Operations Director Peter Condren noted that investing in the apprentices ensures the firm maintains high standards and secures its longevity. Hodgson Sayers also collaborates with North East Museums to promote STEAM learning careers.