Cleckheaton-based people consultancy Howarths has promoted Tracey Hopkins to Managing Director as the firm enters its 23rd year of operation. Previously the Chief Financial Officer, Ms Hopkins becomes the first person outside of the founding family to lead the West Yorkshire business.

The appointment marks a significant milestone for Ms Hopkins, who joined the consultancy as a 17-year-old office junior. Her two-decade tenure saw her join the board at 21 and become a minority shareholder at 25. In 2021, she was part of a management buyout alongside CEO Gavin Howarth and Chief Legal Officer Charlotte Geesin, transitioning the firm to second-generation ownership.

In her new role, Ms Hopkins will lead a team of 40 staff, overseeing growth strategy for a client base that spans the UK. "I feel incredibly privileged to take on this role," she said. "I’m excited to lead our brilliant team into the next chapter of growth."

CEO Gavin Howarth, who will now focus on long-term strategy, praised her dedication: "Tracey is an inspiration and deserves this next step. From my parents as founders to me as the second generation, we are all so proud."



The Cumbria Chamber of Commerce has appointed Emily Bennett as its new Policy Executive to strengthen its regional and national advocacy efforts.

Ms Bennett will lead on representing the interests of Cumbrian businesses to policymakers. Her role involves working directly with members to identify local economic challenges and ensure their concerns are communicated to decision-makers at all levels of government.

Commenting on her appointment, Ms Bennett said: “Everyone at the Chamber has been incredibly welcoming and supportive, which has made for a great start. With my background in policy, I’m looking forward to working closely with members and helping to represent and advocate for Cumbrian businesses.”

Suzanne Caldwell, Managing Director of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, added: “Her experience and enthusiasm will be a valuable asset as we continue to strengthen our policy work and ensure the voice of Cumbria’s business community is heard effectively.”



Turner & Townsend, the global professional services company, is announcing changes to its UK leadership as the business prepares for its next wave of growth. Patricia Moore takes the helm as managing director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Andy Scott will now lead both infrastructure and defence in an expanded remit as managing director for the two areas of the business. James Corrigan is moving to the United States to step into the role of managing director for the USA.

James Corrigan

Patricia Moore

Andy Scott

These changes come as Turner & Townsend begins its business plan to 2030, building on strong growth over recent years – global turnover has increased from $950 million in 2020 to $7.43 billion – a significant 683% rise. This growth has been accelerated by the company’s strategic partnership with CBRE Group Inc., which enabled an unrivalled programme, project and cost management offer



County Durham battery pack manufacturer makes six engineering and project appointments. Alexander Battery Technologies has appointed five engineers and a project manager as it expands its technical team in Peterlee.

The company has recruited Mark Burton as Technical Manager, Andrew Stevenson as Senior Test Engineer, Alastair Pollitt as Electronics Test Engineer, Chris Muteham as Senior Project Manager, Alexander Johnson as Senior Mechanical Design Engineer and Sameed Rashid as AI Engineering Apprentice.



Michael Parden, Managing Director of B. Braun UK, has been appointed as a member of The Court of Patrons of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England). The announcement comes as Michael prepares to step into the role of CEO at B. Braun North America later this year. The Court of Patrons is a long-established body within the RCS England, recognising individuals who have made a significant contribution to the College’s mission and its charitable objectives, including the advancement of surgical education, research and professional standards.



Armstrong Watson has reinforced its continued growth in Cumbria with three senior appointments. The firm has welcomed Paul Clark as Tax Partner, Becky Morgan as Audit and Assurance Director and Andy Paterson as Business Services Director. These latest hires align with the firm’s ongoing investment in talent across the region, where 59 new recruits have joined in the last 12 months, including 24 trainees and graduates, supporting clients from seven offices across the county.



Oktra, an office design company shaping the workspaces of some of the world's top companies, today announces the appointment of Philip Westwood as Managing Director for its Northern business. With close to 30 years of experience in the design & build industry, Westwood brings extensive expertise in delivering high-quality commercial workplace projects. He has spent the majority of his career in design & build, holding a range of senior roles, and has built a strong track record in regional growth, strategic client advisory, and the delivery of sustainable, high-performance, people-centric workspace



Property regeneration and placemaking specialist, Scarborough Group International (SGI) has appointed highly experienced property professional, David Wells as Development Director, strengthening its team as the business progresses a series of major opportunities across North Yorkshire. David returns to the business after previously spending a decade with Scarborough Group earlier in his career. He will now play a key role in advancing several significant projects in the county, including the redevelopment of the former Brunswick Centre in Scarborough.



A partner at law firm Ward Hadaway has become the 200th President of The Newcastle and North of England Law Society during its bicentennial year, only the eighth female to hold the role in that time. Lesley Fairclough’s appointment follows the merger in January 2026 of Newcastle Law Society with Carlisle and District Law Society and Tees Valley Law Society, which created The Newcastle and North of England Law Society. The merger makes it the largest regional law society in England and Wales, bringing together members from across Newcastle, Northumberland, County Durham, the Tees Valley and Cumbria. It is also one of the oldest, with the national Law Society celebrating its own bicentenary only last year.



Professional services firm, AAB, has announced the appointment of Jon Grainger as the company’s Chief Operating Officer. Jonathon will lead AAB’s technology, operations and integration teams, driving the next phase of operational excellence and enabling the firm to embed end-to-end automation capability throughout its business operations.  Jon joins AAB at a time of accelerated innovation across the professional services sector. As technology becomes increasingly central to operational effectiveness, it is now more common for Chief Operating Officers to emerge from technology and transformation backgrounds, reflecting the deepening link between digital capability and operational scale. Jon’s proven leadership in advanced automation and data-driven transformation positions him strongly to support AAB’s next stage of growth.