2015-07-15

Adam joins UHY

Accountancy firm UHY Hacker Young has welcomed a new financial planner to its team – Adam Wing.

Adam has more than 13 years’ experience in the financial services sector.

He has worked for Barclays Wealth, PKF Financial Planning, Kingswood Taxation and Wealth Management, Pannells Financial Planning and NatWest.

Adam said: “I am pleased to be joining UHY’s growing team in Nottingham. I feel I will be able to bring experience to my role and continue to grow professionally within the firm.”

As a financial planner at UHY, Adam will be delivering bespoke plans for the firm’s clients to help them achieve their lifestyle and business goals. He will also help the firm’s clients to monitor their finances and their own changing needs.

Phil Oliver, managing partner at the firm, said: “We are delighted to welcome Adam to the team at UHY Hacker Young in Nottingham, and we hope he is able to grow and develop in his new role.

“Adam’s years’ of experience in the financial service sector is invaluable and we are certain he will provide our clients with important insight and help into their finances.”

Anshu is new President

Anshu Mehan, Director at Derby chartered accountants and business advisers HSKS Greenhalgh, has been appointed President of the Derby Society of Chartered Accountants for 2015-2016.

Having been involved with the Society over the past two years, Anshu previously held the role of Deputy President.

She takes over from David Allen of Mabe Allen.

During her term as President, Anshu will aim to rejuvenate the Society’s committee by encouraging greater member involvement, particularly from younger members, and will represent the views of local accountants at district and national level.

Anshu will be supported in her role by Deputy President Kimberley Shapcott of Shapcotts.

Anshu said: “It is a great honour to be appointed President of the Derbyshire Society of Chartered Accountants.”

Anshu is following in the footsteps of her colleague and HSKS Greenhalgh Managing Director Kultaran Singh who was President of the Derby Society of Chartered Accountants in 2013-2014.

Browne Jacobson strengthens corporate banking team

Browne Jacobson is continuing to expand its banking presence in the Midlands with the appointment of Associate Marcus Pyke to its banking team in Nottingham.

His appointment comes in response to a significant rise in instructions from clients.

Experienced banking and finance lawyer Marcus joins the firm from Simmons & Simmons and prior to that Herbert Smith Freehills.

He qualified nine years ago and has extensive experience of finance transactions including acquisition finance, property finance, asset finance and general corporate lending.

His appointment follows the promotion of Emma Hopkinson into Browne Jacobson’s growing banking practice in Birmingham.

Emma joined the firm in 2012 at Associate level from Deutsche Bank in Birmingham and was previously at DLA Piper.

Emma was promoted this month along with six other Associates to Partner level.

The promotions capped a significant 12 months for the firm in which it expanded its presence in the London market, was rated ‘exceptional’ for delivery of client service by Investor in Customers (IIC), making it the first law firm in the country to receive such an accolade and posted record financial results with turnover rising by 17% to £58.9m.

Partner and Head of Banking Paul Ray said: “We are delighted to welcome Marcus to the team. He brings with him a wealth of corporate finance and banking experience.

“Emma is wholly deserving of her promotion to the partnership because she has excelled in her field and demonstrated her dedication to exceptional client service.”

City business club’s new president

Nic Elliott, a director of Nottingham law firm, Actons, has been elected as the new president of the Nottingham City Business Club (NCBC).

He takes over from Jonathan English, Managing Director of video production company, Skeleton Productions, who has been the club’s president for the past year.

Nic is an employment lawyer and heads up Actons’ employee investigations team.

He said: “I am really pleased to have been elected as president of NCBC. I’ve been involved in the club for some time, most recently as vice president, and look forward to leading it over the next 12 months.

I want to build on the great work Jonathan has put into developing the club and grow the membership to ensure it reflects the strength of business in the city.”

James Simmonds, partner at accountants, UHY Hacker Young LLP, was elected Vice-President and Alison Rayner, of Initial Design, was re-elected Club Secretary.

Director appointments at Wake Smith

Sheffield law firm, Wake Smith, has strengthened its commercial property team with the appointment of two new directors.

Lisa Davison joins from Nabarro and Paul Gibbon returns to the firm having spent six years at HLW Keeble Hawson.

The firm has also promoted Commercial Property Specialist Ben Spencer to Director.

Lisa has a decade’s experience acting for clients including institutional funds, property developers and public bodies.

She has particular expertise in deals involving mixed use properties and also in the healthcare, retail and education sectors.

