Connect Gazelles' new director will accelerate growth

AN ORGANISATION that promotes enterprise across Yorkshire has made a senior appointment.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th May 2016, 12:17 BST
Updated 18th May 2016, 13:21 BST
Sophie Patton, operations director at Connect YorkshireSophie Patton, operations director at Connect Yorkshire
Sophie Patton, operations director at Connect Yorkshire

Connect Gazelles have invited Sophie Patton to become operations director at Connect Yorkshire.

Ms Patton joined Connect Gazelles, a not­ for­ profit support group for entrepreneurs running high growth businesses in Yorkshire, in 2013.

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Nick Butler, the CEO, said “Sophie Patton has already made a major contribution to Connect Gazelles and has a plan, which has been approved by the board, to accelerate the growth of Connect Gazelles while continuing to provide unique top level advice and support to Yorkshire’s growing businesses.”

Ms Patton attended Stamford High School before studying at Leeds University. She then worked in a variety of roles before a chance meeting with Mr Butler led her to working at Connect Gazelles.

Paul Rose, ex-CEO of Rixonway Kitchens and director at Connect Yorkshire, which owns Connect Gazelles, said, “I am delighted to see Sophie appointed as operations director, Sophie is very committed to Connect Yorkshire and our members. Sophie has been instrumental in the development and retention of our membership and offer.”

Bradford-based Thorite, the independent distributor of pneumatic products and process systems, has appointed Phill Whittleston to the new position of Vacuum Systems Product Champion.

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Ross Gowler, Thorite’s marketing and engineering services director, said that Mr Whittleston, who has been with Thorite since leaving school, will be taking charge of the sales, installation and servicing of centralised vacuum systems in a range of industries including chemicals, food and beverage, packaging, plastics, printing and the environment.

Law firm Wrigleys Solicitors has announced the appointment of three new partners in its private client and charity property teams. Jane Netting, who is based in Wrigleys’ Sheffield office, deals with all areas of private client work.

Oliver Hallam, who trained at Allen & Overy before joining Wrigleys, handles a mix of high value tax and succession planning work, while Tim Wrigley specialises in complex charity property matters.