This week’s North West appointments

Norman Davidson, Infinity

Investment firm Infinity has announced the appointment of banking professional Norman Davidson.

Bringing 42 years of experience in senior roles with HSBC to Infinity, Norman retired from the bank in 2015 and has now joined the investment committee for Infinity’s debt fund.

As the first external figure to be selected for the committee, Norman’s role will include advising on prospective deals, reviewing the portfolio and serving as an ambassador for the debt fund.

The debt fund at Salford Quays-based Infinity is led by partner Dave Furlong, who joined the company in 2015 and previously worked with Norman as HSBC’s head of leveraged finance for the North West.

Dave said: “Norman is a true heavy-hitter from the banking world and his appointment is a fantastic boost for Infinity.

“He has vast experience, strong analytical skills and excellent working relationships with the corporate and professional communities across the North.”

He added: “His attributes will greatly complement the skillset of our existing investment committee members, and we could not wish for someone with a better track record to become our first external appointment.”

Norman commented: “Debt funds have shown tremendous growth over the last five years and I’m looking forward to helping Infinity develop its offering.

“I spent a good proportion of my career filtering deals, making sure we did the right transactions. It was not just about lending the money but also about looking after it.”

He continued: “I like the culture at Infinity and am excited to be using my background and experience to good effect to help the business grow.”

Nicola McQuaid and Greg Holmes, NorthEdge

Private equity firm NorthEdge Capital has added to its Northern New Business Team with the appointment of dealmakers Nicola McQuaid and Greg Holmes in the roles of investment manager and investment executive respectively.

Nicola is a qualified chartered accountant and spent 10 years working within the corporate finance division of professional services giant PwC. She also spent three years as corporate development director with laundry equipment supplier JLA.

Greg joined NorthEdge after working with PwC for five years, during which time he advised buyers and sellers on private equity transactions across various sectors, such as retail and financial services.

Nicola will be based at NorthEdge’s Leeds office, while Greg will work at the firm’s base in Manchester.

NorthEdge’s head of Yorkshire and North East, John Rastrick, said: “We are delighted to have Nicola and Greg on board as we explore new investment opportunities across the North.

“The region’s businesses continue to display enormous potential for growth, helping us to deliver a fantastic 12 months where we have raised our second fund, invested over £90m in seven business across the North, achieved two exits with the AIM flotation of tissue paper converter Accrol Group Holdings and the sale of video game developer Sumo Digital and recruited some top talent across our Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham offices.”

Peter Dickens, PwC

Professional services firm PwC has announced the appointment of Peter Dickens to support the leadership of its North West restructuring team.

Peter previously worked for PwC’s London-based restructuring team. He focuses on supporting private clients facing financial or operational challenges and works with management teams to drive up profitability, generate cash and, if necessary, access debt markets.

PwC restructuring partner Toby Underwood said: “Peter’s appointment is a timely addition to the team as corporates in the North West look to assess the consequences on their operations and funding following the result of the referendum.

“Peter’s experience in the UK and with overseas markets will be particularly valuable.”

Iwan Griffiths, PwC’s North West regional chairman, commented: “The firm recognises the importance of continuing to invest in the North and Peter’s move is a sign of our confidence in the region and our desire to ensure we are able to support our private corporate clients to deliver their business and growth aspirations irrespective of their financial position.”

David Wheeler and Dan Lewis, Medlock FRB

Two managers have been promoted to the board at Leisure contractor Medlock FRB.

David Wheeler has become the firm’s new commercial director, while Dan Lewis is now project director.

Medlock’s finance director, Colin Drury, said the duo were being rewarded for the impact they have so far had on the business.

David, who joined the company in 2015, has worked in the construction industry for 13 years and been involved in numerous multi-million pound projects, including leisure and commercial developments.

Medlock hired Dan in 2014 in the role of site manager but quickly promoted him to project manager.

Colin Drury said: “David and Dan have excellent track records in the industry. These promotions are a fitting reward for the major impact they have had at Medlock with their professional and positive approach to their roles. They are key and outstanding members of our team.

“It is an exciting time for the company and we are delighted to bring younger members of the team on to the board.”

He continued: “These new director roles will enable us to continue our growth in line with our strategy and to build on our record of delivering successful projects for our customers each and every time, leading to continued repeat business and sensible business growth.”

