We love it when businesses send us their good news and here’s our latest good news round-up, kindly sponsored by PALADIN. Awards, expansion, new contracts or new appointments, if you’ve got some good news you want to share please email the editor, Martin Shaw, on martin@huddersfieldhub.co.uk.
Huddersfield-based Simpson Wood Financial Services is celebrating being announced as the 11th best Financial Planning firm in Britain.
From outside the top 100, straight into the top 20 came as a surprise to the company who didn’t even know they were in the running for the award.
The primary criteria for ranking firms across the country are set by independent source ISS Market Intelligence, firstly looking at overall asset growth within the firm.
The shortlist is then created based on a six-point methodology, which takes into account a variety of metrics, including:
- Client retention;
- Whether the firm is chartered or accredited, staff retention and individual accreditations;
- How long the firm has been in business;
- Net sales percentage score.
Shaun Wood, managing director of the Financial Services company, said: “This recognition tops off a fantastic year for our clients, financial planning and wealth management teams, with statistics across client retention, asset flows and portfolio performance (both against benchmarks and peers) at record levels.”
Danny McAllister, managing director of Simpson Wood, added: “Full credit to Shaun and all his team for this phenomenal achievement. We have seen solid growth for the company over recent years and look forward to continuing and building on that success.”
Huddersfield branding agency SMITH has appointed Rosanna Hall as digital marketing executive.
This appointment comes as part of the company’s continued expansion following a successful decade in business.
Founded by Oliver Smith, the company has made significant strides in the branding industry, delivering creative and impactful solutions for a wide range of clients across multiple sectors.
Rosanna brings fresh ideas and a passion for digital marketing, further strengthening the team’s commitment to driving growth through innovative digital strategies.
Her role will include managing online campaigns, SEO campaigns and social media projects to help clients reach new audiences.
Managing director Oliver Smith said: “We’re thrilled to have Rosanna on board as we continue to grow and innovate.
“Her energy and knowledge are a perfect fit for SMITH, and we’re confident she’ll play a key role in delivering outstanding results for our clients.”
For more information about SMITH and its services, visit www.smith.co.uk
Sam Crich has joined Huddersfield-based Eaton Smith Solicitors as a partner in its Commercial Team.
With a wealth of experience in commercial law, Sam’s appointment strengthens the firm’s ability to offer comprehensive and strategic legal advice to businesses of all sizes.
Sam has worked with a wide range of clients during his career to date, from SMEs to large multi-national corporations. His knowledge spans various areas, including video game law, making him a valuable addition to Eaton Smith’s expanding team of legal experts.
Chris Taylor, partner at Eaton Smith and head of commercial and video games law, said: “It’s great to welcome Sam to our team. Sam has a broad range of expertise in the commercial sector which fits perfectly with our clients and their needs.
“In particular, Sam’s keen interest in technology law and data protection will help to build on and expand our technology offering to clients, not to mention it perfectly complementing our award-winning work in the video games sector. His knowledge of the law relating to technology issues will be a tremendous asset as we continue to innovate and expand in that field.”
Commenting on his new role, Sam said: “Since starting to study the law I had always wanted to be involved in video gaming law. I’ve been passionate about being both a lawyer and a gamer for many years now, so, joining such a highly regarded Commercial and Video Games Team is something that I am particularly excited about.
“I’m really looking forward to adding even more value to the work I do for my clients, not only by drawing on my experience and passion for video gaming when working with games clients but also applying my existing legal specialisms across all clients that the Commercial Team works with.”
Academics at the University of Huddersfield are collaborating on a project that will bring AI-driven monitoring to a scheme to help generate carbon removal credits through sustainable agroforestry food systems.
AI experts at the University have teamed up with UK climate tech startup Tierra Foods, which is pioneering the development of a system centred on plants that perform biomineralisation – capturing carbon from the atmosphere and effectively turning it into stone.
Through a nine-month £690,000 research project, the university team will leverage a range of AI technologies to design and develop a new methodology to monitor and measure the effects of such biomineralisation-centric systems.
While most forestry projects focus on organic, photosynthetic carbon sequestration, Tierra Foods’ approach includes the use of particular plants that have an increased ability to mineralise atmospheric carbon. These plants naturally convert carbon to calcium carbonate then store it in the soil.
This can have significant benefits for the environment through a direct reduction of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere – while aiding asset management companies, food and agriculture multinationals and related industries seeking to achieve net zero or incorporate nature-based solutions into their value chains via biomineralisation.
However, there is currently no robust mechanism of monitoring and measuring these effects – which is essential to mobilise investment while allowing the sale of carbon insets and offsets.
Dr George Bargiannis of the university’s School of Computing and Engineering is leading the project, alongside his academic colleagues Dr Emmanuel Papadakis and Professor Simon Parkinson.
Backed by £496,000 of Innovate UK funding, the university has recruited a team of researchers to carry out research and development for the project under the supervision of the academic leadership team.
Huddersfield-based Posynergi has become the latest Patron of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.
As a Patron, Posynergi will have enhanced opportunities to connect with the local business community, showcasing its expertise and developing relationships.
Posynergi has already worked with the chamber through its sister company, FileDoc Ltd, as the official AV partner of MY Conference. The team provide support with guest sign in solutions, and ultimately are the driving force behind the conferences working more efficiently through technology. As an established business, FileDoc Ltd has been operating for 13 years to provide managed print and document management solutions.
Chamber MD Martin Hathaway said: “We are thrilled to welcome Posynergi as our newest Patron. Their innovative approach to using technology to enhance business efficiency aligns perfectly with our mission to support and connect local businesses.
“We look forward to a productive partnership that will benefit our entire membership, with connections between a professional provider of technology solutions and local businesses with a need for this expertise.”
The company will join the chamber’s network of Patrons, which includes Beanie Media, Eaton Smith Solicitors, Five Talents, Huddersfield Giants, The John Smith’s Stadium, Sam Teale Productions, Sytner Jaguar Land Rover Huddersfield, Theatre Royal Wakefield, The Piece Hall and Wakefield Trinity RLFC.
Godfrey Gabriel, director of Posynergi, said: “We’ve been working alongside the chamber for a number of years now through the FileDoc brand, and it felt like the right time to step up and become a Patron.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to further engage with the local business community, create new partnerships, and discover more opportunities for collaboration.”
For additional information regarding the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and its Patrons, please visit www.my-chamber.co.uk.
