WARD Building Components of Sherburn near Malton has promoted Ken Bielby to business development manager for its cladding products division.

Mr Bielby originally joined Ward more than 15 years ago. He spent ten years in the Ward technical department, providing sales support and for the past five years has been sales manager for the North East for ward cladding products.

In his new role, one of his key responsibilities will be to build on Ward's long-term relationships with major UK retailers who are increasingly looking for bespoke solution providers for projects to build or refurbish stores and distribution centres.

STEVE Nicholas is due to join the Clifton Moor-based Gamestation empire as product manager in charge of hardware and peripherals at the end of this month.

He joins Gamestation from HMV, where he has worked for three years, the last two as the hardware and peripherals buyer.

Martyn Gibbs, group buying director - games, said: "We are delighted that Steve has decided to join Gamestation. He is well respected within the industry and will bring the right focus to such an important element within our games retailing business."

SHAUN Watts, managing director of Chameleon. Business Interiors in Howden, has been elected to the board of directors of York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

Shaun, 35, who is enthusiastic about the future role that the Chamber can play in promoting business success in the area, said he was delighted at his three-year appointment, adding: "I'm very keen to commit both time and energy to help take the Chamber forward."

Shaun, already a keen supporter of the networking opportunities that the Chamber offer, said: "We've made a lot of valuable contacts through attending breakfasts, lunches and other events - and even got some business, too - so I'd advise any member who hasn't yet gone to a networking event to do so."

Chameleon, in only its fifth year, is enjoying its most successful year ever.

Shaun worked in the office refurbishment business for years before setting up Chameleon in 1999. His firm offers everything from the supply of a single chair or a desk right up to a total package of design, build, selection and installation.

TWO new heads of key departments have been appointed by commercial lawyers Denison Till of York.

Andrew Lindsay has been appointed as head of Denison Till's company and commercial department which operates nationally and internationally and acts in many key deals in North Yorkshire.

Sally Robinson, a partner who specialises in commercial property work has been appointed head of the property department which operates nationally and covers the broad spectrum of property law including commercial, landlord and tenant, town planning and education issues.

Managing partner Chris Barton said: "Denison Till is going from strength to strength. The promotion of Sally and Andrew underpins our development by placing experienced, young, dynamic lawyers, trained by national firms in key positions."

Updated: 15:10 Tuesday, September 23, 2003