This week’s North West appointments

Claire Handby, Deloitte Real Estate

Deloitte Real Estate has hired Claire Handby in the role of director at its Manchester office.

Claire is a specialist in programme and project management, joining the firm with 18 years of experience in real estate, infrastructure, construction and management consulting.

Having previously worked for professional services giant EY, Claire has consulted on large projects such as the London Olympic Games and created performance improvement strategies for big clients across the utilities, government, and infrastructure sectors.

In her new role, she will help drive growth at Deloitte Real Estate by enhancing the firm’s performance improvement offer with private and public sector clients.

Deloitte Real Estate’s lead partner, Peter Wilkinson, said: “Claire’s ‘Big Four’ experience combined with her core background in construction and infrastructure is a unique blend, and gives us a substantial boost as Deloitte Real Estate continues to drive innovation and superior programme delivery for clients across the UK.

“Her considerable knowledge in infrastructure and capital programmes, especially where the North is concerned, is incredibly valuable.”

Claire, a chartered construction manager, commented: “The North West has the potential to be the anchor to drive performance improvement across the UK’s real estate, infrastructure and construction sectors.

“The region is home to a host of talented people, start-ups and technology companies that can inspire and embrace innovation. Through these networks and collaboration, I am confident that Deloitte will continue to be a market leader in enhancing performance and make a tangible difference to our clients in this exciting location.”

She continued: “I am delighted to join Deloitte Real Estate. The firm values its people, embraces diversity and champions innovation, and I am very excited about what we can achieve together.”

Mark Ellis, BDO

BDO LLP, the accountancy and business advisory firm, has announced the appointment of Mark Ellis as a partner at its office in Manchester.

Mark brings 20 years of experience working for the ‘Big Four’ professional services firms in the North West to his new role, where he will work alongside a growing team of tax experts from a range of backgrounds, including HMRC, other accountancy firms and industry.

BDO partner Ed Dwan, who leads the firm’s North West operations, said: “We are constantly looking to strengthen each and every element of our business, by bringing on board the very with key specialisms, while continuing to promote from within.

“Mark’s unquestionable knowledge and expertise reflects our firm commitment to the mid-market.”

He continued: “This sector remains a powerful part of the UK economy, resulting in growing businesses requiring cost-effective, commercial and pragmatic advice, while large corporates and public interest entities (PIEs) seek a viable alternative to the ‘Big Four’.”

Mark commented: “Not only is it a fantastic opportunity to be joining BDO North West under its new leadership, but it’s an excellent time to be practising as an indirect tax adviser.

“With increasing HMRC demands and regulatory restrictions being placed on businesses, together with a post-Brexit landscape that holds fresh challenges, the BDO indirect tax team is perfectly placed to help clients resolve issues, such as HMRC disputes quickly and efficiently.”

Andy Stevens and Maggie Aston-Green, ICS

Accountancy firm ICS has added to its senior team with the appointment of two department heads.

Andy Stevens has become the Lancaster firm’s head of marketing and sales, while Maggie Aston-Green has taken on the role of head of contractor and small business accounting.

Bringing with him experience across various sectors, including sports, education, technology and agriculture, in his new role Andy will work to drive growth at ICS.

He said: “I will oversee both the sales and marketing teams while ensuring that everything we do is in line with our ethos of trust, care and compliance, and that we are giving the best advice and options to each one of our clients.

“When it comes to marketing, I will be making sure our branding complements our market position, and will also be working towards potentially launching new products and services in the coming months.”

He continued: “I’m enjoying my new role so far – as we work with contractors, freelancers and businesses across the board, it means the work is always varied and interesting. Ultimately, my goals in this role are driving forward sales, while implementing our marketing strategy.”

Maggie likewise has experience working with organisations in a number of sectors, including academies, charities, haulage firms, wholesalers and sports clubs.

At ICS, her responsibilities will include supervising and managing a large team of accountants and supporting the planning, conduct and delivery of accounting services to over 1,300 clients.

She is also responsible for driving forward the firm’s new SME offerings, including meeting with new and potential clients to secure business, and will subsequently manage the SME team when the department grows.

Maggie, who will also be responsible for growing the firm’s SME offering, said: “I am looking forward to helping many individuals and small businesses with their tax and accounting needs, therefore freeing up their time to focus on their business development.

“I am also excited to lead and develop our team of accountants so that they can all work towards reaching their full potential.”

She continued: “I have set a number of goals for the next 12 months in my role, these include reaching a set number of clients in my ‘personal service company’ portfolio, together with establishing a small business portfolio, and maintaining and developing a happy, enthusiastic accounts team.”

John Lyon, ICS’ managing director, commented: “The senior management team is delighted with the appointments of Andy and Maggie as department heads.

“Their combined experience across different sectors makes them terrific additions to ICS, and they will both play important roles in leading the company’s growth and development.”

Laura Darnley, HRC Law

HRC Law has appointed Laura Darnley as associate solicitor.

Laura, an employment and business immigration legal specialist, has joined the Manchester-based commercial law firm from Turner Parkinson.

With HRC Law, Laura will support the continued growth of the firm’s employment team.

Employment solicitor Simon Whitehead (pictured above left), HRC’s managing partner, said: “We have a growing number of clients in need of our support dealing with their employees and who are also looking to ensure their businesses and employees can continue to flourish in a post-Brexit world.

“With the announcement that Article 50 will be triggered before next March and the Great Repeal Bill on its way, times are changing.”

He added: “Laura’s niche specialist experience will help our clients to navigate their way through the coming months as well as allowing our employment team to continue to provide the highest levels of service.

