RSM appoints new partner in Leicester
Audit, tax and consulting firm RSM, of Grove Park, Leicester, has promoted Gareth Jones to Audit Partner.
Gareth specialises in advising owner-managed businesses and organisations in the charity and education sectors and regularly assists trustees and director boards on governance requirements.
Gareth’s appointment is one of 19 RSM partner promotions across the UK, reflecting the firm’s recent growth.
Last year, RSM announced a 26% rise in UK annual revenues to £292m, while profits of RSM UK Group rose by 39% to £45m.
Ben Lawrance, RSM’s Leicester office Managing Partner said: “It is important to us that we continue to recognise talented and ambitious individuals in our firm and help them grow their careers.
“I am delighted that we are able to help Gareth in the next important step in his career and I am sure, as a result, he will play an even more significant role in helping our clients grow their businesses profitably, both in the UK and beyond.”
Rippon Homes expands with new Design Manager
Housebuilder Rippon Homes has recruited Linda Bradley, from Sutton-in-Ashfield, as a Design Manager.
Experienced in the construction industry, 51-year-old Linda will be based primarily at Rippon Homes’ Mansfield headquarters.
Her role will include design, engineering, service and build.
Linda, who enjoys making and giving homemade jam and pickles to family, friends and to charity, said: “Making the move to Rippon Homes feels incredibly natural to me and I am delighted to have joined the team.
“Rippon Homes allows me to lead a great work/life balance as it is so close to where I live and the role encompasses all the parts of the industry that I love.
“I also enjoy being able to have the mix of working both in the office and on site as every day is different. I hope to work here until I retire so it’s lovely that everyone has been so welcoming.”
Ian Dyke, Managing Director of Rippon Homes said: “We are delighted to have Linda on board. She has already become an invaluable asset to the team.”
Refugee volunteer joins Pellacraft
A former refugee volunteer has joined business gifts and promotional merchandise specialist Pellacraft as an Account Executive.
Tai’ Moor Anwar spent a year travelling between the UK, France and Greece leading a team of first aiders and doing all of the web- and media-related work for a charity which he co-founded called Refugee Crisis Foundation.
The charity focuses on delivering first aid, medical and dental care for refugees in crisis.
Tai’, who has a strong background in project management, grew up in London and now lives in Mansfield.
Tai’’s appointment will expand Pellacraft’s account management team and enable the company to place even more emphasis on offering a first class customer experience.
He said: “Pellacraft is a 35-year-old family business, but adopts a very young, modern approach. Its ethical values appealed to me as I saw how much the company is committed to helping in the community, raising money and supporting many charities such as the homeless charity Framework.
“I could immediately see that its culture would enable me to flourish and learn new skills.”
In his spare time Tai’ plays piano, guitar and violin. He has been married for four years and has two sons with another on the way.
PR agency boosts team
Nottingham-based Cartwright Communications has expanded its team with two senior promotions and two new members.
Rachel Cullis Dorsett joins the 13-strong team as Account Director and Charlotte Dove has been appointed as Account Executive following a successful internship.
Annie Brafield has been promoted to Account Director and Isabel Dunmore steps up into an account management role.
Managing Director Liz Cartwright said: “We’ve had a fantastic 12 months and I am delighted to be able to both expand and promote our team as we continue our significant growth across the Midlands and UK.
“Rachel joins the team with over 20 years’ experience across a number of PR disciplines including crisis management, stakeholder relations and engagement strategies.
“Annie and Isabel’s promotions are a testament to their hard work and achievements throughout their time at Cartwright Communications.
“Charlotte joins Cartwright Communications after undertaking a three-month internship with us where she demonstrated enthusiasm and hard work in her role. We strive to keep and nurture growing talent.”
Working with a large number of business-to-business and business-to-consumer clients, Cartwright Communications has reported a successful year, which included the appointment of seven new starters and three promotions.
Paul appointed as an associate partner
Haines Watts, Leicester-based chartered accountant and business adviser, has appointed Paul Hancock as Associate Partner.
He will add an extra resource to a team advising a portfolio of owner-managed businesses.
Paul has worked in the profession since the early 1980s.
In 2012, he moved to Grant Thornton UK as a consequence of its acquisition of Thomas May & Co, the company where he worked.
He was made Associate Director, heading up the Grant Thornton’s businesses services group, until his move to Haines Watts in April.
Haines Watts Managing Partner, Sanjay Khullar, said he was “delighted to announce Paul’s appointment”.
Paul said: “Haines Watts has already built a great business and reputation in the area and is now adding further strength to its services locally and I am really pleased to be a part of that.”
Purpose Media hires digital marketing consultant
The team at Purpose Media continues to grow with the appointment of Matthew Sellars as Digital Marketing Consultant.
