Emma Pearmaine is Managing Director at Ridley and Hall Solicitors, and winner of the Yorkshire Law Awards Managing Partner of the Year Award 2020.
As a family and matrimonial specialist for over 25 years, she has represented clients in divorce and children cases across England and Wales.
In 2018, Emma was shortlisted in the Forward Ladies National Awards 2018, Female Entrepreneur of the Year category in Yorkshire, North East and Scotland.
In 2014 she won the Modern Lawyer ‘Lawyer of the Year’ Award.
Emma has been a member of the Multi Party Family Courts Parliamentary Group, is a Past President and current Director of Leeds Law Society, and current Vice President of The Yorkshire Union of Law Societies. She has judged at the Yorkshire Law Awards and Insider Magazine Awards.
Emma’s focus is now on her role as Managing Director, and she leads the Ridley & Hall management team, employing over 124 people across Yorkshire.
Emma is married and is the very proud mother of 2 grown up sons. In her spare time, she loves to be with her family and friends, she cooks up a storm in the kitchen, enjoys walking the dog in the countryside and loves a good book.
Andy Clarke is the Head of Strategic Partnerships for Ahead Partnership, who are experts in creating youth engagement programmes around the world of work. He leads on building the organisation’s presence nationally and specifically leads on their work with the public sector in addition to the organisation’s work on green skills, legal and transport careers. Prior to this, Andy worked in corporate affairs for a decade. In this time, he worked for a Member of Parliament and prior to joining Ahead Partnership, he was the Head of Corporate Affairs for Manchester Airport, where he was responsible for reputation and building relationships with key stakeholders, including local, regional and national Government. In his spare time, he is on the Board of the Fragile X Society, a disability charity.
I started my career at HBD in May 2017 as a Property Assistant. In June 2018 I got the opportunity to enrol onto a degree apprenticeship at the University of Salford studying Real Estate Surveying. I graduated in December 2021 with a first-class honours and completed my APC in November 2022 to become a Chartered Management Surveyor.
I have been part of The Apprentice ambassador network for four years and sit on the steering group for the Yorkshire and Humber region.
I am an Environmental Practitioner Degree Apprentice at Mott MacDonald, based in Leeds. I began my apprenticeship journey 18 months ago, immediately after completing my A-Levels. During this time, I have developed a strong interest in waste and resource management and environmental coordination, with a keen desire to further explore sustainable practices. As the apprentice early career professionals (ECP) lead for the Water & Environment unit at Mott MacDonald, I actively engage in initiatives to promote apprenticeship opportunities. I am currently pursuing a degree in Environmental Management, with the aspiration of becoming a Chartered Environmentali
With nearly 14 years of experience in Learning and Development, I've been with Arco for over a decade. A highlight of my career is overseeing Arco's apprenticeship programme. This role has also led to my participation in the Yorkshire and Humber Ambassadors group, an experience I relish! It has not only broadened my professional network but also provided essential support in maximising the benefits of apprenticeships at Arco. Additionally, it offers fulfilling opportunities to contribute to my community by advocating for apprenticeships and their substantial advantages. I have a real passion for people and their development, taking great pride and pleasure in supporting people to achieve their ambitions.
It is a privilege to serve as a judge for the third consecutive year at the regional awards. I can’t wait to see the many remarkable achievements of apprentices, employers, and their advocates.
Chris Blackburn is a passionate champion of skills growth, apprenticeships, and social mobility, dedicated to transforming lives through opportunity. As Director of Skills Growth at Impellam Group, he empowers individuals—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—to build meaningful careers. A STEM Ambassador and Apprenticeships Ambassador Network member, he advocates for apprenticeships as a catalyst for change. As a trustee of a Multi-Academy Trust and Deputy Chair of the Equal Skies Charter, he bridges the gap between education and industry, ensuring every young person has the tools to succeed. Chris believes talent is everywhere—opportunity should be too.
