A local success story is unfolding in Sheffield as Rotherham-born Craig Cannings steps up to lead B. Braun UK as Managing Director. Mr Cannings, a central figure at the healthcare firm since 2010, succeeds Michael Parden, who has transitioned to the role of CEO for the group's North American operations.

Climbing the ranks from Head of Group Finance to Finance Director, Mr Cannings now oversees a vast portfolio ranging from surgical instruments to digital health solutions. His appointment signals a "people-first" era for the South Yorkshire-based firm, focusing on sustainability and clinical excellence across the UK.

Craig Cannings said: “I am honoured to take on the role of Managing Director; it means a great deal to lead an organisation with such deep roots in Sheffield and the wider region.”

Roman Kübler of the B. Braun Group added: “Craig’s strategic capability and cultural focus make him exceptionally well-placed to guide the business forward.”



Thomson Hayton Winkley (THW) has bolstered its Cumbrian operations with the appointment of Nina Hood as head of residential property.

A licensed conveyancer with over 25 years of experience, Hood joins from Ratcliffe & Bibby. Based at the firm's Kendal headquarters, she oversees a 14-strong team and is joined by assistant Sasha Miller. Hood noted: “I am keen to combine my experience with a forward-thinking approach, including embracing technology to continually improve how we work.”

The 60-strong firm, which includes the specialist Rural Law Practice, has also appointed Katy Harkin to its private client team and Phil Capstick as a dispute resolution trainee.

Managing director Suzie Fisher said: “Nina has been a real breath of fresh air... bringing a great deal of energy and fresh ideas.”

THW was acquired in 2023 by the MAPD Group, a national legal consolidator focused on scaling local firms across the UK.



Knight Frank has appointed Paul Davinson and Ross Haywood as Partners within its northern Business Rates team, based out of the firm’s Leeds office.

Joining from JLL, the duo will oversee the development of the specialist practice across a "Northern Hub" that encompasses Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle, and Manchester. The appointments are part of a strategic expansion for the property consultancy as it manages increasing demand for advice regarding the UK’s complex business rates environment—a local property tax levied on non-domestic assets.

Eamon Fox, head of the Leeds office, noted that the hires are central to the firm’s long-term UK strategy.

Paul Davinson said: "Demand for specialist advice has increased exponentially as the business rates landscape becomes ever more complex."

Ross Haywood added: "I am delighted to be joining Knight Frank from JLL with Paul. We have worked together successfully for a number of years."



After nearly three decades at Lupton Fawcett, James Nuttall has traded one Yorkshire legal powerhouse for another, joining LCF Law as head of finance. An ACCA-qualified accountant with 28 years of sector experience, Mr Nuttall will now steer the financial strategy for the firm’s offices in Bradford, Leeds, Harrogate, and Ilkley.

Beyond managing a team of seven, he takes on the critical role of Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration (COFA). The move reunites him with former colleagues and comes as the firm anticipates its most successful financial year to date.

James Nuttall said: “The leadership team all have great drive and determination, and the firm will achieve its best ever year this year, which is very exciting.”

Managing partner Ragan Montgomery added: “James brings the right sort of experience to the firm at an important stage in our growth plans. His depth of knowledge will be invaluable.”



Teesland Development Services has bolstered its senior leadership by appointing Jon Anderson to a dual role within the wider Scarborough Group International (SGI). While retaining his post as Project Director, Mr Anderson will now help steer the growth of Teesland, SGI’s specialist development management arm.

A veteran of the northern property sector with 25 years of experience, Mr Anderson previously led Lambert Smith Hampton’s Leeds office. Since joining SGI in 2021, he has been instrumental in delivering major Yorkshire landmarks, including Sheffield Digital Campus and Thorpe Park Leeds. In his expanded capacity, he will bridge the gap between in-house expertise and external consultancy for third-party clients.

Simon McCabe, Chief Executive of SGI, said: “Jon’s experience in delivering major schemes makes him a valuable addition to the senior team.”

Jon Anderson added: “The business has quickly established itself as a trusted partner for organisations looking to unlock value from complex development opportunities.”



Dow Schofield Watts (DSW) has strengthened its Yorkshire and North East corporate finance team with the appointment of James Clarkson as an Associate.

Based in Leeds, Mr Clarkson joins from KPMG, where he began his career as an apprentice in 2019. Having qualified as a chartered accountant in 2025, his experience spans audit, tax, and consulting, with a particular focus on the financial services sector. In his new role, he will advise entrepreneurs and management teams on cross-border trade sales, acquisitions, and private equity fundraisings.

The move follows a period of high activity for DSW, which recently advised on the sale of Access Building Products Group to Swedish firm Röko AB.

James Clarkson said: “It felt like the right time to join such an entrepreneurial corporate finance team at DSW. I can’t wait to get stuck in, supporting ambitious businesses going through complex transactions.”

Roger Esler, Corporate Finance Partner, added: “James is a great addition to the team. We are seeing strong levels of activity across our region.”



North Shields-based Greener Solutions Group has bolstered its North West operations with the appointment of Owen Hankin and Reece Davis as loft installers. The move follows the recruitment of eight staff across the North of England late last year, as the firm scales up to meet rising demand for retrofit and insulation services.

Since its founding in 2015, the group has evolved from a surveying specialist into a national provider of renewables, heating, and energy-efficiency measures. This latest expansion supports the firm’s delivery of regional programmes aimed at reducing household energy costs and improving building performance.

