LUPTON Fawcett Denison Till, the York, Leeds and Sheffield-based commercial law firm, has announced the appointment of solicitor Niamh Batterton to its York office to enhance its specialist construction and engineering department.

Ms Batterton, previously at Squire Patton Boggs, joins an established team to develop the specialist area by showcasing her expertise of employer-led developments and refurbishments acting for banks, developers, private funders, contractors, sub-contractors, consultants, purchasers and tenants.

Jonathan Moore, head of the Commercial Property department in York, said: "Recruiting someone of Niamh’s calibre is a real coup for the firm and for our York office.

"I am extremely confident that Niamh will play a huge part in driving our wider property team forward as well as growing our specialist construction offering."

TWISTED Automotive has supported its growth plans with the appointment of a new finance director.

Ian Robinson will be responsible for supporting the Thirsk-based company’s international expansion and launching a range of new services over the next three years.

Mr Robinson, from York, joins the business from Insight Healthcare, which has seen significant growth over the last five years. He was previously Group Finance Director of the private equity owned ALcontrol Laboratories, a leading laboratory testing group, during which time he oversaw a major expansion of the business in both the UK and in Europe.

Alex Duckett, operations director said: "Attracting the best talent underpins our growth strategy and Ian brings a wealth of experience to the business. He will play a key role in supporting the management team going forward."

Twisted’s main business involves buying new Land Rover Defenders and modifying them to individual customers specifications.

STRENGTHENING its clinical negligence team further, healthcare law firm Hempsons welcomes two more members to its expert Harrogate office - Kathleen Wilson, as partner and Ruth Day, as associate.

Ms Wilson qualified in 1987 and was previously a partner at Hempsons. She has re-joined the organisation after working at another panel firm for a short time.

Ms Day qualified as a solicitor in 2003 and has worked at another panel firm undertaking NHSLA work for the last 11 years representing a number of local Trusts.