Delkia appoints new board
Delkia, the Egremont-based digital engineering and systems specialist, has established a board led by an independent chair and two independent non-executive directors.
The board will work to take the business forward, enabling further sustainable growth and supporting the CEO Kurt Canfield.
The new chair is Neil Longfellow who has decades of experience working at a senior level in the energy sector and is an experienced non-executive chair and director.
Neil said: “I am delighted and excited to be appointed chair of Delkia. The business is going from strength to strength and the growth opportunities are significant.”
David Irwin has senior leadership and finance experience, being ACA qualified with Arthur Andersen and a Fellow of the ICAEW, and Corporate Finance Faculty.
Tony Davies has a background in electronics engineering and is an experienced senior executive with over 30 years’ experience in the nuclear and defence sectors. He is a Fellow of the IET, and of the Nuclear Institute.
Kurt Canfield said: “Our new chair and board members bring a wealth of business, commercial sector, and financial expertise to Delkia.
“The board will hold myself, as CEO, to account, ensure excellent company governance and audit, aiding us in readiness for our next level of growth, with a target of £20M turnover by 2026.”
Cartmell Shepherd widens career pathways into legal profession
Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors has welcomed four new members of staff by providing different routes into employment.
Joseph Halvorsen, 22, will continue his studies in law while working at Cartmell as an apprentice solicitor, while Sam Fawcett, 23, has been appointed as a trainee solicitor as he works towards gaining his senior qualification.
Nina Bernard, 40, is combining her part-time role as a legal assistant with the third year of studying her law degree, and Demi Stoddart, 18, has started work as an apprentice business administration assistant.
Peter Stafford, managing director of Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, said: “As a company, we are extremely passionate about recruiting and nurturing local talent and providing exciting employment opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills within the industry.
“All four new recruits have impressed us with their enthusiasm and willingness to learn more about the legal profession, and we are really pleased to offer a variety of ways for people to pursue their career ambitions by creating positions most suited to their individual circumstances.”
Two promotions at Bristol Street Motors in Carlisle
Bristol Street Motors Carlisle MG and Vauxhall has recently promoted two members of their sales team.
Lee Jones has been promoted from his role as Sales Executive to the position of Assistant Sales Manager.
Rachele Robertson has advanced from Assistant Sales Manager to Vauxhall Franchise Manager.
The announcement follows Bristol Street Motors being awarded the ‘Excellent Dealer Award’ at the 2023 MG Motor UK Global Distributors and Dealers Awards.
Robert Forrester, chief executive of Bristol Street Motors, said: “It’s important to us that we nurture talented individuals to progress within the business.
“One of our core guiding principles is to provide opportunities for colleagues to grow and flourish, so I am delighted to see Lee and Rachele embody that spirit.
“Their professional and personal growth since joining the business should serve as an inspiration to others and demonstrates that with commitment and a willingness to develop, colleagues have clear paths for career advancement with Bristol Street Motors.”
Dodd Wealthcare add another Independent Financial Adviser to their growing team
Dodd Wealthcare has appointed a fifth Independent Financial Adviser.
Dan Gawith has joined the team at the firm’s 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.
He began his exams whilst working as a manager at DPD before leaving to study full time and finally qualifying with his CII Level 4 Diploma in regulated financial planning earlier this year.
Dan said: “I’m really looking forward to working with the team at Dodds and working with the range of different clients, putting plans in place to help them realise their goals, whatever they may be.
“Working for a truly independent financial advice offering means being able to really tailor the plan to suit their objectives and make sure the solution is the perfect fit for the client.”
Social impact developers BEC celebrate first year of apprenticeship programme
West Cumbria based regeneration organisation BEC is celebrating a year of their first-ever apprenticeship intake.
BEC launched their BECademy programme in Octber 2022.
BEC appointed five apprentices in a range of functions across the firm, including project management, facilities management, marketing and business support. All roles are based at BEC’s Westlakes Science Park offices in Whitehaven.
The apprentices in their first year have been involved in the development of BEC’s schemes such as the Bus Station and their plans to create a Digital and Gaming Hub in Whitehaven, as well as the Soundwave Music Hub and environmental initiatives across their estates.
Each apprentice has been attached to a college course and a team mentor relevant to their job within the organisation.
Joseph Blakeley, an apprentice in digital marketing, said: “Even after just one year of my apprenticeship, I have already experienced so much. I’ll always remember being a part of the event team for BEC’s stall at Whitehaven Alive 2023.
“It was a great chance to engage with the community and talk about all that we have going on here at BEC! It was amazing to see the support we have in the local area for these projects,” Joe says.
BEC’s chief executive Michael Pemberton said: “We are proud of how our apprentices have grown in the last 12 months, their dedication, enthusiasm, energy and can-do attitude has gone above and beyond our expectations!
“Their contribution and commitment is incredibly important to the work we are doing here at BEC, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds and what more they achieve with us.”
Culinary academy recruits come from far and wide to train in Cumbria
The latest cohort of trainees enrolled on the English Lakes Hotels Resorts and Venues Culinary Academy includes Hannah Jones from Levens, Dora Preece from Kirkby Lonsdale, and Doris Lam, a food writer and fine cuisine enthusiast from Vancouver in Canada.
Shantel Adjei has moved from Milton Keynes to take up her place on the course at Low Wood Bay Resort and Spa, whilst Doris will learn her trade at The Wild Boar Inn alongside fellow new recruit Ethan Livesey from Lancaster.
The class of 2023 is completed by Ioana Stiop, originally from Romania, who will be based at Lancaster House Hotel, and Leo Nkumalo from Leicester who is also working at Low Wood Bay.
Delivered in partnership with Kendal College, the English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues Culinary Academy is now into its sixth year. The course offers trainees a one-year apprenticeship, with students training to attain Level 2 Commis Chef and Level 3 Chef de Partie qualifications.
Daniel Winstanley from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues says: “It’s been heartening to see applicants from across the country, and from overseas as well, keen to come and train with us and develop their careers in Cumbria.”
Rothay Manor announces two new kitchen and restaurant appointments
Rothay Manor boutique hotel in the Lake District has announced two key appointments with the arrival of Michelin-star trained head chef, Aaron Lawrence, and award-winning restaurant manager Christopher McCaughran.
Aaron joins from the Samling Hotel, which welcomed a Michelin star and four AA Rosettes during his tenure as sous chef.
His new evening à la carte menu champions regional artisans and the very best seasonal produce. Signature dishes include Pan Roasted Halibut with leeks, Garganelli pasta and mussels mariniere.
Aaron has also introduced a new all-day dining menu, afternoon tea and new room-service offer.
Growing up in Derbyshire, Aaron’s love for the English countryside inspired his passion for fresh, British produce.
Aaron said: “Seasonality as is how it should be – we all change with the seasons and therefore crave seasonal produce. There’s nothing nicer than a sweet, ripe British tomato in early June, or the Lyth valley plums in September, and it’s important that our guests are inspired by these seasonal ingredients too.”
Rothay Manor also welcomes Christopher McCaughran, an award-winning restaurant manager with over 20 years’ experience.
Starting his career at the three Michelin-star Hotel Des Tours in Lille, France, he has also held positions as operations manager at Holland Hall Hotel in Lancashire and food and beverage manager at the five-star Hotel Gotham in Manchester.
Jamie Shail, co-owner of Rothay Manor said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Aaron and Chris to Rothay Manor, their arrival represents an exciting new chapter in our story.
“We’re confident their enthusiasm and experience will continue to deliver excellent, seasonal food and a brilliant atmosphere for which Rothay Manor is known for.”