Andrew Wilkinson, Director at Greener Solutions Group, said: “Continued recruitment across our regions is essential to ensuring we have the capability and capacity to meet demand while maintaining high standards of delivery. Our recent appointments demonstrate our commitment to investing in people.”



South Yorkshire law firm Taylor Emmet has announced 27 internal promotions, marking a period of strategic growth and investment in regional talent.

As of April 2026, five staff members have been elevated to salaried Partner: Adam Gould (Technical Residential Conveyancing), Laura Hardy (Private Client), Richard Whiteley (Agricultural and Rural), Komal Landa (Wills and Trust Disputes), and Corinna Lincoln (Clinical Negligence).

Further senior appointments include Mike Robinson as Associate Director of Digital Marketing and Technology, and Elisha Zulfquar as Head of Client Services—a new role designed to standardise service delivery across the firm’s Sheffield and Peak District offices. The remaining promotions span Senior Associate, Associate, and support management tiers.

Sharna Poxon, HR Director at Taylor Emmet, said: “These senior appointments reflect the strength of talent we have across multiple departments. The introduction of a Head of Client Services is a significant step in our strategic focus on enhancing the client journey.”



Leeds-based independent retailer Abu Bakr Supermarket has appointed Esa Hussain, 20, as its new Commercial Director. He joins the board alongside his brother, Managing Director Hamza Hussain, 22, to oversee the company’s regional expansion.

In his new role, Hussain is responsible for product procurement, supplier relationships, and sales performance across the group’s existing estate and upcoming sites. The appointment comes as the family-run chain, a fixture in the West Yorkshire retail landscape for over a decade, prepares to open several new stores and a new dining concept, Aura, in Leeds.

Hamza Hussain, Managing Director, said: “Appointing Esa as Commercial Director is a proud moment. At just 20 years old, he brings incredible talent and energy to the business. Working together, we share a vision and drive that make this business so dynamic and I’m sure people will be hearing a great deal more about ‘The Hussain brothers’.”



Leeds-based building services engineering practice Tate Consulting has appointed Stuart Fenwick as Project Manager. An electrical specialist with over 40 years of experience, Fenwick will oversee the construction phase of the firm’s extensive portfolio of large-scale residential and student accommodation projects across the UK.

Operating from offices in Leeds and Belfast, Tate Consulting provides mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) solutions, alongside fire engineering and sustainability assessments. Fenwick’s role involves technical design reviews and ensuring statutory compliance on high-profile developments in London, Birmingham, and Manchester.

Stuart Fenwick said: “This is an opportunity to join a company with an unrivalled reputation when it comes to creating innovative MEP solutions that meet stringent ESG targets as well as ever-evolving legislation.”

Jim Lee, Director at Tate Consulting, added: “We’re now working on some of the tallest residential buildings outside London... Stuart’s electrical knowledge and experience will ensure that we continue building on the high level of service and expertise that our clients rely on us for.”



Wakefield-based BJD Crushers has appointed Steven Kilner as Technical Sales Engineer, bringing over a decade of high-level mechanical expertise to the machinery manufacturer.

Mr Kilner joins the firm following a distinguished career supervising engineering teams at RAF Leeming and RAF Coningsby, where he managed the maintenance and repair of aircraft ground equipment. His background also includes a tenure at Ibstock Concrete, focusing on large-scale site upgrades and capital expenditure projects. In his new role, he will manage technical documentation, customer enquiries, and bespoke quotations for BJD’s global client base.

The appointment comes as the 125-year-old firm looks to align its robust crushing and size-reduction equipment with evolving market demands.

Steve Shires, Technical Sales Engineer, said: “We are delighted to welcome Steven to the BJD team. He will play an important role in enhancing our technical services to customers.”



SMH Group has strengthened its regional leadership with two senior promotions at its Sheffield office, marking a significant milestone for the Yorkshire and Derbyshire-based professional services firm.

James Salim has been named Partner at SMH Sutton McGrath Hartley. An audit and assurance specialist, Salim joined the firm in 2017. He commented: “It’s a proud moment for me to step into the role of Partner. I’m looking forward to continuing to support our clients and contributing to the ongoing success of the firm.”

Simultaneously, Hannah Berridge has been promoted to Director of SMH Wills & Probate. Since joining in 2017, Berridge has been instrumental in expanding the firm’s private client legal services. She stated: “I’m looking forward to continuing to grow the Wills & Probate service and supporting even more clients.”

Jonathon Dickens, CEO of SMH Group, said: “James and Hannah have both made a significant impact... their progression is well deserved. They represent the values we stand for as a business.”



Unity Homes and Enterprise has appointed Sean Kelly as its first Dementia Champion, a move designed to integrate specialist support across the Leeds-based housing association. Kelly, who continues as Regeneration Manager, will oversee the implementation of "dementia-ready" design standards across the organisation’s property portfolio in West Yorkshire.

The initiative aligns with the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme. Unity has already established 10 specific design criteria for new builds, including enhanced lighting and distinctive front doors to assist navigation.

Sean Kelly said: “I am proud to be playing a lead role in strengthening Unity’s commitment to becoming a dementia-friendly organisation, supporting our tenants and staff through better understanding, practical action and future-focused housing design.”

Cedric Boston, Unity Chief Executive, added: “Through leadership, awareness and practical design, we are helping to create an environment where people affected by dementia feel understood, supported and able to live well.”

The project is supported by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the West Yorkshire Housing Partnership.