Paul has 14 years’ experience in commercial property acting for investors, developers and institutional lenders.

He also advises business occupiers, particularly those in the manufacturing sector, on the acquisition, disposal and management of commercial property.

Neil Salter, Head of Commercial Property at Wake Smith, said: “We are delighted that Lisa and Paul have joined our team. Their appointments are a key step in us achieving our growth strategy across our commercial practice areas.”

Neil added: “Ben is a talented lawyer and his promotion demonstrates our commitment to the development of our people who are right at the heart of the service we deliver.”

Flint Bishop announces partners’ promotions

Law firm Flint Bishop has announced two promotions to its partnership just two weeks after a major recruitment drive was announced.

Lorna Trueman, who joined the firm in 2010, has been promoted to Commercial Litigation Partner.

She has over ten years of litigation experience and acts for large multi-national companies dealing with high value and complex claims.

In particular, she specialises in contractual disputes, land and property disputes, professional negligence claims, partnership disputes, shareholder disputes and complex contentious probate claims.

The second promotion is Defendant Insurance Partner, Jonathan Gilbert.

Jon has been with the firm for over 23 years.

He deals with cases involving technical indemnity and insurance law disputes including MIB Technical Committee matters, cases involving high value and complex injury claims/liability disputes, Court of Appeal litigation and multi-track and high value credit hire cases.

Both Lorna and Jon report directly to Qamer Ghafoor, Managing Partner of Commercial Services and Head of Litigation.

Qamer said: “In the past few years, the firm has seen a strong growth in many practice areas. The promotion of Lorna and Jon builds on that success and is in recognition of their first class technical expertise, client service and leadership qualities.”

Fraser Brown’s corporate team grows

The corporate team at Fraser Brown has continued to expand with the addition of a new solicitor.

Sally Noon completed her training and started her career at Flint Bishop, in Derby, before moving to Shacklocks.

She is is an experienced solicitor who has worked with a range of commercial clients across the East Midlands.

She will support partners Gavin White and Tom Gray with a growing corporate caseload.

Gavin, Head of the Department, said: “The addition of Sally continues to strengthen our corporate team.

“Her recruitment is testament to the strength of the current market and our desire to continue to grow and develop our corporate offering.”

Grant Thornton’s Tom Copson on the up

The Leicester office of business and financial advisers Grant Thornton has announced the promotion of Tom Copson to Associate Director in its 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 for his growing portfolio of clients that includes many of the East Midlands’ most dynamic OMBs and MSBs.

In addition, Tom leads all recruitment activities for Grant Thornton’s Leicester office, in particular its flagship school leaver and graduate trainee programmes.

Chris Frostwick, Partner and Practice Leader of Grant Thornton in Leicester, said: “A highly-driven professional, Tom is both passionate about his career and work, as well as the people who work with and for him.

“He has a genuine interest in people and this underpins the integral role he plays in supporting our commitment to the talent of the future."

Tom said: “Grant Thornton is an ideal firm for ambitious individuals who are driven to maximise their potential and fulfil their career goals, and I am enjoying working with such a motivated and supportive team.”

Grant Thornton’s Leicester office has approximately 120 staff providing business and financial advice across corporate and personal tax, audit and assurance, employer solutions, corporate finance, and sustainability, to organisations across the East Midlands.

In addition to Tom’s promotion, four other staff have also enjoyed a rise in stature.

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.

The firm has also appointed Tom Moore as Director in its tax team.

Tome, who lives in Leicester, joins from Haines Watts, London, where he has been a Partner for five years.

Melonie joins Thorn Baker

Recruitment consultancy Thorn Baker has appointed Melonie Debenham as operations manager to drive the expansion of its Nottingham office.

With more than 24 years’ experience in recruitment, Melonie’s remit will be to support the growth of the business via operations and business development across the industrial, commercial and engineering sectors.

She said: “I wanted to join Thorn Baker as I felt the way they worked would really suit me.”

Melonie has previously worked at some of the biggest recruitment firms nationally, globally and regionally.

Thorn Baker, which is headquartered in Nottingham and has nine regional offices, has also appointed Neil Whiteside as Operations Manager.

Neil, who has worked in recruitment since 1998, said: “I saw a long term career opportunity at Thorn Baker, so I took it. I like the way the company is looking to expand and develop, which is very much a part of my personal goal for my career too.”

New Chair at Leicestershire Cares

The business volunteering charity Leicestershire Cares has a new Chairman.

Simon Proffitt succeeds Stephen Woolfe, who has stepped down after three years in the role.

