Howarths, the Cleckheaton-based HR, employment law and health and safety consultancy, has appointed a non-executive director to accelerate its five-year growth plan.

The company, which works with over 1,000 SME businesses across Yorkshire and the UK, has appointed technology entrepreneur Elizabeth Gooch MBE to its board.

Speaking on the appointment, Gavin Howarth, managing director at Howarths, said: “I am proud and delighted that Elizabeth has joined Howarths to support our ambitious five-year growth plan.

“Elizabeth is a proven entrepreneur with significant and impressive experience, having started a business from her bedroom which she grew to a PLC employing over 130 staff – with the product she pioneered now used in over 50 countries worldwide.

“Her knowledge and experience of starting, scaling and growing businesses is unparalleled, and will be key in helping shape the next stage of growth for Howarths as we look to realise our ambition and vision for the company. Myself and my co-directors, Tracey Hopkins and Charlotte Geesin, are very much looking forward to working with her.”

Eg Solutions, the company Ms Gooch founded in 1988, was listed on AIM in 2005 and completed several transactions including secondary placings, acquisitions and global distribution and strategic partnerships, before being acquired in November 2017.

Ms Gooch said: “Howarths is an ambitious business led by an energised team. It’s already impressive roster of clients – including brands such as Jacuzzi Group UK, Moda in Pelle, Northern Ballet, Express Bi-folding Doors, Easigrass and Opera North – demonstrates the high calibre of work the team delivers across employment law, HR and health and safety.

“What I love, though, is that amid its commercial growth and impressive client list, Howarths remains a proud family-founded business that has kept people and community at its core. I am delighted to be working alongside the team to help shape their future growth.”