Appointments: First MD named for fleet division

Wates Construction has boosted its northern operation with the appointment of David Price as its regional manager.

Phil Harrison who has successfully led the region for the past three years, will now step into the managing director role overseeing Wates' north and midlands' construction divisions.

Alistair Denton has been appointed a partner at Ernst & Young in Leeds, boosting the firm's local assurance practice.

Mr Denton joins from BDO in Manchester, where he was head of the North-West assurance practice. He is known for his significant experience in the PLC market, both FTSE and AIM, and in the manufacturing and pharmaceutical sectors.

Family-owned manufacturing business Hyco Manufacturing has responded to rapid sales growth by appointing its first full-time marketing specialist.

The Castleford-based electrical equipment maker and distributor has recruited Matthew Wragg from supermarket giant Asda to spearhead its promotional efforts in the future.

Mr Wragg will work across Hyco's product range, which includes electric water heating and space heating equipment, plus hand dryers.

Blacks Solicitors has appointed a new associate in its growing commercial litigation department.

Ian Scobbie, former head of commercial litigation and insolvency at Godloves, joins the Leeds-based firm where he will focus on insolvency work for predominantly corporate clients.

Wharfedale property agent Tony Howarth has joined estate agent Dacre, Son & Hartley's Ilkley office as sales and lettings negotiator.

Mr Howarth has more than 40 years' industry experience having worked for agents Dysons, Whitegates, Simon Thornton's and other firms.

Law firm Ingrams Solicitors has consolidated its employment division in Hull after appointing employment law specialist Simon Holborn to its team.

Forde Recruitment has added two new members of staff to boost its expanding team. Shakela Needham, driving and industrial manager, and Jocelyn Pinder, industrial consultant, join the Sheffield-based agency.

Independent insurance broker The Insurance Partnership (TIP) has recruited former Oxygen employees Liam O'Rourke, Kevin Trotter, Damian Pottage and Alistair Bambrook.

The senior brokers join Hull-based TIP at a time when it is enjoying a growing reputation in corporate broking, risk management and binding authority.