OPTIBIOTIX Health plc, a York life-sciences business developing compounds to tackle obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes and skin care, has announced the departure of Jim Laird by mutual agreement and the appointment of Per Rehné as commercial director.

Mr Rehné will join the OptiBiotix Board subject to completion of the normal regulatory due diligence.

l I’Anson Brothers, a leading independent, family-owned farm feeds businesses has appointed two new members of staff to support its ongoing growth and development.

Andrew Harrison and John Wilson have joined the North Yorkshire company as a nutritionist and sales manager respectively.

l BHP Financial Planning, part of BHP Chartered Accountants, which has an office in York, has expanded its team with the appointment of Mitch Burke.

Mr Burke joins the team as a financial planner and brings more than ten years of industry experience to his new role. He recently gained advanced diploma level as a chartered financial planner.

l Coles Solicitors, which has offices in York and several other locations in North and East Yorkshire, has welcomed two new solicitors as the firm continues to see an increase in demand for its services.

Solicitor Emma Ladd has been appointed the new head of the firm’s commercial department to manage an already successful and highly experienced team. Jessica Dodds has joined the family law department due to the increased demand for services in the Ripon, Harrogate and Settle offices.

l Leading global property consultancy Knight Frank has strengthened its award-winning industrial property team in Yorkshire with the appointment of Richard Henley.

He joins Knight Frank from niche industrial agency Gent Visick in Leeds. He previously worked for Gerald Eve in Leeds.

Mr Henley, who lives near York, and went to Easingwold School, specialises in the disposal and acquisition of industrial, distribution and trade counter space, as well as commercial development opportunities in the Yorkshire region.