Movers and shakers in Cumbrian business

Kendal-based commercial law firm Harrison Drury has bolstered its employment law offering with the appointment of its first human resource adviser. 

Helen Darbyshire joins the firm, based on Stramongate, with over 15 years’ experience in HR working for a number of notable firms including Aegon and QEK Global Solutions (UK) Ltd, and most recently Babcock where she worked as a HR officer for three years. 

In a newly created role, Mrs Darbyshire will advise Cumbria firms on human resource management including employee training, development, retention and performance management, as well as implementing staff policies and procedures. 

Land and property specialist North Associates has made four new appointments. 

The Carlisle-based firm has appointed Simon de Vere as commercial director, Julie Wynne as project manager, Susheel Das as a chartered town planner, and Simon Blacker as a planner. 

The recently completed extension at Carlisle Audi has allowed the dealership to take on a number of trainee roles. 

The firm has hired: Elliot Brown, apprentice technician; Sam Park, trainee sales executive; Jonny Winthrop, apprentice technician; Sam Wilkinson, trainee service advisor; Matthew Nicholson, apprentice technician.

Florence Arts Centre is moving into a new era, hiring Craig Carruthers as the new buildings and PR manager. 

Mr Carruthers brings a wealth of experience to Florence that includes working with the National Theatre in London and running his own business: ‘I Knit London.’

The new manager has also relocated to the area in order to take up this position at Florence.