He is Chamber patron Purpose Media’s sixth new employee since January.
His appointment is part of an expansion strategy through which Purpose Media aims to achieve a turnover of £10m by 2020 by growing the number of clients on retainer and the breadth of services it offers.
Matt, of Bolsover, completed his A-levels at Ashfield Comprehensive before studying for a psychology degree at the University of Derby.
His new role will involve working with existing clients to help them develop digital marketing strategies.
“Matt’s role will be to provide advice that will convert website traffic into sales. This will include explaining the benefits of using tailored content to improve engagement and organic SEO, the use of video and photography as well as techniques such as using Google Adwords.
Prior to joining Purpose Media, Matt was a Digital Communications Coordinator for one of the largest motor retailers in the UK and has previous experience as a website developer.
A keen musician, Matt spends his weekends playing guitar and drums and singing at gigs around Nottingham and Derby or watching live music.
Micky promoted to Acquisitions Director
Mattioli Woods, a wealth management and employee benefits business, has promoted Micky Johal to Acquisitions Director.
Micky qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2006 and spent eight years as part of Baker Tilly’s corporate finance team before joining Mattioli Woods in 2014.
Finance Director Nathan Imlach said: “Micky has played a key role in completing six acquisitions since joining Mattioli Woods and I expect his experience in exploring and identifying strategic business opportunities to be a key driver of the group’s continuing growth.”
Chief Executive Officer Ian Mattioli said: “Our strategy is to grow our business organically and by acquisition, increasing our market share and enhancing our reputation.
“The acquisition of new businesses that are complementary to our existing business is a key part of this strategy.”
Enfys qualifies
Innes England’s property asset management team received a boost this month when graduate surveyor Enfys Thomas achieved chartered status with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
The Nottingham Trent University graduate passed the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) at her first attempt.
Enfys said: “I am delighted to have passed my APC as the achievement is something widely recognised and respected by my clients, colleagues and the business community.
“I am looking forward to the next phase of my career with Innes England and am proud to be a qualified chartered surveyor.”
Tim Garratt, Managing Director at Innes England, said: “Qualifying as a chartered surveyor is a fantastic achievement and marks an important milestone in Enfys’ career.”
* Innes England has appointed experienced chartered surveyor Paul Rogers as an Associate Director.
Paul joins Innes England from ARC Building Consultancy, Nottingham, where he focused on commercial consultancy, specifically dilapidations and exit strategies.
Paul has over 15 years’ experience as a Chartered Building Surveyor in London, Northampton and Nottingham.
Paul has extensive experience in the commercial sector, acting for institutional and private investors, owner occupiers and tenants.
Ellie goes to Center Parks
Ellie Jones has joined Center Parcs Conferences & Events as National Account Manager.
Ellie joins from Alton Towers Resort, where she was Business Development Manager for three-and-a-half years.
Before that she worked at PH Hotels and spent seven years with agency Zibrant.
As National Account Manager, Ellie will be responsible for managing and growing the company’s portfolio of agencies to ensure Center Parcs continues to host a range of exciting and unique events for corporate clients.
Ellie said: “My experience working for an agency as well as within hotels and unique venues has given me a breadth of experience in the world of events, sales and account management.
“I love being outdoors and am particularly interested in exercise and healthy living, so my attraction to work at Center Parcs is a perfect fit.
“I am looking forward to promoting the exciting event facilities and teambuilding activities at all of our UK Villages – as well as trying out some of the activities myself.”
Anita reaches for Sky
Sky Recruitment Solutions has appointed Anita Jackson as Branch Manager, with a specific focus on permanent and temporary positions in the Ripley, Belper, Heanor and Alfreton area.
David Torrington, Managing Director of Sky Recruitment Solutions, of Derby, said: “My team and I are delighted to welcome Anita to our business and look forward to further investment and development of our team and business in the near future.
“2016 is already looking like it will be a record-breaking year for Sky Recruitment Solutions having already doubled turnover over the previous 12 months.
“We know there is a demand for our bespoke recruitment model in North Derbyshire, and our client feedback suggests that a new recruitment business in the area would benefit them.”
Anita said: “I am really excited to be joining Sky Recruitment Solutions and being part of their expansion plans, and overseeing our second office.
“This is a real positive step in my career.”
A pair of patent attorneys
Freya Hine and Ben Jones, of AdamsonJones, a Nottingham-based patent and trademark attorney, have passed the Patent Examination Board (PEB) Final Diploma Examinations.
Both are now registered UK patent attorneys, making the team at AdamsonJones ten-strong.
Freya and Ben both joined the firm as Patent Assistants in October 2012, providing support with all aspects of patent work, including drafting, prosecution, infringement and validity advice.
