The Owl in Hawnby, a historic drover’s inn in North Yorkshire, has appointed Will Rough as its new Head Chef. Rough, who previously worked at the award-winning Skosh in York and the Michelin-starred Star at Harome, succeeds Sam Varley, who will remain involved with the Owl while moving on to Brancusi in York. The announcement coincides with the inn being named one of the UK's Top 100 Pubs in the newly published 2025 Good Food Guide. The guide praised the Owl as a "welcoming retreat" known for its "unfussy food." Rough, who joined the Owl in April 2024, aims to "keep the essence of traditional pub fare" while elevating the offering, particularly by making British game more accessible. He joins alongside new Front of House manager Wesley Jones.



Aon plc has appointed four new joiners to its Leeds office as part of its Early Careers programme. The group includes two graduates and two placement students who are joining the firm’s Wealth team. Rosie Axon, Amelia Cottee, Zaara Zakir and Wiktoria Szczesna will gain hands-on experience in areas such as actuarial consulting, investment, and client management. The programme, which offers graduate, apprenticeship, and placement year routes, aims to cultivate talent in the Yorkshire and the Humber region. Marcus Pollitt, a senior consultant in Aon’s Leeds office, said: “Aon’s Early Careers programme attracts the best and brightest talent, and we are proud of the reputation it has built. Each year, we see a high level of interest in our graduate, apprenticeship, and placement schemes, which reflects the strength of the opportunities we offer." Aon has opened applications for its 2026 Early Careers programmes, and more information can be found here: https://www.aon.com/careers/early-careers/uk



Bellway North East has promoted Daniel Walker to the position of Regional Director. Walker, 35, joined the national housebuilder's regional division in 2021 as Construction Director, having started in the industry in 2012. Growing up in the North East, he expressed pride in running the division covering Bellway’s original heartland, where the company began in 1946. He will focus on developing the team, acquiring land for new developments, and maintaining customer service and quality. Current major projects include sites in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Durham.



NuCAS, the Newcastle-based specialist in technology-enhanced legal services, has appointed Ellie Purdy as its Director of Operations. Purdy joins the firm from Magic Circle law firm Clifford Chance, bringing significant experience in operational excellence, legal design, and client service delivery. She is recognised for her ability to lead complex legal workstreams and integrate technology platforms to streamline operations. At NuCAS, Purdy will be central to designing and delivering bespoke, client-centric solutions, from initial strategy through to ongoing optimisation. “NuCAS is redefining how legal services are delivered, and I’m proud to be part of a team that’s driving real transformation in the sector.”



Fenton Packaging Solutions, based in Leeds, has strengthened its sales capacity with two key appointments supporting its growth plans and new strategy. Mark Woods joins as Business Development Manager, bringing over 20 years of experience in packaging and foodservice. He will focus on accelerating growth in the firm's fast-growing food and foodservice packaging sector. Alex Breeze has been appointed as Internal Sales and Customer Service Manager. With a decade of experience, she will concentrate on enhancing the customer experience and driving growth through improved client connections. The company's strategy focuses on delivering consultative, innovative, and sustainable packaging solutions. Managing Partner of Sales, David Wilson confirmed the appointments "support our growth plans as a consultative packaging solutions provider”.



Paul Smith, the founder and managing director of MultiWebMarketing™, has been appointed to the newly established Doncaster Mayoral Business Advisory Group. Launched by Doncaster Chamber and Doncaster Council, the group offers non-political expertise to Mayor Ros Jones to help shape the city's economic future. Smith’s appointment ensures representation for Doncaster’s expanding digital and creative sector, crucial for driving innovation and employment in the Yorkshire and the Humber region. As a former HM Government Adviser for Digital Growth, he brings substantial strategic experience to the role. Smith said his reason for joining was "simple: to take ownership, to bring an experienced perspective, and to contribute constructively to the work already being done to move this city forward”.