Accountant advances through ranks
A Leicestershire accountant has advanced through the ranks at Chantrey Vellacott thanks partly to his work with clients in education.
Glen Bott joined the firm after graduating from the University of Northampton with a degree in accounting and finance.
The 30-year-old recently celebrated eight years at Chantrey Vellacott and marked the occasion with a promotion to Audit Manager, having previously qualified with the firm and served as Assistant Manager.
He was a national prize winner for his performance in his final Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) exams and has gone on to develop a strong reputation in both commercial and not for profit sectors.
Based in the Leicester office, on Grove Business Park, Bott has built up extensive experience working with a wide range of organisations and more recently within the education sector.
“I work across both commercial and not for profit sectors, but a significant growth area for us in the Midlands has been in education with schools and academies,” he said.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the past eight years with the firm and am delighted my achievements have been recognised with this promotion.”
Ashley joins Sladen
Derbyshire-based commercial property developer Sladen Estates has appointed a new architectural and technical designer to its expanding team.
Ashley Metcalfe joins the business with over 20 years’ experience in architectural practice across a wide variety of sectors, from domestic to commercial and education to industrial.
Initially, Ashley’s main focus at Sladen Estates will be working on projects, including Park Sixty Six at Bury - a business, leisure and retail development - and The Village Phase 111 - an office development just off junction 28 of the M1.
Ashley said: “I’m really excited to get stuck in to some of the projects which Sladen Estates is currently working on, but also looking forward to analysing new potential sites for development.”
Sladen Estates Chief Executive Nick Sladen said: “Ashley has a vast array of experience. His skill set is extensive and will certainly be a very valuable addition to the current team at Sladen Estates.”
Banner Jones expands
Banner Jones Solicitors has expanded its team in Chesterfield with the addition of three new team members.
Chris Sellars, Director of Human Resources, said: “These appointments follow a period of sustained growth in Chesterfield and this additional resource reflects our commitment to developing our service offering within the town.”
Kate Skelton and Lucy Baines have joined the conveyancing team.
Kate joins from Raleys, in Barnsley, with five years experience in property transactions.
Lucy, who has been with Banner Jones for just under two years, has been promoted and will work as a paralegal in the property team.
Lee Foster joins the dispute rResolution team. He has 12 years’ litigation experience.
Lee previously worked for Bridge Sanderson Munro, Doncaster, where he worked in the commercial litigation department. Before that Lee was Head of Core Practice at Spencers Solicitors, Chesterfield, where he was responsible for four teams of personal injury litigators.
Chris said: “We’ve also expanded our Sheffield office with the arrival of a three new team members.
Kelly Walters joins from Bridge Sanderson Munro Solicitors, Doncaster. She has ten years’ experience in family law.
Amy Fowlston joins the Sheffield wills and probate team as an experienced paralegal having previously worked for Simpson Sissons and Brooke, in Sheffield, and prior to that Irwin Mitchell Solicitors.
And the residential property team in Sheffield has been further strengthened by the arrival of Lisa Molinari who joins us from Wosskow Brown. Lisa brings with her over 3 years of experience in property work including commercial property and residential.
Business Bank builds Midlands team
Cambridge & Counties Bank is gearing up for growth in its Midlands heartlands, hiring a new member and promoting another in its business development team.
At its Leicester headquarters, on New Walk, the bank has welcomed Neil Reddington as a Senior Business Development Manager.
Neil joins from Yorkshire Bank, with more than 30 years of experience in SME banking. He said: “I am looking forward to putting to work my broad range of knowledge and extensive network of professional contacts.”
He will work alongside the newly promoted Adam Jolley, now Business Development Manager after nearly three successful years at Cambridge & Counties.
Adam, previously in the Royal Navy, said: “It has been a great experience at Cambridge & Counties, being at the heart of a rapidly growing and ambitious lender. I’m delighted with the promotion.”
Cambridge & Counties’ Leicester HQ and its regional offices have seen several recent promotions to create the structure and resources needed for continued expansion of the challenger bank’s property lending book and customer base.
Chief Executive Mike Kirsopp said: “We continue to hire at all levels and to promote the talent we have as we begin to tap into the demand we are finding in all regions for our products and service.”
CoLaw growth continues
Local employment law and HR firm CoLaw continues has appointed two new staff following substantial growth.
Employment Law Solicitor Andrew Robinson and Employment Law Consultant Toral Odedra are joining the team in Loughborough.
Steve Edwards, Managing Director of CoLaw, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Andrew and Toral on board and know that their skills will complement our existing team.
“Andrew’s experience in employment law is exceptional and his appointment will allow us to offer our clients excellent legal advice and additional legal services.”
