Accountancy and business advisory group Azets has appointed Jessica Lawrence as office managing partner in Leeds. Audit partner Jessica, an ICAEW-qualified chartered accountant, chartered tax advisor, and diploma holder in charity accounting, has spent 17 years with the business in Leeds and 27 years in accountancy overall in Yorkshire. She takes charge of the UK top 10 firm’s 130-strong office in King Street, located in the heart of the city’s financial district.

Jessica joined the business in 2009 as an audit manager when the team numbered just 16 people. Alongside her core responsibilities, she signs off ICAEW student training and heads up the office’s ‘Get Involved’ group, which raises funds for local charities, including the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Claire Needham, Azets’ regional managing director for Yorkshire, said: “Warmest congratulations to Jessica on her richly-deserved promotion to managing partner in Leeds. She is a highly-experienced and outstanding professional who knows Leeds inside out and brings a passion for the city, its businesses and people to her new role.”



Bespoke joinery manufacturer Deanhouse Group has strengthened its board with the promotion of Stephen Rochester to commercial director and Dominic Jones to operations director as it enters its fifth year of rapid growth. Turnover at the Honley-based firm has grown from £1.85 million in 2022 to £5.5 million in 2025, with £8.5 million forecast for the current financial year. Headcount has expanded from 12 to 40 over the same period following a management buyout in September 2024.

Stephen, a certified commercial quantity surveyor with an MSc in Construction Project Management, joined the company in 2023 as commercial manager and will now lead the commercial function. Dominic joined four years ago as a contracts manager before progressing to operations manager, and will now oversee day-to-day operations and wider strategic scaling.

Neil Addyman, managing director, said: “Stephen and Dominic have been central to taking us from £1.85 million to £8.5 million in four years. These promotions recognise their contribution and strengthen our leadership as we continue to grow.”



Independent law firm Brabners has expanded its Leeds office with the appointment of partners Jennifer Leah and Helen Bates.

Jennifer joins the firm’s Property Disputes & Litigation team from Eversheds Sutherland, bringing over a decade of experience advising landlords, tenants, and developers on contentious real estate matters, including telecommunications disputes under the Electronic Communications Code.

Jennifer Leah said: “I am delighted to have joined Brabners. The firm has an outstanding reputation, and I have been impressed by the strength of its Real Estate Group, its people and its commitment to client service.”

Helen joins as a partner to establish a dedicated Insolvency & Restructuring practice area in Leeds. Formerly leading the restructuring team at Freeths with over 24 years of experience, she advises stakeholders on corporate and personal insolvency. Recognised as a Next Generation Partner by Legal 500, Helen also serves on the regional committees of R3 and the International Women’s Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation.



Amy Archer has been appointed as the founding Chair of FAB Vanguard, the new senior board tier launched by the Female Advisory Board (FAB) for women running businesses with revenues exceeding £20m in complex, board-led environments.

Bringing 23 years of experience from a major East Yorkshire manufacturing company where she helped scale operations to over £300m in revenue and 1,200 employees, Amy becomes the first person other than FAB Founder and CEO Samantha Addy to chair a board within the institution. Vanguard completes FAB's three-tier peer advisory ecosystem, providing confidential governance and strategic support for female leaders operating within formal structures and answering to investors and shareholders.

Amy Archer said: “Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work with supportive leaders, but even in the best environments, senior roles can feel isolating. What FAB offers is something I’ve not seen before – a structured, commercially focused peer advisory board created specifically for female founders and CEOs.”



Durham-based water retailer Wave is celebrating a series of major accolades for its Director of People and Social Value, Jane Austin, who was named 21st on the HR Most Influential List 2026. Published annually by HR magazine, the list recognises individuals shaping people strategy across the UK.

This recognition closely follows Jane winning gold for Leader of the Year at the UK Employee Experience Awards, while Wave secured silver for Employee Centric Company. Having been part of the Wave team since its establishment in 2017, Jane has helped secure 18 national awards for the company's workplace culture.

Jane commented: "I am over the moon to be recognised by HR Magazine in the HR Most Influential List 2026. I still can’t believe it – it’s a real career highlight. This paired with the wins at the UK Employee Experience Awards have made this a July to remember!"