Sanderson Weatherall group names new managing partner

Costcutter has bolstered its retailer support services with the appointment of Richard Nicholson as trading manager. Mr Nicholson, who will be based in York, has spent the last 14 years as national account manager for Heineken.

Law firm Blacks Solicitors has strengthened its company and commercial team with the appointment of Nigel Hoyle as partner. Mr Hoyle joins the Leeds-based firm from Brooke North where he spent 15 years as partner.

Independent private medical insurance intermediary The Private Health Partnership has promoted Andrew Middleton to head of sales with immediate effect. Mr Middleton joined MLP Healthcare in 1998, which was acquired by PHP in 2004. He became SME manager in 2008 and in August 2010 was appointed manager of personal lines and SME.

The Baildon-based firm is part of the Skipton Building Society group.

Law firm Schofield Sweeney has increased the size of its litigation team in Leeds and Bradford with the recruitment of former Brooke North partners Nigel Middlemass and Richard Stockdale. The firm acquired the team of dispute resolution experts following the recent closure of Brooke North. Assistant solicitors Laura Salvati and Jo Gill also moved over.

Adrian Rodaway has been promoted to managing partner of chartered accountants HPH, which has offices in York and Harrogate. Mr Rodaway joined the firm in 1994 and was appointed as partner in 1999.

Contis Group has appointed Colin Greaves as business development consultant. Mr Greaves, who will be based in Skipton, is the founder and former head of Newcastle Card Services, and former chief executive and chairman of Transact Network.