CoLaw, which specialises in employment law and health & safety, was established ten years ago and offer support to a large number of businesses based in the UK.
Toral Odedra will assist with the growing client base and has a wealth of experience in employment compliance.
Steve added: “Toral’s knowledge in employment compliance and CIPD is essential in the development of our company. I’m sure, will be an asset to our team.”
Construction partner returns to Nelsons
A construction partner has returned to Nottingham’s Nelsons Solicitors after starting her career at the firm as a paralegal 16 years ago.
Danielle Cafferkey worked in the firm’s commercial litigation and civil liberties teams. She left in 2002 as a trainee solicitor in the construction team and spent several years working at Browne Jacobson.
She then moved to Shepherd Group, York, where she was a director, building up a strong and extensive knowledge of construction law and the industry.
At Shepherd Group, Danielle worked on multi-million-pound projects nationally and in a variety of sectors, from industrial, commercial, mixed use developments, hospitals, colleges, universities, schools and retail.
She then spent several years at Flint Bishop as a Partner, where she grew her team to four people.
She said: “I’m thrilled to have come full circle, returning to the place where I started my career. Nelsons has always been an extremely forward thinking, exciting and dynamic business with a reputation for change, which is one of the key reasons why I decided to come back.”
Chief executive at Nelsons, Tim Hastings, said: “We are very pleased that Danielle has returned to Nelsons, where she started her career. She returns with a wealth of sector specific knowledge which will certainly benefit our clients and will help to develop our construction offering further for both new and existing cases.”
Cooking on gas
Kevin Mullett has been appointed Head Chef at Scalford Hall Hotel.
Before joining the hotel Kevin worked at various hotels and Michelin-starred and AA-Rosette restaurants, including the Grosvenor Arms in Dorset, several Trust House Forte establishments, Royal Chase of London and Champneys Henlow.
After 26 years in the Armed Forces ,where he achieved the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major, Kevin's first choice in repatriation training was the new challenge of catering.
A degree from the University of East Anglia and kitchen experience under several renowned chefs, including Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall, of Riverside Cottage fame, helped shape his enthusiasm and culinary flair.
Kevin said: “Scalford Hall Hotel provides a perfect country house hotel setting in the heart of one of the country's most famous food producing market towns and I am looking forward to strengthening food and wine combinations through local sources whilst creating menus that accompany seasonal changes."
DTL strengthens aftermarket team
Damper Technology Ltd (DTL) has announced significant strengthening of its aftermarket care with the recruitment of Glenn Bull to the new role of Product Support Manager.
With over 10,000 dampers out in service and the increasing requirement for routine maintenance and retrofit, DTL has introduced a dedicated service department to ensure a more proactive approach to customers.
Glenn has an extensive engineering background in aftermarket account management and will take responsibility for all DTL product support.
DTL also announced the strengthening of its dedicated team of skilled service engineers with the appointment of Mark Edwards.
Mark joins DTL’s team to provide service inspections onshore and offshore worldwide.
Five promotions at Grant Thornton
Business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK has announced five promotions at its Leicester city centre office.
Tom Copson has been promoted to Associate Director in the audit team, his second promotion in recent years.
Tom, 32, joined Grant Thornton in 2005 and has been in professional services for 14 years.
He was promoted to Senior Manager in 2012 and in the role of Associate Director, assumes ultimate responsibility for Audit activities.
Christian Dean is promoted to Senior Manager in the Pensions Assurance team, Devika Kothari to Assistant Manager in the Tax Advisory team, Matt Norris to Assistant Manager in the Business Services Group, and Rosheen Sathiaseelan to Executive in the firm’s Audit team.
“These promotions signal our commitment to supporting and rewarding our most ambitious and committed members of the team. Each of these promotions is very well-deserved.”
Franklands’ first apprentice
Derby-based insurance broker and risk management specialist, Franklands, has welcomed its first apprentice to the company as part of the new Brokerbility Apprenticeship scheme.
Brokerbility, an organisation made up of 35 leading independent insurance brokers, of which Franklands is a founder, launched its Academy last summer to attract new talent to the industry and contribute towards the Government’s insurance growth action plan commitment.
The Academy enables young, talented insurance professionals to start their career with an established and reputable firm and gain recognised industry qualifications.
Franklands, based on the Wyvern Business Park, has appointed 20-year-old George Hardy, of Risley, who has recently started a CII accredited apprenticeship and training programme.
Over the next 18 months, he will learn the role of insurance broker and gain experience by supporting the company’s advisers and account executives across various areas of the business.
The programme will lead to an NVQ level 2 and 3 qualification as well as the Certificate in Insurance (Cert CII) qualification.
David Harrison, Director at Franklands, said: “We believe in the continued development within the industry – this starts with newcomers to the insurance profession and we are delighted to welcome George to the team.