Sarah Clancey, Ceri Dixon and Lucy O’Gorman, PM+M

Blackburn-headquartered chartered accountancy, business advisory and wealth management firm PM+M has announced three promotions.

Lucy O’Gorman is now a manager and will be responsible for a portfolio of around 150 sole trader, partnership and limited company clients.

She first joined PM+M’s Run My Business division, which covers bookkeeping, accounts, payroll, VAT and tax returns, six years ago.

Commenting on her promotion, Lucy said: “I’ve worked really hard over the past two years towards this promotion and I’m now looking forward to adding even more value to the business and my clients.”

Elsewhere within the division, Sarah Clancey has become an assistant manager. Sarah will focus on building her client base across the Burnley area. She currently looks after the firm’s accounting services for companies with a turnover of up to £10m, in sectors such as retail, telecoms, legal and healthcare.

Lastly, PM+M has promoted Ceri Dixon to the role of assistant manager in its corporate services team. Having joined the company in June 2015, Ceri will continue to work with clients such as charities and firms within the property and distribution sectors.

PM+M managing partner Jane Parry said: “Each of these promotions is thoroughly deserved and we are always delighted when we are able to recognise the achievements and talents of our colleagues.”

Matthew Grellier, Slater Heelis

Slater Heelis LLP, the Manchester- and Cheshire-based law firm, has strengthened its construction and engineering team with the appointment of Matthew Grellier.

Matthew will be based in the firm’s Sale branch, where he will specialise in construction and engineering projects and utilise his experience in advising on both contentious and non-contentious matters.

Prior to joining Slater Heelis, Matthew worked for law firms Squire Patton Boggs and Pannone LLP, gaining experience in arbitration, adjudication and litigation.

Slater Heelis’ Kenneth Salmon, a consultant solicitor in the construction and engineering team, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming Matthew on board, his experience and expertise will significantly strengthen our construction team during an exciting period of growth.”

Rob Sumner, Sigma Capital

Residential and urban regeneration firm Sigma Capital has hired Rob Sumner in the role of residential investment director.

Rob joined Sigma from real estate services provider Savills, where he worked for 10 years as a director within the Manchester-based development team.

At Sigma, Rob will lead on the group’s residential investment decisions.

Graeme Hogg, Sigma’s chief operating officer, said: “Rob is very well respected in the property industry and especially in the residential sector, and we are delighted to have attracted someone of his calibre to the company.

“Rob is sure to be a great asset to the business, as well as being incremental to Sigma’s PRS investment growth plans going forward.”

Rob commented: “Working in residential investment and build-to-rent for an organisation I had called a client for 12 years presented a really exciting opportunity for me.

“Sigma is a leader in the field of build-to-rent with a long and demonstrable track record, which shows firm underpinnings to its offer. I am looking forward to assisting in the growth of this very dynamic and innovative company.”

Stephen Outhwaite, Pierce

Chartered accountancy firm Pierce has appointed a former HMRC senior tax inspector.

Stephen Outhwaite, Blackburn-based Pierce’s new tax dispute consultant, will now work with the company’s North West clients as they face a period of heightened tax scrutiny.

Before joining Pierce, Stephen worked in senior roles at HMRC for 25 years, carrying out investigations that led to prosecutions and multi-million pound tax settlements.

The company’s head of tax services, Nadeem Hussain, said: “Steve is a great addition to the Pierce team and will be a real asset in supporting individuals and businesses facing specialist tax issues.

“Steve’s time with HMRC means that he brings insight and experience that could make a crucial difference in securing a positive outcome.”

Stephen said of his appointment: “Receiving an unexpected HMRC tax demand can be a daunting experience and the tax dispute service I will be offering on behalf of Pierce aims to provide reassurance and support at what is a very difficult time.

“Through negotiation, it is often possible to reduce the financial burden that clients potentially face. Many people are also now choosing to make sure that their tax affairs are in order in advance of a visit from HMRC.”

He continued: “I’m delighted to be able to support Pierce clients in working towards a more favourable outcome at what can be a difficult time.

“We are also open for business for tax investigations to help other intermediaries whose clients have specialist tax requirements.”