Achievements, promotions and appointments in Cumbrian business this month.

 

*Caroline Taylor-Beswick, Chief Executive of Carlisle Youth Zone, has been appointed as a Professor of Practice at the University of Cumbria.A University of Cumbria alumnus, Caroline completed a graduate diploma in youth and community development studies from St Martin’s College in 2007 after studying for her BSc (Hons) in sport & exercise science. She is a qualified social worker and holds a master’s in social work.

 

*Helen Russell has been appointed as the new Director of Land Development at H&H Land & Estates. A Chartered Surveyor and a former Director of the company, Helen returns to H&H Land & Estates bringing five years’ experience specialising in land development, most recently as Land Director for a National Plc house builder. She will be based predominantly in the company’s Carlisle office. Will Hamilton of Bee Edge Farm, Coldingham in the Scottish Borders, has also been appointed to the office of Chair at the H&H Group Plc. He takes up the position after Michael Scott stood down after serving for five years.

 

*Abbie Crystal, a solicitor at Bendles in Carlisle, has joined the firm’s equity partnership.Abbie graduated in law from Northumbria University ten years ago and qualified as a solicitor in 2016, after completing her two year Training Contract at Bendles. She works within the commercial property department dealing mostly with agricultural and commercial property matters. Hannah Smith, a solicitor at Bendles in Carlisle, has also been promoted to Associate

 

*Peter Dodd of Temple Heelis’ Rural and Agricultural Department has been namedone of the North West’s top rural and agricultural lawyers in the recently published Chambers and Partners UK Legal Guide 2024. He achieved a Band 1 ranking across the region.

 

*Cumbria Chamber of Commerce has appointed two new Board members, Gail Rajjayabun of David Allen and Cheryl Corson of Scott Duff & Co Solicitors. Cheryl said: “As a Cumbrian, I believe that it is important to promote local business as much as possible. I also believe that small businesses such as mine deserve to have the same representation and say in matters as large and national companies. I hope to be able to offer a different perspective to the board on behalf of professional services and small local businesses, and that in turn, this will help other small businesses in our community.” Gail Rajjayabun, Head of People Development at David Allen, brings to the table her background in accountancy and people development.

 

*Burnetts Solicitors LLP has announced a new Head for its Family team. Mark Ward has been appointed as a salaried partner and Head of Family. Mark joined Burnetts in April of this year, has over 20 years’ experience in family law and has previously worked at Cartwright King. He specialises in financial matters on separation for both married and unmarried couples, as well as children matters. His appointment follows the retirement of Simon Mortimer, former Head of Family, who joined the firm in 1988 and was a valued member of the team for 35 years. Mark will be split between the firm’s offices in Carlisle and Newcastle. Also on the Family team, Emma Armstrong is being promoted from Associate to Senior Associate and returns to the Carlisle office following maternity leave. They will join existing team members Liz Wilson – Senior Associate, and Vikki Porthouse - Senior Associate Chartered Legal Executive

 

*Archie Aston, from Stockdalewath near Carlisle, has won the Trade Apprentice of the Year Award at the British Printing Industries Federation Apprenticeship Awards in London. The 18-year-old was also runner up in the overall Apprentice of the Year Award. Archie, who has cerebral palsy, has worked as an apprentice for Penrith-based national branding specialists Astsince September 2022. His father Mark is the Managing Director. Archie said: “It is an honour to win such a prestigious national award and I am very, very proud. I work hard and it’s important to me to do a good job, so it’s nice to have my efforts rewarded like this.” Mark Aston, Managing Director of Ast and Archie’s dad, added: “Archie takes his work and his responsibility to his colleagues very seriously and has proved himself to be dependable and hard working - qualities we respect and are keen to nurture. We are all very proud of him.”

*Abbie Deeb has joined Carlisle-based Prospus Marketing as a Marketing and Development Executive.

*Financial adviser Dan Gawith has joined Dodd Wealthcare at their Rosehill office in Carlisle. Dan had a complete career change during Covid when he decided to move into financial advice and start studying for his qualifications.After a short spell of self-employment, he is joining the Carlisle firm.