“Over the next 18 months, he will be working across various departments in order to gain a wide range of knowledge and experience as he studies for the industry standard CII accreditation.”
Gary joins Deda board
Derby-based regional dance house Déda has appointed HSKS Greenhalgh Director and Chartered Accountant Gary Brockway to its Board.
Gary’s appointment comes as the organisation looks to fund ongoing development plans, having already completed a £500,000 expansion project in autumn last year.
Gary said: “I am looking forward to working with my colleagues on the Board at what is a very exciting time for Déda.
“While my background is not in the arts, I am confident that my 20-plus years of providing advice to businesses will bring a different perspective to the organisation, in what is becoming an increasingly commercial environment.”
Déda Director Stephen Munn said: “We are delighted to welcome Gary to the Board. These are challenging times for the Arts; the need to identify alternative revenue streams has never been greater, particularly as we look to fund our ambitious expansion plans and Gary’s commercial experience will be vital”.
GCA director clinches national award
A Derby Chartered Structural Engineer has been named Young Consultant of the Year in the annual awards organised by the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) and New Civil Engineer magazine.
James Thomson, 31, is the Director in charge of the Derby office of Civil, Structural and Highways Engineering consultancy GCA in Green Lane.
He was one of four professionals shortlisted for the awards which were announced at an event at Claridge’s Hotel, London.
He said: “It was an honour just to be shortlisted so I was delighted to then be named as the winner of this award.”
“The feedback from the judges was they were impressed with the technical quality and diversity of projects I am leading throughout the UK.
“I entered the awards to fly the flag for regional firms and the benefits that regional projects bring to local communities, so I am very proud that this has been recognised.”
James joined GCA’s head office in Green Lane four years ago.
He was promoted to Associate Structural Engineer two years ago and appointed Director in charge of the Derby office six months ago.
GCA Managing Director Nicky Collett concluded: “This is a thoroughly justified award. James is passionate about this work and we are extremely proud that he has been recognised in this way.”
Hat-Trick of promotions at Duncan & Toplis
Karen Taylor, of the Newark office of chartered accountants Duncan & Toplis, is one of three employees to have been promoted recently.
Karen and Kay Botley from the Sleaford office have both been elevated to Associate Director while Graeme Hills is taking up a new position as a Director at the Grantham office.
The new appointments’ combined experience of 40 years will strengthen the firm’s senior management team.
Karen, who joined Duncan & Toplis in 1999, sees her promotion as an opportunity to develop her existing client base as well as a chance to put the skills she’s learnt into practice.
“I’ve completed several management courses during my time with the firm and have learned a lot. I look forward to using these new skills in developing my team at Newark.”
Adrian Reynolds, Managing Director at Duncan & Toplis, said: “I’d like to congratulate Karen, Kay and Graeme on their recent promotions. Their new roles are a recognition of their hard work and ability which has not gone unnoticed.
“I look forward to seeing them succeed in their new positions, strengthening our senior management teams across the region.”
National sales manager appointed
Pronto Industrial Paints has announced the appointment of National Sales Manager Richard Dickens, who will lead the sales team with overall responsibility for all UK customers.
Richard joins from a senior position in sales at Morelli Group, a distributor for Pronto throughout the UK.
The new role comes as the company celebrates another record year, with turnover doubling in the past five years to just under £7m per annum.
Recent sales success and approvals for products have led to a factory extension and new machinery orders in addition to recruitment.
Richard said: “I am truly delighted to have been given the opportunity to work with an already successful UK Manufacturer with clear objectives for growth.
Managing Director for Pronto, David Beckford, said: “Having known Richard for over ten years, I am looking forward to the coming years and the opportunity to work together more closely than ever.”
New personal injury solicitor appointed
Nottingham Solicitors Sharp Young & Pearce has expanded its personal injury department with the appointment of newly qualified Solicitor, Vicki Dodge.
Vicki joined the Firm in 2011 as a Trainee Solicitor and has worked across all departments.
Vicki’s passion for personal injury cases was soon realised and on completing her training contract in February with the firm, she joined the department permanently.
Head of Personal Injury, Elisabeth Halls said: “The Partners are delighted to offer Vicki a position and we are sure she will be a real asset for the Firm. Throughout her training contract, Vicki has shown a real flair and dedication for litigation and we wish her a long and successful career with the firm.”
Vicki said: “I am excited. The position will be challenging and an interesting role which I look forward to developing.”
Parker joins PKF Cooper Parry
Business advisory firm PKF Cooper Parry has appointed industry expert Andy Parker as corporate finance partner.
