Walker Foster Solicitors has appointed a six-strong board of directors to lead its next phase of growth as the Yorkshire firm enters its 107th year. Based in Skipton, the independent practice has restructured its leadership following the retirement of equity directors Stuart Rowland and Keith Hardington, who depart with a combined 71 years of service.

The new leadership structure moves from two equity directors to a diverse six-person team. Managing Director Maxine Heppenstall and Ian Haynes, Head of Residential Conveyancing, serve as equity directors. They are joined by executive directors Craig Williams and Jayne Schofield, alongside newly appointed directors Katie Ingham and Sara Rutter.

To streamline services for its regional and international business clients, the firm has merged its corporate and commercial property departments into a single entity. Walker Foster continues to operate across seven sites, including Harrogate and Northallerton, maintaining its presence as a significant legal provider in Northern England.

Maxine Heppenstall, Managing Director, said: “I would like to thank our two retiring directors, Stuart and Keith, for an exceptional combined 71 years of service to Walker Foster. Their leadership, professionalism and commitment over the years have played a significant role in the firm’s development and continued success. The appointment of new directors further strengthens our Board, ensuring continuity of leadership and bringing additional perspective and expertise as we focus on the firm’s long-term growth and the evolving needs of our clients.”



The Lighthouse Charity has appointed Gary Brannighan, business development manager at Hodgson Sayers, to its North East committee. He joins a group of industry professionals from across the region, including representatives from the Health and Safety Executive and Constructing Excellence North East.

The appointment coincides with the charity’s 70th anniversary. Established in 1956 at St Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay, the organisation provides emotional, physical, and financial support to the UK and Irish construction sectors. Mr Brannighan will assist the committee in volunteer fundraising and raising awareness of the charity’s 24-hour helpline and Wellbeing Academy.

Gary Brannighan said: “At Hodgson Sayers, the health and wellbeing of our people is a priority and joining the Lighthouse Charity committee allows me to help amplify the message that no one in construction should face life’s challenges alone.”

Sarah Sidey, regional chair, added: “Gary brings strong industry insight and a genuine commitment to wellbeing, which will be invaluable.”



Grimsby Fish Dock Enterprises (GFDE) has appointed Simon Dwyer as its new chairman, following the transition of his predecessor, Andrew Oliver, to the role of chief executive. Mr Dwyer, who previously served as vice-chair, steps into the position as the organisation oversees a diverse portfolio including the Grimsby Fish Market and the 25-hectare Port of Grimsby East.

A prominent figure in the Humber region’s seafood sector, Mr Dwyer is the chief executive of Seafox Management Consultants and the UK Seafood Federation. His appointment comes as GFDE seeks to bolster its operations across mooring services, property leasing, and its offshore wind training facilities.

Mr Dwyer said: “I'm delighted that our business, Seafox Management Consultants, can further support the Grimsby seafood cluster. Over recent years, Seafox has integrated itself into the local seafood sector and other major areas of the local economy. I look forward to working with the shareholders, directors, colleagues, customers, partners and suppliers in ensuring we operate a safe environment, future-proof growth and nurture new values within our business."



EY has appointed Jason Kenneally as Partner and Financial Due Diligence Leader for Yorkshire and the North East. Mr Kenneally, who holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry, specialises in the chemicals, ingredients, and industrials sectors.

Rejoining the firm from FTSE 100 speciality chemical company Croda International, he brings over 15 years of experience in the Northern transactions market. Based in Leeds, his role focuses on advising businesses on mergers, acquisitions, and listings. The appointment signals EY’s continued investment in its Northern deals practice despite a complex economic landscape in 2026.

Jason Kenneally said: "We are all aware of the headwinds that persist in 2026 but forward-thinking businesses with a clear equity story still have compelling opportunities to transact."

Kate Jarman, Leeds Office Managing Partner, added: "His experience and knowledge will be invaluable to both our team and our clients as we continue to support businesses across Yorkshire and the North East."



Together, the specialist lender with an £8.1 billion loan book, has appointed Kristi Capaldi as Corporate Sales Director for Teesside and North Yorkshire. Based in Cheadle, Greater Manchester, the firm’s latest strategic hire is part of an ongoing regional expansion to support property intermediaries and business clients across the North of England.

Ms Capaldi joins from Metro Bank, where she served as Local Director for the North East and oversaw the launch of its first branch in Gateshead. Her professional background is notably diverse, spanning immigration and human rights law, international hospitality in Dubai, and fintech initiatives in Chicago.

Kristi said: “Together really stood out to me because of its family feel. It’s not a tick-box company, there’s a genuine commitment to understanding clients and helping them achieve their ambitions with property. That really resonates with how I like to work. Working across so many different industries has given me a real understanding of people, what drives them, the challenges they face, and how they want to grow their businesses.”



Middlesbrough-based digital agency Outrank has appointed 10 new staff, including two senior board advisors, following a period of sustained growth. The expansion increases the agency’s headcount to over 60 employees at its Teesside headquarters.

David Crawford, former CEO of Branded3, joins as a non-executive advisor to oversee strategic growth and SEO positioning. He is joined on the advisory board by M&A specialist Amit Aggarwal, who brings 30 years of financial experience from roles at JPMorgan and PwC. The remaining eight recruits span roles in web development, social media, and AI technology.

Founder Stephen Robinson said: “David’s experience in building and scaling a search agency adds an important dimension, particularly as we continue to strengthen our offering in SEO and performance marketing.”

The hires follow Outrank’s recent recognition as one of the UK’s Best Medium Workplaces in 2026, highlighting the North East’s growing reputation as a hub for digital talent.



Cooper Parry (CP) has appointed Laura Burton as Partner to lead its new Global Mobility service line and Global Employer Services offering. Based in the firm’s Leeds office, Ms Burton will advise UK businesses on the tax and compliance complexities of international employment, including overseas secondments and remote working.

Ms Burton joins from BDO and brings 16 years of "Big Four" experience from Deloitte. Her appointment is part of a rapid expansion for CP in Yorkshire, following the recent hires of audit and transaction services partners in Leeds. The new service line aims to support mid-market and private equity-backed firms navigating the risks associated with multi-jurisdictional labour laws.

Laura said: “I was hugely attracted by the culture and ambition at Cooper Parry. The opportunity to build a service line that harnesses the power that today’s technology brings is very exciting. I am looking forward to growing the team across the UK and providing a key service to our clients across the country.”



Azets has strengthened its regional leadership with three senior promotions across its Leeds and York offices. The appointments follow a significant period of growth for the firm, which now employs 335 people in Yorkshire providing accountancy, tax, and advisory services to the mid-market.

In Leeds, Ant Hamilton has been promoted to partner within the Accounts and Business Advisory Services (ABAS) team, while Alex Sidebottom becomes an associate director in audit. In York, Becky Dawson has stepped up to partner in the technical accounting department, a national specialist team focused on complex financial reporting and post-transaction valuations.

Claire Needham, regional managing director, said: “This is testament to their hard work, commitment and expertise as well as Azets’ continued investment in talent, career development and professional growth to enable its people to reach their full potential. Their promotions strengthen our already exceptional senior team at an exciting time for the business.”



Leeds-based agency Source Marketing has promoted Lewis Scott to account director as the firm celebrates its 25th anniversary. Scott, who originally joined as a university placement student in 2018, rejoined the agency full-time in 2023. In his new role, he will oversee key accounts and strategy while supporting team development.

The appointment follows a period of growth for the Leeds agency, which provides PR and digital services to UK and international clients.

Daniel Kennedy, director at Source Marketing, said: “Lewis’ progression is yet another example of how the right people can develop and build an incredible career within the business over time.”