This week’s North West appointments

Ed Dwan, BDO

BDO LLP, the national accountancy and business advisory company, has appointed a new lead partner for the North West.

Ed Dwan, who joined BDO eight years ago, will head up the company’s 330-strong team based across offices in Liverpool and Manchester in his new role.

As the firm’s tax risk partner, Ed has previously led BDO’s national tax risk consultancy team, working with multinational companies ranging from £100m-turnover businesses to FTSE firms.

Ed commented: “I’m proud of BDO’s position in the market. We have a firm focus on innovation to reflect the changing business backdrop for our clients.

“We will continue to focus on serving the North West’s mid-market (businesses with a turnover between £10m-£300m), and remain committed to maintaining our position as number one for client satisfaction – a position we have held for four years running.

Helga Wright, Together

Lending firm Together has announced the appointment of Helga Wright as its new commercial finance director.

Helga, who has joined the Cheadle-based company from the Co-operative Bank, where she held the post of financial director of retail, commercial and business banking.

Prior to working for the Co-operative Bank, ACA-qualified Helen held senior roles at Lloyds Bank for nine years.

Helga commented: “Together is experiencing exceptional growth and it’s an exciting time to join, given the boom in the alternative finance sector.

“I’m keen to utilise my expertise to help shape the commercial division as we move forward.”

Mike McTighe, group chairman at Together, said: “Helga is a great asset to our commercial board and her credentials speak for themselves.

“Having worked with leading banks throughout her career, her commercial acumen and understanding of the industry will help us to expand in a soundly structured manner.”

Amaleed Elturkie, Calderpeel Architects

Altrincham-based Calderpeel Architects has expanded its team with the appointment of a new architectural assistant.

Amaleed Elturkie, who recently obtained a degree in interior from the National Design Academy and already holds a BA honours in architecture from the Manchester School of Architecture, will work alongside Calderpeel’s architects and interior design contractors on various commercial and leisure projects.

Discussing the appointment, senior designer Alison Thomas said: “Amaleed is a bright talent and the fact she has gained honours from both the National Design Academy and Manchester School of Architecture is testament to this.

“She’s a valuable addition to the team.”

In her new role, Amaleed will work on projects ranging from hotel refurbs to office schemes.

Amaleed said: “I’m already getting stuck in to designing a range of schemes, including the interior brand proposals for four new leisure centres in Birmingham.

“Calderpeel has built a strong reputation for helping clients create the perfect space that is reflective of their brand personality while meeting its intended use.”

She added: “It’s a great practice with a growing blue-chip client base. It’s an exciting time to be joining the firm.”

Martin Lee (above left), BitSol Systems

IT firm BitSol Systems has hired Martin Lee in the role of technical support engineer.

Bi-lingual Martin speaks fluent Cantonese and will help the Manchester-based company as it expands into Asia.

BitSol founder Greg Buchanan (pictured right) said: “Martin will undergo on-the-job training to familiarise him with all aspects of BitSol’s operations in the UK and abroad.

“His primary focus will be dealing with support requests, but his experience in forensics and his language ability mean he will be a fantastic asset to the future of the firm.”

He added: “Martin’s appointment means BitSol Systems can allocate further customer support requests through a fully tiered service desk working from 1st through to 2nd and finally to 3rd line support.”

Martin is a recent graduate of computer forensics, having studied at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Commenting on his appointment, he said: “It’s a very exciting time for BitSol Systems.

“I am looking forward to playing a key role in the company’s future operations at home and abroad.”

Darren Scoon, Ludlow

North West wealth management company Ludlow has appointed Darren Scoon to the role of consultant.

Bringing more than 25 years of experience with him, Darren is the firm’s 20th consultant and will help Ludlow expand its Scottish client base in his new post.

Darren, who joins the company from financial advice firm Principal and Prosper Ltd, commented: “I’m looking forward to working with the board in developing the firm’s operation in Scotland as it certainly provides a lot of opportunities to the right business.

“Ludlow is that business and its vision, ethos and values will impress clients that want to deal with a wealth management business that truly looks after them.”

At Principal and Prosper Ltd, Darren worked as a business development manager. Before that position, he served as the national development manager - at retirement for investment business Standard Life plc.

Ludlow chief executive Sid Ludlow said: “Darren is a fantastic addition to the team and brings with him the attributes and knowledge that our clients expect.

“Our objective is to grow our presence Scotland under Darren’s guidance while following our model that has helped us to develop as a business.”

Jenny Baxter, Factory Manchester

Manchester City Council has announced the appointment of a new project director on its £110m cultural development Factory Manchester, which is due to open in 2019.

Jenny Baxter is joining Factory Manchester from the BBC, where she works as the chief operating officer of BBC England. Before her current role, which she will leave in early autumn, Jenny held a number of other leadership positions with the BBC, including head of foreign news and controller of production for BBC News.

Manchester City Council leader Sir Richard Leese said, “We are very pleased to have secured such a creative, experienced leader for this hugely significant cultural project, especially as she comes from one of our great creative partners here in Greater Manchester, the BBC.

“Jenny will work with our artistic partners MIF as well as Arts Council England and our partners in government, to ensure this new building benefits the whole cultural ecology of the North.”

Jenny said of her appointment: “The Factory will showcase world-class creativity in the heart of this region and I am thrilled to be appointed to lead its development.

“It will be a stunning building that is going to make a key contribution to the UK’s ambitious cultural future.”

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