Employment law specialist Howarths has reported a strong start to 2014.

The Cleckheaton-based company marks its 12th year in business this month – with business partners and husband and wife Andy and Helen Howarth announcing the appointment of their son Gavin as managing director after three years with the firm.

Gavin will continue to work very closely with his father, who is chairman, and co-director Tracey Craven to expand and develop the service Howarths provides to businesses throughout Yorkshire.

The company, which lists Huddersfield-based SimplyBiz, Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd, The Pink Link and Walkers Windows among its clients, has also added to its services by supporting businesses in the health and safety sector with the appointment of Mark Worsnop to the team.

In addition, the company has undergone a rebrand from Howarths The Employment Law Specialist to start the new year as Howarths, People and Safety Management.

Gavin said: “We’re really excited about the prospect of expanding our service and offering businesses further compliance support.

“We’re genuinely passionate about what we do and the addition of health and safety was a natural fit to our business model.

“Mark is a fantastic addition to the team and we are all very much look forward to working with him.”