Simon, who lives in Leicestershire, recently retired after seven years as Chief Executive of the Leicestershire and Rutland hospice LOROS.

He spent 30 years working in the private sector for large professional and commercial organisations before joining LOROS in 2008.

Simon said: “I’m really proud to be involved with Cares again. I was one of the people the founder Nicholas Corah approached more than 15 years ago when he wanted to launch Cares.

“I was general manager at the AstraZeneca site in Loughborough then and signed up as a founder member of Cares on the company’s behalf. It fitted perfectly with our policy of encouraging employees to volunteer in the community.

“I was on the leadership team until I joined LOROS in 2008 but have always followed Cares’ progress with interest.

“When I was offered the role as chair I jumped at the chance because of all the local charities there are in Leicestershire it is, along with LOROS, one I would be most pleased to be involved with.”

Monica Stark, Director of Leicestershire Cares, welcomed Simon: “We are delighted to welcome Simon back to the Leicestershire Cares family and looking forward to Simon’s input at a very exciting time for the charity. I am sure he will play a key role in our future development”.

Leicestershire Cares is a charity that enables employees to volunteer in the community.

New IoD Notts and Derbys chair

Nottingham lawyer and business champion Lynn Bleakley has been appointed Chair of the Institute of Directors (IoD) Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire branch.

Lynn is a consultant providing services to Cartwright King Solicitors, specialising in advising and defending individuals and businesses, from multi-nationals to sole traders, facing investigations and prosecutions brought by regulatory authorities, such as the Health and Safety Executive.

In her new role Lynn will Chair an active IoD branch with 720 Members.

Ron Lynch, IoD East Midlands Regional Director, said: “I'm delighted Lynn has accepted this important appointment. She has already made a significant contribution to the activities of the IoD locally and I'm sure she'll continue to work tirelessly to support our members and the wider business community in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.”

Originally a barrister in commercial chambers, Inner Temple, London, and Senior Lecturer at the Inns of Court School of Law, Lynn has wide experience of the complex challenges of running a successful business.

“In 2009 she set up the Professional Women’s Networking Group in Nottingham, later adding further groups in Birmingham and Sheffield.

Lynn is also an enthusiastic singer. In October she will appear at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas when Nottingham’s Lace City Chorus will be representing the UK at the barbershop World Championships. She has previously appeared in Canada, USA and at the London Palladium with this five times UK Champion chorus.

She is also a keen leisure cyclist, heading off for cycling holidays in Europe with her husband every year.

New managerial role for Cally

Leading business advisory firm PKF Cooper Parry has appointed Cally Bamford as a manager in its expanding tax team.

With wide-ranging experience working in private client tax, Cally joins the firm to manage and oversee the personal tax team.

Her role will also include managing a portfolio of high net worth clients to ensure they receive an exceptional, proactive and forward thinking service.

She said; “I am really enjoying working for the firm so far. It is a cool and funky office and everyone is really friendly and positive here. The food is delicious too.”

Ade Cheatham, CEO at PKF Cooper Parry, added: “Cally brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge and this key appointment is another example of our commitment to achieving our vision of doubling in size within the next two years.”

Melanie appointed Associate Dean

Melanie Currie has been appointed Associate Dean of Nottingham Business School at Not-tingham Trent University.

She has been tasked with developing the school’s international reputation and carving a strong niche for personalised learning with real-world experience embedded at all levels of study.

Melanie was previously Head of Undergraduate Programmes at NBS and has a particular interest in innovative curriculum design and enriching the student experience.

As a member of the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) Under-graduate Steering Committee, Melanie works with other leading academics across the globe in shaping the agenda for the EFMD UG Conferences.

She is active in guiding the UK's national A-level framework in business and management. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Member of CMI and IOD.

Dean of Nottingham Business School, Professor Baback Yazdani, said: “Melanie brings a great track record of innovation and achievements in business and management educa-tion and will help us accelerate our experiential learning and personalisation agenda in this pivotal role.

“She has already developed and delivered numerous transformational projects for NBS and the University. She also continues to play a central role for the Business School on national and international stages, where she is active in a number of interest groups and works with our international partners on new models of learning.”

Melanie said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to work with and support the great talent at Nottingham Business School during what is a very exciting time for the University and the School. I look forward to supporting the staff and school in realising our ambitions to further personalise the student learning experience across our suites of academic programmes.”

Online growth creates opportunities

Following another successful year, further employment opportunities have been created at Purpose Media to help two local young people start careers.