“As with previous hires, Laura adds another facet to what we’re able to offer our clients and brings skills that we know our clients want and need. Her approach and values make her an excellent addition to our growing team.”

Laura said of her appointment: “All too often lawyers leave clients bamboozled with complex advice or legalese jargon.

“That’s the last thing businesses need – especially in times of such uncertainty. I’ve found HRC’s focus on clarity and transparency to be refreshing and totally in line with my own approach. I’m excited to work alongside the strong team that exists already whilst carving out a new area for the firm.”

Ted Quinn and Safeena McGuirk, DTM Legal

Law firm DTM Legal has taken on two new starters within its commercial property team.

Ted Quinn, who was Co-operative Group’s head of property for 10 years, has joined the company’s Liverpool office in the role of consultant

A specialist in portfolio acquisitions and disposals, Ted has also previously advised landlords and tenants on commercial leases and property management issues. He has worked in the commercial property sector for 26 years.

Elsewhere, DTM Legal has appointed law graduate Safeena McGuirk as a trainee solicitor in the commercial property department at its Chester office.

Prior to her appointment, Safeena was a real estate paralegal with a Liverpool-based commercial law firm.

Anna Duffy, DTM Legal’s head of commercial property, said: “We’re so pleased to be welcoming Ted and Safeena to our property team.

“Ted is an experienced operator with a number of specific skills to bring to the table. He is well versed in all aspects of commercial property and we look forward to utilising his strengths in our Liverpool office.”

She continued: “Safeena is a talented and passionate legal professional and we’re excited to see her develop within the firm.

“Both key appointments bring a blend of experience, expertise and insight to the business and will help us continue to strengthen our existing commercial property arm and provide a broad spectrum of legal advice to our clients across the North West.”

Iain Johnston, Hill Dickinson

Hill Dickinson has announced the appointment of Iain Johnston as its first ever chief operating officer (COO).

In his new post, Iain will be tasked with bolstering Hill Dickinson’s position in the marketplace, accelerating the company’s development and overseeing the day-to-day running of the firm.

Iain has prior experience of running international businesses, bringing with him more than 25 years of experience in marketing services and business development.

Before joining Hill Dickinson, Iain worked for 11 years at GB Group PLC and at Alterian PLC for 13 years. The latter post saw him running the business as deputy chairman.

Peter Jackson, Hill Dickinson CEO, said: “I am delighted to welcome Iain to Hill Dickinson. His arrival marks the next step for us in terms of understanding and maximising the commercial advantage that technology has brought to some of the complex and evolving markets we operate in.

“Iain will be key to us accelerating our growth journey whilst delivering an outstanding client experience. I look forward to working with him over the coming years.”

Commenting on his appointment, Iain said: “Having worked with Hill Dickinson for the last 18 months in a non-executive director capacity, I have seen first-hand the potential of the firm.

“I’m honoured to be taking on the role and looking forward to being part of Hill Dickinson’s next exciting chapter.”

Sallyann Betts, Business Growth Hub

Business Growth Hub has taken on Sallyann Betts in a bid to help SMEs across Greater Manchester achieve growth through digital technology.

Joining the Hub from marketing and business strategy company the Rowan Consultancy, which she founded in 2001, Sallyann has previously provided strategic guidance and support with operational delivery to a range of businesses, from SMEs to global marketing groups.

As Business Growth Hub’s digital growth manager, Sallyann will manage a team of eight digital specialists and work alongside the organisation’s head of digital, creative and technology growth, Katie Peate.

Katie said: “We are in the midst of a critical period for business in Manchester and the North West. With Northern Powerhouse initiatives and the devolution agenda giving rise to greater investment in infrastructure, increases in inward investment, and greater collaboration between businesses, we are seeing new, exciting opportunities across the region.

“This is especially apparent in the digital space, where the scope for businesses to achieve growth objectives through innovation is considerable.”

She continued: “Sallyann’s appointment reflects our commitment to ensuring these opportunities translate to tangible success for businesses in Greater Manchester.

“Our digital team is now well positioned to be the driving force behind digital innovation and, with Sallyann’s support, I am confident that we will cement our position as a leading service for businesses seeking digital maturity.”

Sallyann commented: “Using technology to drive business growth continues to be at the forefront of the North West agenda, with information hubs such as MediaCityUK propagating expertise and innovation.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to take a leading role in supporting Greater Manchester businesses, I have lived in Manchester for 24 years and I’m passionate about the success of our local SMEs.”

She added: “Our digital experts are specialists in implementing new and improving existing technology within a business and I’m thrilled to join this exciting team.”

Stewart Williams, Lee Simons and Steve Hill, Wealthcare

Wealthcare has expanded its team with a trio of appointments.

The Bury-based financial advisory firm recruited Stewart Williams and Lee Simons as mortgage advisors and Steve Hill (pictured above) as an independent financial advisor.

Stewart, who has over 20 years of experience, will focus on finance for commercial and residential developments.

Former professional golfer Lee has a Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice from the London Institute of Banking and Finance. At Wealthcare, he will deal with all aspects of property finance while helping to grow Wealthcare’s client base in the south.

Lastly, Steve has over 30 years financial services sector experience and specialises in providing pensions and investment advice to both corporate clients and individuals.

Joint MD Stephen Cainer said: “We are delighted to welcome three accomplished advisers to our team.

“Our continued progress means we are able to attract staff of the highest calibre as we push forward with our strategy of providing superior levels of support and advice to clients across the UK.”

He added: “As we increase our national footprint, we continue to seek hungry and determined professionals to bring into the business and drive Wealthcare forward.”