Andy has more than 20 years’ mergers and acquisitions experience, including an 18-year tenure at PwC, where he was the partner leading its corporate finance team, in Manchester.
Working with private companies, management teams and private equity, he recently led the £65m sale of Accrol Papers to NorthEdge Capital and the £74m buy-out of On the Beach by Inflexion.
“I’m delighted to be returning to my roots in the Midlands and to be joining such a forward thinking firm,” said Andy.
“PKF Cooper Parry excites me because of the passion, energy and drive of the partner team, the clarity of vision it has and the commitment to excellent client service.
“I want to build my long term future here. The PKF Cooper Parry corporate finance team is in a strong position with an outstanding international network in Global M&A and I hope to help accelerate its growth in existing and new markets.”
Ade Cheatham, CEO at PKF Cooper Parry, said: “I’m thrilled to have Andy join the team. He is a real expert in his field and will play an integral part in expanding the firm’s already well-respected corporate finance team into different areas, as well as enhancing the services we can offer to clients.
“His reputation is extremely strong his knowledge, experience and business contacts will be a real asset in helping us to achieve our ambitious goals.”
Rams fan joins Purpose Media
Experienced account manager Jenny McBride has joined ecommerce website and online marketing specialist Purpose Media.
The appointment doubles the size of the Purpose Media team to 20 in just 18 months.
With 11 years of business development and marketing experience, Jenny has re-located to Derby from Brighton where was working in online marketing roles. Her key accounts included British Airways, easyJet, Monarch Airlines, ebookers, the AA and eTraveli and big wins were Worldhotels.com, Momondo.com, jet2.com and IcelandExpress.com.
Jenny said: “I hope to play a key role in meeting the company’s ambitious growth targets and contributing wholeheartedly to office banter.”
Outside of work Jenny has a number of hobbies and interests including football, theatre and cinemas and drinking speciality coffee.
She is a Derby County fan. As a mascot aged 11 she has scored past Peter Shilton, played for Derby County Ladies and can do around 100 keepy-uppies.
New health and safety man at Qdos
Qdos Consulting has announced the appointment of Mark Stubbs as Health and Safety Partner.
Mark is a member of IOSH and is working towards to the Grad. IOSH status.
He started in health and safety in July 2010 as an assistant adviser at Erewash Borough Council.
Mark said: “This is a fantastic opportunity and I am very excited about the role and the opportunities that the position represents.
“I am looking forward to engaging with the various clients within a variety of market sectors, in turn, this experience will help to develop my knowledge and skills within the health and safety industry, therefore ensuring that the business is well served”.
Toni Robinson, Director of Qdos HR & HS Services, said: “When appointing a new HS Business Partner, we not only look at the technical competency but also ensure that there is a balance between the ability to create practical business solutions for our commercial clients, in order to resolve the issues businesses face on a daily basis.
“I am confident that Mark will enhance our HR & HS delivery team and make an immediate impact on behalf of our clients”.
Recruiter recruited
Recruitment professional Emma Tolley has joined Nottingham-based Thorn Baker to lead the company’s strategy of increasing staff numbers across the UK over the next five years.
Emma joins the recruitment firm as Talent Attraction Manager with the task of building Thorn Baker’s nationwide team.
Emma has previously worked at two of the biggest recruitment firms in the world - Randstad and Office Angels.
Most recently she worked for The Works, a specialist recruitment firm in Leeds.
Thorn Baker - which recently took a much coveted three star award from Best Companies, the national award which recognises leading UK organisations - is headquartered in Nottingham and has nine other regional offices.
Emma, who has worked in recruitment for more than 20 years, said: “I am delighted to be joining the team at Thorn Baker.
“My role is to ensure we are attracting the best talent out there, ensuring we are nurturing recruiters and building their expertise for them to go into senior recruitment roles within Thorn Baker.
Emma, who has worked in SMEs and large corporates during her career, will be working across all ten of Thorn Baker’s offices and devising a recruitment strategy plan with Thorn Baker’s four directors.
Two appointments at Sibbalds
Derby based Chartered Accountants & Chartered Tax Advisers, Sibbalds, have recruited two new staff members - Tony Ng as Senior Accountant and Victoria Brown as Bookkeeper.
The appointments come on the back of 12 months of growth.
Tony joins after 23 years with a local independent practice. He has experience of dealing with businesses of varying sizes and sector.
Over the past ten years Victoria has gained her AAT qualification and has worked in various sectors, mostly manufacturing, and progressed from a ledger clerk to a Financial Controller.
Director of Sibbalds, Hari Vasdev, said: “It’s great to be joined by employees such as Tony’s and Victoria’s experience and ability, and we are excited about having them on the team.
“The appointments are a result of continuing growth and are in addition to two new employees taken on in January.”