Appointments: Agency names new account director

Prior to his appointment, Mr Jones, was senior client director at London-based Fitch Design Consultants, where he headed the multinational Vodafone account among other projects across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

In his new role at the Harrogate-based agency, he will work with The Co-operative sponsorship team on Rugby League, Netball Superleague, Pride of Britain Awards and The Variety Club.

Schofield Sweeney solicitors, which has offices in Leeds and Bradford, has appointed Sarah Railton as a commercial law specialist.

She trained at Walker Morris solicitors in Leeds and joins from Brabners solicitors in Manchester, where she specialised in negotiating commercial agreements, contract law and licensing intellectual property rights.

She has acted for a diverse range of clients including premiership football players, rugby league and rugby union players and the Professional Rugby Association.

Lowell Group has recruited Paul Thomas as its head of external recoveries.

Mr Thomas joins the Leeds-based debt purchasing company from Capital One Bank where he was debt sale manager.

McCormicks Solicitors has two new trainee solicitors.

Peter Minnikin and Helena Jones, who both joined the Harrogate-based firm earlier this year, have been awarded training contracts as their first steps towards becoming solicitors.

McCormicks has also promoted Hannah Ruddy as legal assistant to partner Neil Goodrum.

A litigation expert has joined Williamsons Solicitors.

Mandy Anfield, who has carved a niche in housing law during her 16-year career in Hull, will be running a new litigation department at the Hull-based firm.