Maria Brown and Ben Hibberd-Sweet have started at the ecommerce website and online marketing specialist.

Maria will be an Account Manager in the client support team and Ben will start as a Junior Website Developer.

The new roles were created in response to the growing demand from manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers.

Maria, 23, who lives in Derby, graduated in 2014 with a BA (Hons) first in Media Production from The University of Derby.

Her course modules included television production, radio production and web design and development.

Ben, 19, lives in Sutton in Ashfield and has GCSE’s in English and Maths.

Since leaving school he has gained a level 3 apprenticeship in web development and telecom professionals, a Cisco IT essentials certificate, a Microsoft office specialist certificate and BTECS in ICT for business.

For the year ended March 2015, Purpose Media exceeded its growth target by over 50% and now has a turnover of £850k.

The company, which is based in South Normanton now employees 22 staff and will shortly expand into larger offices in order to make room for further expansion in 2015.

Partner promotion for KPMG

Marc Abrams, previously a director within the tax function in the East Midlands, has been promoted to Partner at KPMG.

Marc has played a leading role in KPMG’s business development programme within the East Midlands while, at the same time, leading the local tax team.

Marc will be a Partner in KPMG’s Enterprise practice and, as such, will be helping local businesses address a wide range of challenges and assisting them achieve their objectives.

KPMG Enterprise is a strategic investment totalling £40m, which will see the firm expand its service offerings to the growing network of 4.9 million privately-owned businesses across the UK.

KPMG’s Senior Partner for the East Midlands, Ian Borley said: “I am delighted to welcome Marc to KPMG’s East Midlands Partnership.

“His many years of experience of advising clients here makes him a great addition to our senior team and, most importantly, will free up his time to help even more businesses across the East Midlands.”

Marc said: “This is a very exciting time to become a KPMG Partner. We are seeing an increasing demand for our advice, and I believe the significant investments we have made in our East Midlands offices ideally places us to meet this.”

Paul appointed Chair for new Place Marketing Organisation

Paul Southby has been appointed Chairman of Marketing Nottingham & Nottinghamshire, the new Place Marketing Organisation (PMO) created to promote inward investment, tourism and business events.

The new PMO combines Experience Nottinghamshire, Invest in Nottingham and Nottingham Means Business into one company, with the objective of driving economic growth.

Formerly the Chairman of Nottingham Means Business, Paul Southby has extensive experience of promoting inward investment and helping to drive economic growth for the city.

Paul is a partner at the law firm Geldards.

He said: “Our immediate focus is on strategy development and on ensuring continuity of business.”

Jennifer Spencer, Chief Executive of Experience Nottinghamshire, currently a trading name of the new PMO, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Paul Southby as the new Chairman, he is perfectly placed to help us deliver a unified promotional message about the entire Nottinghamshire offer.”

PKF Cooper Parry appoints new manager

Leading business advisory firm PKF Cooper Parry has appointed Richard Poole as a manager in its audit team.

With 20 years’ experience in accountancy, Richard will help to ensure the delivery of a first-class, forward-thinking service to the company’s clients, both in the UK and abroad.

Richard is enjoying his new role at PKF Cooper Parry, since starting at the firm last month.

He said: “It is great being at PKF Cooper Parry as it is very different to what I am used to.”

Richard’s previous experience includes working for a number of accountancy firms in the East Midlands.

Ade Cheatham, CEO at PKF Cooper Parry, said: “I am thrilled that Richard has joined the team, it’s another reflection of our firm’s ambitious and strategic growth plans across the Midlands.”

PKF Cooper Parry is currently planning expansion to the West Midlands with a new office in Birmingham and is aiming to double in size in the next two years.

Strengthening bonds through appointment

Chief Executive of Nottingham Means Business (NMB), Simon Gray, has been appointed President of the Nottingham, Derby and Lincoln Society of Chartered.

As president and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), Simon will be able to build connections with senior business people across the country.

Simon said: “This new appointment, will provide me with a fantastic opportunity to promote Nottingham and the wider region nationally.

“Part of my role will involve travelling across the country to meet other regional presidents and provides a great opportunity to shout about all the East Midlands has to offer.

“It’s a great honour to become President and I’m really looking forward to my year in office.”

Theo joins FHP

Nottingham property consultancy FHP has appointed specialist surveyor Theo Till.

Theo’s extensive knowledge, which stems from a family involvement in property, covers the whole process from building site to planning committee.

