Kinsella HR celebrates first birthday
Carlisle-based HR consultancy, Kinsella HR, is celebrating its first year in trading this week.
Founded by Cumbrian HR professional, Mel Kinsella, the business launched in January 2023 to help small and medium-sized businesses in Cumbria.
Mel said: “I’ve been really encouraged by the amazing support I’ve received from clients, friends and all those I’ve met at networking events.
“I’ve been working with a wide variety of clients, including those in the IT sector, local authorities, charities, finance and creative arts sector. I’ve also had some one-to-one clients where I’m helping them on an individual basis.
“A year later, the lights are still on, which can only be a good thing! I’ve very, very thankful that it’s been such a good year.”
Since launching, Mel has been involved in a variety of projects for businesses in Cumbria, including HR strategy, recruitment and retention, performance management, compliance and change management programmes.
Her career in HR has seen her work from West Bromwich to Cumbria, via the United States and Edinburgh. Now based in Carlisle, she is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and supports businesses across the region.
First Hornby Academy recruit achieves chartered accountant status
The first recruit to a training academy for aspiring financiers has become a chartered accountant – seven years after signing up.
The JF Hornby & Co Academy was launched in 2016, as the company pledged to invest in local college leavers looking for an alternative to university.
Esther Klijn recently passed her final examinations, becoming the first recruit to achieve chartered status.
Esther said: “It has been a long journey with some setbacks on the way, but I have always had a lot of support from my colleagues which has helped me achieve my dream.
“Gaining chartered accountant status after seven years of work has not really sunk in yet – but the main thing I feel is relief that I don’t have to sit any more exams for a while!
“I am very grateful for the amazing support I’ve had from the team and the faith the business has put in me to pass these exams. I feel proud to be part of the Hornby team and happy to say that I am a successful apprentice on their scheme.”
JF Hornby & Co offers full funding for all members of its academy – meaning they can avoid huge tuition fee bills from university.
Managing director Paul Hornby said: “The financial investment we make into the learning and development of all our academy trainees is significant – but I consider it to be money incredibly well spent and invested.
“Through the academy, we have been able to give keen, bright, intelligent young people the chance to learn, earn and thrive. Seeing them develop over the last seven years has been a pleasure.
“I am proud of Esther’s achievement in becoming the first of our academy to achieve Chartered Accountant status from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
“She has shown fantastic levels of determination and commitment to get this far and I look forward to her continued development with the business.”
West Cumbrian business student recognised by Lamont Pridmore award
The Lamont Pridmore Business Student of the Year 2023 award recognises excellence in the field of business or economic studies among the students at St Benedict’s School in Workington.
Amaiya Crawford won the award, selected for her exceptional performance in her personal and business finance exam and marketing assessment.
Subject leader for computer science and business Paul Charlton, said: “Amaiya produced excellent quality portfolio work. She is a highly motivated student and was always hard working and an excellent student.”
Stuart Edger, managing director for West Cumbria at Lamont Pridmore, presented Amaiya with her award and accompanying book vouchers.
Stuart said: “It was a real honour to be able to recognise Amaiya for her achievements.
“An evidently talented student, it’s great to see her hard work paying off, both through community recognition and a place at university.
“As a team, we’re incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to support our local schools and recognise and reward their hard-working students.”
Aspatria Farmers recruiting multiple roles as business grows
Aspatria Farmers is recruiting several new roles to meet customer demands in the dairy sector.
Aspatria Farmers is England’s oldest agricultural cooperative, established in 1870, offering a wide range of products and services including feed, machinery, dairy engineering, agronomy, animal health and more.
Philip Sharman, chief executive said: “Having seen such success in 2023, we are delighted to expand our team as we go into 2024, recruiting some key positions in various fields from dairy engineering to feed and agronomy.
“Recruiting the right people is key for us; we are looking for enthusiastic, forward-thinking individuals to join our successful team. The people we employ are paramount to the success of our business.”
Jobs currently being recruited to include roles as agronomist, dairy engineers and feed staff.
Promotion for Fine & Country Estate Agent
Harriet Reid joined Fine & Country approximately two and a half years ago to help promote and grow the firm’s South Scotland branch.
Harriet has over 20 years’ experience in estate agency, having sold high value residential property for premium brands in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Cumbria, and now lives with her husband and family on their farm near Lockerbie.
Harriet has been promoted to head of sales for South Scotland and North Cumbria, and looks after teams covering the Scottish Borders, Dumfries and Galloway and Cumbria.
