Appointments: Recruits boost law firm's numbers

The firm has appointed Ian Spencer, formerly at 37 Park Square Chambers in Leeds, as senior clerk. Paul Kirtley joins from Park Court Chambers and Bruce Walker and Jonathan French both join from Chancery House Chambers, all in Leeds.

A Yorkshire technology entrepreneur has been appointed non-executive director of the Arena Group.

Richard Doyle built up and sold Esteem Systems and is now chairman of Liquid Accounts and Connect Yorkshire and director of Nynet and Endeavors Technologies.

Arena Group, based in Wakefield, is a copier, printer and electronic document management business.

Rob Ripley has joined Langleys' commercial team as head of dispute resolution.

He joins the York-based firm from Keeble Hawson where he was head of litigation and dispute resolution.

Richard Eckles has been appointed as corporate relationship manager at the Leeds corporate banking centre of The Co-operative Bank.

Mr Eckles joins the CBC from Lloyds Banking Group where he worked in both corporate and commercial banking after completing the Lloyds' graduate training scheme in 2007.

Energy management consultancy Orchard Energy has appointed Ian Dickinson to manage its national team of market intelligence experts as the business prepares for another period of rapid growth.

The Brighouse-based firm has just opened an office in Glasgow. Eight further posts will be created at head office in Yorkshire to support the national team.

Sheffield University's director of student services has been appointed vice-chairman of AUA, the professional body for Higher Education leaders, managers and administrators.

Dr Andrew West, who will hold the post until July 31, 2011, was chosen by the AUA Board of Trustees following his commitments and achievements over the years to the Higher Education sector and AUA.

Arla Foods has appointed Ash Amirahmadi to the role of senior vice president for milk procurement.

Mr Amirahmadi, who is the company's vice president for milk and cream marketing, will also represent Arla on the Arla Foods Milk Partnership board.

The divisional managing director of Hitachi Capital Consumer Finance has been appointed vice-chairman of the Finance & Leasing Association's consumer finance division committee.

Gerald Grimes, based in Leeds, will play a key role in lobbying the Government on behalf of the consumer credit industry.

Data provider The Trading Floor has expanded its operation with the appointment of James Monkman in the acquisition department and Kristiano Liberati in the sales team.

Mr Monkham previously worked in Canada for an anti-fraud software firm and Mr Liberati has previously worked in both the motor industry and data protection.

Law firm Lee & Priestley has appointed Matthew Pugh to lead the firm's property litigation practice in Leeds.

Mr Pugh, who previously worked at Clarion, specialises in protecting and enforcing property rights for major developers, lenders, investors, private landlords, local authorities, entrepreneurs and individuals.

Owlerton Greyhound Stadium in Sheffield has announced the appointment of Peter Clarke to be assistant general manager.