He said: “My family has been involved in both development and investment, so I've practically grown up in property, getting stuck in on site and building up a knowledge of how development works literally from ground level.”

He joins FHP at a time when the business is celebrating its 25th anniversary while also pursuing an ambitious growth strategy.

David Hargreaves said: "By common consent, the residential market looks like it is in for a period of sustained, long-term growth and there are many locations across the East Midlands where we believe the pent-up demand for new homes is going to make itself felt pretty quickly.

“In Theo, we have appointed someone whose age belies his detailed experience of the market. He will be in a very strong position to advise landowners and developers at a time when the market is going to have to find a way of overcoming planning hurdles to meet demand.”

Two new partners at Mitchells

Chesterfield-based independent Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, Mitchells, has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of two Partners.

Andrew McDaid and Tony Hornsby, who were both previously Senior Associates with the firm, now join Managing Partners Richard Trueman and Tim Leeman in leading the strategic direction of Mitchells.

Founded nearly 150 years ago, the appointment of Andrew and Tony secures the long-term future of Mitchells, which has since established itself as an expert SME business adviser across Derbyshire, South Yorkshire, the East Midlands and beyond.

Tony’s areas of specialism includes corporate finance and the care home sector.

Andrew specialises in audit and assurance, access to finance and grants and supporting high growth businesses achieve their ambitions.

Managing partner Richard Trueman said: “Tony and Andrew are instrumental in our plans for the future and I am delighted that they are joining us.”

Adrian appointed to Board of Directors

Senior Consultant Adrian Baker has been appointed to the Board of Directors at Coachworks-Consulting in recognition of his contribution to the business over the past five years.

Adrian had a successful career in banking for 13 years before switching to the motor industry in the mid-nineties, since which he has represented brands such as Audi and Toyota as a retailer.

As an experienced leader having achieved success in two very different but demanding sectors, the decision to apply his experience in the consulting arena led him to join Coachworks as a Consultant in 2010, and was quickly promoted to a senior role a year later.

Karl Davis, MD and founder of Ashbourne-based Coachworks, said: “The Coachworks Team is delighted that Adrian has accepted this key role, especially at a time when we are experiencing increased demand from both existing and new clients.

“While continuing with his ‘day job’ of delivering support to motor manufacturers and retailers, he will also help develop the Company’s strategic approach into new areas including digital revenue streams.”

Adrian said: “To be able to support Karl and the team at such an influential level means a great deal to me.”

Bray & Bray promotions

Tim Gladdle, Senior Partner at Bray & Bray Solicitors has announced six internal promotions across the firm’s East Midlands’ offices.

They took effect last month.

In recognition of both exceptional talent and hard work, Toby Preston (Corporate and Commercial) and Amanda Sutcliffe (Residential Property) were appointed Partners.

Robin Johnston (Corporate and Restructuring), Catherine North (Commercial Property), Linda Jerman (Business Defence) and Andy Hitchon (Wills, Trusts and Tax) have been appointed as Associates.

Tim said: “I am delighted by these promotions. At Bray & Bray we have developed an outstanding team made up of strong individuals who work hard to achieve the best possible results for clients.”

Bray & Bray Solicitors has offices in Leicester, Market Harborough and Hinckley.

Four join team at M-EC

A Leicestershire-based engineering consultancy has strengthened its team with the appointment of four new construction professionals.

Joining the team at M-EC Consulting Development Engineers are Senior Driller and Site Technician Carlo Camposano, Technical Secretary Victoria Carson-Smyth, Lighting Engineer Aimie Loveday and Civil Engineering Technician, Debbie Pegg.

Victoria, Aimie and Debbie will work in M-EC’s construction design division under Associate Infrastructure Engineer Craig Perks.

Carlo will set up a new site technical services division under the guidance of Associate Geo-Environmental Engineer Kevin Bullock.

Currently conducting water and gas monitoring tests on a site in Wootton, Northamptonshire, Carlo relocated from Dorset to take up the role with M-EC.

“I’m originally from the Midlands and was looking for a role that would enable me to move closer to family,” said Carlo.

“The opportunity to work with M-EC and establish the site technical services division as an in-house capability was ideal. I’m really enjoying the challenge.”

Victoria will provide secretarial and administrative support to the nine-strong technical team and offer assistance to the Directors’ PA Helen Marshall.

Lighting engineer Aimie has over ten years’ experience in street lighting and is currently undertaking her Exterior Lighting Diploma with the Institution of Lighting Professionals.

