in-Cumbria rounds up this week’s achievements and appointments in the Cumbrian business world.

Furness Building Society has appointed Chris Harrison as its new permanent chief executive.

Mr Harrison is the former president and chief executive of insurance company Assurant Solutions Europe and was also the chief executive of LSG Lifestyle Services Group , which protects mobile devices.

Law firm Burnetts has hired two home-grown family law experts for its Carlisle office.

Brampton-born and bred Katie Wright and fellow Cumbrian Vikki Porthouse, have been recruited to strengthen the practice’s approach to family disputes.

Accountancy firm Armstrong Watson has appointed a new member of staff to its agricultural team in Carlisle.

Jonathan York has more than 20 years’ experience in working with farmers and supporting them in their businesses. His is joining from the Skipton office.

Construction business Thomas Armstrong , based in Flimby has appointed a new director to its board.

Philip Hoyles started with the company in October 1994 as a trainee quantity surveyor, moving up to qualified surveyor and senior surveyor. He was made commercial manager for the building department three years ago.

James Higgins has become group editor at CN Group , publishers of in-Cumbria , The Cumberland News , the News & Star , The Whitehaven News , the Times & Star and the North West Evening Mail .

He will be leading the content teams across the group to develop a group wide content strategy to grow the company's position as a leading independent multi-media publisher.