Gateley announces two Leicester promotions
The Leicester office of law firm Gateley has announced the promotion of two lawyers in its commercial disputes resolution team.
Claire Herbert has been promoted to Senior Associate and Natalie Howes has been promoted to Associate.
Claire is an experienced commercial disputes resolution lawyer, with over 13 years' experience.
Natalie advises on commercial disputes including breach of contract, professional negligence and partnership disputes.
“Corporate Partner and Head of the Leicester office, Gareth John, said: “I am happy for Claire and Natalie, both promotions are well deserved. The firm has grown considerably over the past 12 months and these promotions are evidence of the talent currently within the firm.”
Kevin steps up
Business advisory firm PwC has elected Kevin Ellis as its new Chairman and Senior Partner in the UK and Middle East for a four-year term, with effect from 1 July 2016.
Kevin is currently the firm’s Managing Partner and has been a member of the executive board since 2008.
A partner in the firm for 20 years, Kevin has held numerous leadership roles including Head of Advisory from 2008 to 2012.
As Managing Partner, Kevin has championed new growth areas for the firm such as cyber security, data and analytics and sustainability and climate change.
He will succeed Ian Powell, who retires from PwC on 30 June after serving the maximum two-four year terms as Chairman and Senior Partner with a career spanning 39 years with the firm.
Lawson-West appoints two
Leicestershire law firm Lawson-West has expanded its commercial team with the addition of Commercial Solicitor Palbir Vadesha and Commercial Property Solicitor Kiran Odedra.
Palbir, 33, joined the practice from the commercial department of Leicester-based law firm Edward Hands and Lewis.
A University of Leicester law and economics graduate, Palbir sat her Legal Practice course at Nottingham Law School and began her legal career as a trainee with Freeths solicitors, Nottingham.
Kiran, was previously based in Lawson-West’s conveyancing department.
She joined the legal practice 14 months ago after two years with independent conveyancing firm JS Law, in Market Harborough.
Kiran, 31, took her law degree and Legal Practice course at De Montfort University and qualified as a solicitor in 2013.
Two partners means new business
Bates Weston, a Derby-based firm of regional accountants, has added two tax partners to payroll and created a new branch, Bates Weston Tax Advisory.
Craig Simpson, right, moves to Bates Weston from RSM UK where he was National Head of Corporate Tax.
Richard Coombs, left, was formerly a Director of RSM Tenon’s specialist tax planning division. Both join the firm as partners from 1 April 2016.
Ian Neal, Senior Partner at Bates Weston said: “We are delighted to be able to further enhance our tax advisory skills, particularly with the growth-driven entrepreneur and owner-managed businesses in mind, by welcoming Craig and Richard to the firm.”
Nicola joins racecourse
Leicester Racecourse has appointed Nicola Moss as its new Corporate Events and Hospitality Sales Manager.
Nicola has 13 years’ industry experience, the majority of which was at Rockingham Castle.
Her role included arranging re-enactments of jousting and Viking events and the Victorian Christmas bash.
She said: “I'm currently working on raising the profile of Leicester Racecourse's hospitality, both in private hospitality boxes and our suites for large corporate entertaining.
“We're being really creative on our sponsorship packages too, with options to sponsor individual races, whole race days, various events and the strategic placement of sponsorship boards around the course.”
Employees made shareholders
Commercial property consultancy FHP has marked its 25th year in business by putting the focus on the next generation of top-level talent.
FHP, which has offices in Nottingham and Derby, has made Alan Pearson and Rob Spencer shareholders in the business and added them to the team of equity directors.
The new appointments represent the culmination of a long commitment to the business for Alan and Rob, who have both been associated with FHP for more than a decade.
New Associate Director for Savills
Charles Skelton has joined Savills as a farm business consultant.
He will head up the Food and Farming teams in Nottingham and Peterborough, working across the East Midlands.
Joining as an Associate Director, he brings with him a varied knowledge of the farming sector as well as a broad network of professional contacts.
He has over 11 years’ experience in farm business consultancy, specifically focusing on technical and financial performance, business banking relationships, family succession, staff recruitment and retention as well as farm bureaucracy and legislation.
Alastair Johnston, Head of Food and Farming in the Midlands, said: “Charles joins us at a crucial time. Farmers and landowners increasingly need strategic advice about their business and Charles is an excellent addition to our team with a proven track record.”
The Savillls Food and Farming teams provide advice covering farm management, farm consultancy and food chain consultancy.
New Deputy Head appointed
Nottingham Girls’ High School has appointed Katrina Handford-Smith as Deputy Head, the position recently vacated by new Head, Julie Keller.
Katrina will assist in all aspects of leading the school academically and providing pastoral support, both areas in which she has expertise from her roles as Deputy Head of the Sixth Form since 2012 and, more recently, as Pastoral Assistant Head.