She said: “I felt the role offered good variety. I’m able to continue my studies but also develop my CAD work to encompass highways and drainage design, which will give me a new skillset.”

Debbie completes the new intake and is using her civils and highways background to prepare drawings and external works layouts for several of the consultancy’s housing projects.

Having previously worked on major road and rail infrastructure projects, Debbie is keen to further her career with M-EC, starting with training to use PDS highways design software.

“All four recruits have made a really positive impact,” said M-EC’s Managing Director, Eddie Mewies.

M-EC now employs 39 people from its office in Ibstock, Leicestershire.

Louren Bartley takes on new role

Nottingham marketing professional Louren Bartley has joined the city’s accountancy firm EBS in the new role of Marketing and PR Assistant.

Reporting directly to EBS’ founder and MD Jill Evenden, Louren has joined the firm to support the development of its marketing, PR communications, social media and business development strategy, as the firm experiences sustained growth, new clients and instructions.

EBS, based on Nottingham’s Barker Gate, provides a dedicated accountancy service to SMEs and owner-managed businesses and celebrated its 21st anniversary last year.

Louren joins EBS after four years at Dollar Financial based at Nottingham’s Castle Marina where she played a pivotal role in the company’s consumer and business-focused marketing campaigns. She also managed Dollar Financial’s social media campaigns and several design projects.

Nada joins Hallam Internet

Nottingham based Hallam Internet has appointed PR consultant Nada Giuffrida.

With over 20 years’ experience, Nada has worked for a small, medium and large organisations and run her own PR communication business.

Announcing her appointment, Managing Director Susan Hallam said: “We are thrilled to welcome Nada to our team. In the past year we have been continuously expanding and our growth was in need of specialists like Nada.”

Nada said: “I’m delighted to join Hallam Internet, which is a successful agency with a huge reputation in the digital marketing industry.”

Hallam Internet celebrates 15 years in business this year and is a Google Partner.

New Partner promotion

Nottingham Solicitors, Sharp Young & Pearce have promoted Rebecca Emeleus to Partner.

Rebecca joined the Firm in 2011 and has experience of helping and advising clients in all types of personal injury and civil cases including catastrophic injury cases.

She has a special interest in aviation matters and light aircraft accidents.

Rebecca’s promotion brings the number of partners at the firm to ten and comes at a time when the firm is experiencing considerable growth in all services offered.

Staff partner, Joanne Millward said: “The partnership is delighted to be in a position to promote Rebecca.”

Rebecca said: “I welcome the opportunities this promotion will offer.”

Sales push creates two jobs

Family-owned business gifts and promotional merchandise supplier Pellacraft has appointed two new sales administrators following yet another successful year.

Lauren Wright, 21, from Sutton in Ashfield, and Louise Henshaw, 23, from Leabrooks, Derbyshire, have joined the 30-year-old business to help manage key accounts.

Lauren and Louise will provide quotes, place sales and purchase orders with suppliers and generally liaise with customers on a day-to-day basis.

Prior to joining Pellacraft, Lauren studied at Ashfield Comprehensive School and West Nottinghamshire College where she gained eight A-C GCSE’s and A-levels in English language, Sociology and Media.

Lauren initially qualified as a hairdresser but wanted a change career and to become more involved in sales.

Louise studied at Nottingham Trent University and Chesterfield College and has a BA Hons degree in Photography and BTEC National Diploma in Art and Design.

Louise said: “I am really looking forward to helping Pellacraft maintain the great relationships they have with their existing customers whilst also helping them to build their business further with new customers.”

Lauren said: “The management team have been very warm and welcoming to me and I am looking forward to the challenge of helping them grow the business.”

Pellacraft is based in Mansfield and has a turnover of £3m.

Wilsons’ General Insurance hires four

Nottingham-based insurance and financial solutions firm The Wilson Organisation has made four senior appointments in its General Insurance Division.

Neil Tennant and John Procter both join as Account Directors, Fiona Mitchell as Major Client Broker and Susan Blackley as Major and Commercial Insurance Manager.

The new appointments mark a significant first step in the strategy to ‘build and grow the General Insurance team’ set-out by Mark Minton when he joined Wilsons in the new role of Managing Director of its General Insurance Division in December last year.

Commenting on the new hires, Mark said: “Each of these four new hires brings a senior level of experience and exceptional skill and knowledge of corporate and commercial insurance matters.”

The Wilson Organisation is a family-owned business, today in its third generation and led by Annabel Prow and her sister Charlotte Perkins.

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