The New Leaders Shaping Yorkshire's Legal, Housing, And Education Worlds In December 2025

It seems like big changes are happening all across Yorkshire. On December 01 2025, several companies announced new faces in some pretty important roles. Think about it: the people leading these businesses make big decisions that affect everything from the house you might buy to the course you might study. From a law firm in York to a major housebuilder, a financial services group, and a well-known college, there is a lot of new leadership talent stepping up. Let's have a look at who is taking on these new challenges.

A New Legal Expert for Ramsdens in York

Ever thought about what happens when someone buys a house? It is not just about picking the one with the nicest garden. There is a mountain of legal paperwork involved, and that is where conveyancing comes in. It is the process of legally transferring a home from one person to another. Getting this right is a big deal, and that is why having a good lawyer is key.

The law firm Ramsdens has just brought in a new partner for its York office, Jessica Duffy, who is an expert in exactly this.

With 18 years of experience under her belt, she really knows the ins and outs of residential property law in the Yorkshire area. Before joining Ramsdens, she was the head of legal for a property developer and also ran the conveyancing department at another law firm in York. This means she has seen the process from all sides. Her expertise covers everything from simple house sales to more complicated things like remortgaging or rights of way, which is the legal right to pass along a specific route through someone else’s land.

Jessica said:

“The residential property team at Ramsdens has an established excellent reputation for having personable, approachable lawyers committed to providing clear, practical advice. I am very pleased to join such a renowned team to grow our conveyancing and residential practice to benefit clients throughout York and North Yorkshire.”

The firm's joint CEO, Lindsey Frith, added:

“We are thrilled to welcome Jessica to our team in York. By combining Jessica’s local knowledge and visibility with a strong legal background, we can expand and enhance our residential property offering in the city and ensure continued momentum as we expand our legal offering throughout North and East Yorkshire. Jessica’s in-house experience working with a housebuilder will also be particularly valuable in advising clients throughout newbuild transactions.”

Miller Homes Yorkshire Welcomes a New Sales Manager

Next up is the world of new build homes. Miller Homes Yorkshire, one of the region's biggest housebuilders, has strengthened its team by appointing a new sales manager, Hayley Mitchell, who brings over ten years of experience with her.

A sales manager leads teams that guide people through the entire journey of buying a brand-new home, from the first viewing to receiving the keys. It is a role that demands strong leadership and a deep understanding of what buyers want.

Hayley will be overseeing several new developments across the region, including sites in Doncaster, Collingham, Honley, and Wombwell. She began her career in an estate agency before moving into roles with other major housebuilders, giving her an excellent grasp of the local property market.

She shared her excitement:
“I am very pleased to have joined the Miller Homes team and am very much looking forward to the new challenges this role will give me. Miller Homes has a great reputation for quality homes and five star customer service and it is great to be working with the team and for a housebuilder with a clear focus on delivering customer satisfaction.”

Sales director Debbie Whittingham added:
“It is a pleasure to welcome Hayley to our team ahead of several new developments opening next year. We wish her every success in her career with us and 2026 is already shaping up to be a busy year for our team.”

Big Changes at TFAS Enterprises With a New Commercial Officer

Over in Leeds, financial advisory group TFAS Enterprises has made a major appointment by hiring Richard Ardron as their new chief commercial officer. This is a huge role. A chief commercial officer is responsible for business growth and commercial strategy, helping the organisation find new opportunities and expand its reach.

TFAS Enterprises includes several divisions:

• Inzuzo: Helps financial advisers find new clients
• TFAS Compliance Services: Supports firms in meeting regulatory requirements
• TFAS Wealth: Its own financial advisory service

Ardron is a well respected industry figure, having spent 12 years as marketing director at SimplyBiz and more than 25 years in the wider financial sector.

He said:
“The business has a clear vision, strong leadership and a compelling suite of differentiated services across its advisory, compliance and client acquisition services. I look forward to helping shape and drive the next phase of commercial development.”

TFAS leadership is equally enthusiastic.

Chairman Buddy Keville said:
“I am greatly looking forward to working closely with Richard as we sharpen our commercial focus. His experience and leadership will drive stronger commercial outcomes and support client growth across every part of the business.”

Group CEO Jeff Lange added:
“Richard has an excellent reputation in the industry for building and executing successful commercial strategies, making him a great fit for this new role. His appointment reflects our continued commitment to strengthening our propositions and supporting the growth of advisers and firms across the UK.”

A Focus on Student Experience at The Sheffield College

Finally, in education, The Sheffield College has appointed Jo Kershaw as the new deputy principal for quality and student experience. This is a vital role focused on ensuring students receive high quality teaching and have a positive, supportive experience throughout their time at the college.

Jo has 20 years of experience in further education. Interestingly, she started her career in Greater Manchester Police before moving into teaching. She has held numerous senior leadership roles and brings deep knowledge of what makes a college thrive.

Her new job involves overseeing teaching quality, assessment standards, student wellbeing, careers guidance, and enrichment activities.

She said:
“It is great to return to my Northern roots and feel at home so quickly. I am passionate about the work of further education and the difference it makes and feel privileged to have joined The Sheffield College. My focus is on ensuring that we provide a positive and inclusive student experience for everyone in our college allowing them to thrive.”

Chief executive and principal Angela Foulkes added:
“Jo is a strong and experienced advocate for the further education sector having seen the positive impact that it has transforming lives and supporting local communities. We are really pleased to welcome Jo to the college.”