In 1990, Cleo Howell walked into the Baildon office of Dacre, Son & Hartley to buy her first home for £52,000. Thirty-six years later, she has returned to the firm to lead its financial operations as the newly appointed Head of Finance.

A University of Bradford MBA graduate and former Finance Director at LCF Law, Ms Howell now oversees the accounting functions for 17 residential offices across North and West Yorkshire. Her remit includes the firm’s commercial arm and the recently acquired Lister Haigh, with a specific focus on driving further corporate acquisitions as the 200-year-old business expands its regional footprint.

Reflecting on her appointment, Ms Howell said: “Back in 1990 I bought my first home through Dacres for the princely sum of £52,000 and I had a great experience, so I knew then that it was a quality company with a solid reputation. To have the opportunity to now lead the accounts team is a privilege and especially because it’s such a varied role, spanning almost every property related discipline and I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead.”

Patrick McCutcheon, Head of Residential, added: “Cleo is an experienced financial professional and brings a wealth of experience... which made her a great fit for Dacres.”



Northallerton-headquartered Corporate Trade Supplies (CTS) UK has announced a trio of senior appointments to support its rapid scaling within the British and European supply chain sectors. Following a record-breaking year with a £45 million turnover, the firm has set an ambitious target to reach £100 million by 2028.

The new leadership cohort includes Kate Ward as Procurement Director, Alex Ingham as Commercial Director, and Peter Steed as Head of Production. Ms Ward joins with a background in strategic sourcing and supply chain transformation, while Mr Ingham arrives from MI Supplies.

Since its founding in 2021, the independent specialist in "goods not for resale" (GNFR) has created 120 jobs across its sites in Northallerton, Thirsk, and Harworth. The appointments coincide with a six-figure investment in a new production unit and advanced machinery.

Managing Director Howard Gill said: “These are crucial appointments, strengthening our senior team. Kate, Alex and Peter have both the experience and the expertise to make a real difference to our operation.”

Kate Ward added: “CTS is at a pivotal stage as it scales its technology-enabled supply chain solutions, and I’m thrilled to contribute to that journey.”



Accountancy and financial advisory firm Armstrong Watson has appointed four financial planning consultants across its Leeds, Carlisle, and Glasgow offices. The move follows a period of significant growth in 2025, including the acquisition of Martin Aitken & Co, bringing the firm’s financial planning team to more than 70 professionals.

Charlotte Fletcher and Glyn Jenkinson join the Leeds office, bringing 40 years of combined experience. Mr Jenkinson specialises in corporate protection, while Ms Fletcher joins from Age Partnership. Additionally, Murray Greig and Fiona Durham have been appointed in Glasgow and Carlisle, respectively.

Internal promotions see Martyn Pottage join the Financial Planning Ltd board as director, while Marcus Dodds becomes regional financial planning manager. The expansion aims to assist clients with recent UK government changes to pensions and inheritance tax.

Mark Frier, Financial Planning Director, said: “Martyn and Marcus’s promotions are both very well deserved, with them each playing a key role in the development and delivery of our services.”



One for the City, the Leeds-based Community Interest Company (CIC), has expanded its board with the appointment of Sam Raife, Managing Director of marketing agency Brand Ambition. Mr Raife joins fellow board members Mike Quate, Guy Utley, and Caroline Broad to help steer the organisation’s mission of connecting local businesses with impactful community projects.

The organisation operates on a collaborative model where member businesses pledge a portion of their profits to fund initiatives across the city. The board and its members collectively decide how these funds are allocated, supporting partners such as the Leeds United Foundation, GIPSIL, and Zarach. Mr Raife’s role on the board will focus on enhancing the brand’s visibility to attract further business participation.

Sam Raife said: "One for the City represents what is best about the Leeds business community. It brings organisations together who want to make a meaningful difference in the city they operate in."

Co-founder Mike Quate added: "Having someone with Sam’s marketing experience on the board will help us showcase the businesses involved, highlight the difference they are making in the community, and inspire more organisations to join us."



Carlisle law firm Wragg Mark-Bell has promoted conveyancing specialist Gemma Duncan to the role of Associate. Ms Duncan, who joined the Castle Street firm in 2024, becomes only the second person to hold the title at the practice.

With 24 years of industry experience, Ms Duncan’s career began as a legal secretary before she qualified as a licensed conveyancer. In her new position, she will balance her residential caseload with a supervisory role, mentoring junior staff and working closely with the firm's directors on operational strategy.

Gemma Duncan said: “I am delighted to have been made an associate. I have wanted the opportunity for this progression where I can train other conveyancers and support them, and also work more closely with the directors.”

Managing Director Nick Kennon added: “We were excited to bring Gemma into the firm two years ago and we are delighted to promote her to the position of associate now. She has a wealth of experience and an outstanding reputation with clients.”



Yorkshire-based not-for-profit HICA Group has appointed Kelsie Carter and Zak Foster as Compliance Support Officers to strengthen its social care services across Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. The new roles are designed to help frontline teams navigate rigorous Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards while maintaining a focus on individual wellbeing.

Ms Carter brings 15 years of experience in person-centred roles, including supporting mental health needs and delivering qualifications within the prison service. Mr Foster, a Health and Social Care graduate, joins with a background as a trainer and internal quality assurance assessor.

CEO Terry Peel said: “These roles have been created to strengthen the support that we provide to our services around compliance and governance. Kelsie and Zak will work closely with managers and teams to help them navigate regulatory requirements, maintain safe working practices and ensure that standards are applied consistently across our services.”

The duo will now work across HICA’s portfolio, which supports older people and adults with learning disabilities.