FAMILY lawyer Nicki Mitchell has been promoted to partner at Yorkshire law firm Lupton Fawcett.

Ms Mitchell has practiced as a solicitor since 1994, gaining specialist accreditation from Resolution, the influential association of family lawyers, in 2001.

She became the first lawyer in York to qualify as a collaborative family lawyer in 2005 and also practises as a family mediator. Ms Mitchell is rated in national legal directories Chambers and the Legal 500.

Away from work, Ms Mitchell is a school governor, vice chairwoman of the South Bank Multi Academy Trust in York and a former Trustee of the York Citizens Advice Bureau.

A HARROGATE entrepreneur has been appointed by the Institute of Directors to support local businesses and grow the region’s voice on national policy matters.

Steve Williams, who works as a non-executive director with local SMEs, has joined the influential business organisation as an Ambassador.

Mr Williams has 30 years of board-level experience with companies including Lonrho and Appleyard Group. His sector expertise includes automotive, retail and media.

Other IoD Ambassadors in Yorkshire include Caroline Pullich of Barclays and Wakefield businessman Hugh Taylor.

A FARM-based business in Thixendale has bolstered its commercial team with the appointment of an account manager.

Richard Sharp joins the sales team at Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil, as the business celebrates its 10th anniversary year.

Former owner of Mollie Sharp’s Cheese Shop in Selby, Mr Sharp will look after existing customers and seek areas to develop the Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil and Charlie & Ivy’s brands.