YORK-based specialist equipment housing manufacturer Portastor has strengthened its business development team with the appointment of two sales professionals, Duncan Cammack and Steve Grundy.

Mr Cammack takes on the role of business development manager in the power and nuclear industries, where Portastor's bespoke modular equipment housings have been protecting mission-critical systems for more than 40 years.

He will be responsible for driving new business in the buoyant renewables sector, as well as maintaining relationships with existing clients including power network operators, distributors and OEMs.

Mr Grundy also joins the team as business development manager in the oil & gas sector. He joins Portastor from KLAW Products, a supplier of specialist products used in the safe transfer of hazardous and non-hazardous liquids, gases and powders, and has a wealth of experience in the industry having previously worked for IMI Precision Engineering and United Springs.

Portastor chief executive David Jennings said: "These appointments have been made at an important time in the development of our business.

"We are confident that Duncan and Steve bring the industry knowledge and experience that will enable us to strengthen our position as a go-to resource for major projects in the power, nuclear and oil & gas sectors."

GROWING York Insurance Broker D E Ford has appointed three new team members, marking a total of 11 new recruits to the business within the last 12 months, increasing the headcount to more than 60 employees.

Harry Gillam and Emma Hunton join the commercial broking team with Samantha Kendall joining the risk management arm, Ford Risk Management. Ms Kendall has experience in the health and safety arena and, prior to joining Fords Risk Management, supervised a team of health and safety advisors for a large national charity, providing support to residential care homes, hospitals, supported housing and day centres.

Mr Gillam has returned to his Yorkshire roots following eight years working in the London insurance market, while Ms Hunton joins DE Ford from Hiscox, prior to which Emma worked at Illingworths Insurance Brokers where she directed the Personal Lines team, focusing her attention on High Networth clients.

Chris Greenall, managing director at D E Ford said: "We are always on the lookout for new talent to join our increasing workforce and the appointment of these three new members shows how dedicated we are to providing the best service to all our clients whilst still investing in local talent.

"This is an exciting year for Fords and with the recent development of our new offices, we are looking forward to welcoming additional members to our team in the future."

HARROGATE law firm, McCormicks, has appointed the solicitor, Sara Morgan as a senior associate, in the firm’s Employment and Regulatory/Disciplinary departments.

Ms Morgan joins the practice with more than 30 years’ experience at Leeds-based national commercial law firms.

Senior partner Peter McCormick said: "Our Employment portfolio has been growing and Sara will bring her renowned experience and leadership skills to the team. Our Regulatory/Disciplinary work has been forging ahead, too, and Sara’s reputation and client bank will be a welcome bolt-on."