This week's London appointments

Keith Barrett, Commsworld

Telecoms and network firm Commsworld has appointed Keith Barrett to head up the firm’s new central London office.

Keith joins Commsworld from his previous role as head of wholesale at aql Telecommunications.

Having previously held senior roles with the likes of Gamma, Verizon and Three, Keith will build on his relationships within the industry, including carriers and internet service providers.

Commenting on his appointment, Keith said: “This was an offer I just couldn’t turn down. Commsworld’s growth and investment in recent years means it can offer the very best connectivity and service to any organisation in the UK.

“It’s a well-established brand that embraces respect and integrity at all levels of the business community. Yet unlike many disruptors, it has years and years of experience and able to deliver transformative projects throughout the UK and beyond.

“The potential therefore is tremendous – and I can’t wait to get fully underway.”

Ricky Nicol, chief executive at Commsworld, commented: “Keith has boundless energy and charisma – backed up by years delivering in senior roles for major organisations.

“He’s exactly what we need to open up markets and start to develop a level of awareness and reputation in the business community that we enjoy in Scotland.”

Emma Stevens, Ben Loosemore and Jody Nash, Coffin Mew

Law firm Coffin Mew has announced the promotions of Emma Stevens, Ben Loosemore and Jody Nash.

Emma and Ben have been promoted to senior associate, while Jody has been appointed as head of operational HR.

A lawyer in the dispute resolution team and a member of the technology sector, Emma advises clients on a wide range of corporate and commercial disputes including contractual claims, restrictive covenant disputes, shareholder disputes and debt recovery.

Emma has a particular specialism in intellectual property disputes assisting companies and individuals to protect their intellectual property rights, predominantly against online infringements.

Ben is a lawyer in the real estate sector team, specialising in development. He predominantly works with regional housebuilders and commercial developers in offering practical advice throughout the entire cycle of a development project; starting from site assembly all the way to planning, construction and plot sales.

In addition, Ben has experience in landlord and tenant matters, having worked with both landlords and tenants on the grant, acquisition and renewal of commercial property leases.

Having worked for Coffin Mew for more than 14 years, Jody has supported the firm through multi office relocations, merger and more than 30 per cent growth.

In her new role, Jody will be responsible for the day to day HR remit covering all the firm’s offices across the South Coast and Thames Valley.

Liz Cheaney, HR director at Coffin Mew, commented: “I am delighted for Jody, Emma and Ben- their promotions are very well deserved. I am proud of everything they have achieved in their careers with Coffin Mew.

“They are hard-working and all display exemplary commitment to the firm. These promotions are part of a wider strategy and help position the firm for its next stage of growth.”

Wei Wang and Ben Nicholass, Sweco UK

Design and engineering consultancy Sweco UK has appointed Wei Wang and Ben Nicholass as directors.

Wei Wang joins Sweco as a technical director, bringing more than 25 years of sector experience working in the UK and abroad.

Formerly at Atkins, Wei contributed to projects including the development of the Department for Transport’s National Transport Model, Highways England’s South East Regional Traffic Model and the delivery of the Oxfordshire Multi-Modal Strategic Model for Oxfordshire County Council.

Wei specialises in highway and public transport model development, demand model application and statistic data analytics and visualisation, with knowledge of emerging technologies, and has developed prototypes in the transport planning sector by applying the latest deep learning algorithms.

Ben Nicholass joins as technical director from Jacobs, and has 15 years’ experience in transport planning. This includes leading the development and implementation of the transport modelling for each phase of High Speed 2 (HS2), which supported the project’s business case submissions to the Department for Transport.

Ben has also previously acted as a transport modeller for Transport for London (TfL) and as a highway modelling manager for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

At Sweco, Ben will hold a business development and project delivery role, with a focus on major public sector initiatives.

Claire Carr, director of transport planning at Sweco, commented: “Wei and Ben bring with them a wealth of skills and experience that will enhance the range of transport services we offer our clients, and further our project delivery capabilities as we continue to plan and design the cities and communities of the future.”

Mark Turrell, Wyelands Bank

SME bank Wyelands Bank has appointed Mark Turrell to its asset finance team.

With 25 years experience in the finance industry and knowledge in the renewables sector, Mark joins the firm from Capitas Finance where he was an executive director focused on renewables energy and energy efficiency projects.

Mark has previously held senior roles for Lloyds Banking Group, where he was a business development director for commercial banking mid-markets, as well as working for GE Capital as head of business development, equipment finance.

In his new role, Mark will focus on developing the bank’s offer to help support renewable energy firms to access finance and unlock growth.

Jim Higginbotham, managing director of asset finance at Wyelands Bank, commented: “With a strong track record in the renewable energy sector, Mark’s appointment demonstrates our commitment to support our customers in this critical sector.

“Together, we will deliver innovative and high-quality financial solutions for renewables energy business looking to access asset finance.”

Mark added: “Wyelands Bank is building a reputation as a firm that understands its customers and will tailor solutions to meet a customer’s specific challenge.

“Renewable energy firms have very specific challenges so Wyelands Bank’s understanding of the sector and willingness to take a flexible approach to find the most appropriate solution will work well for the sector.

“I’m looking forward to working with the team to develop our offering and help more renewables firms to trade, grow and create jobs.”

Lisa McPherson, Judith Herdman and Sarah Griffith, Goringe Accountants

Goringe Accountants has made three new hires with the appointments of Lisa McPherson, Judith Herdman and Sarah Griffith.

Lisa joins the firm as management accountant associate, Judith as pension and payroll administrator and Sarah as bookkeeper.

Lisa and Judith both join from an international accountancy firm. Lisa, who has 10 years in a global financial shared services environment, will be responsible for the overall management of the clients’ accounts and VAT returns, and Judith will bring 30 years in financial services and pensions.

Sarah has 23 years of public sector finance experience in payroll, audit, budgeting and planning, financial and management accounting.

Nicky Goringe Larkin, managing director and founder of Goringe Accountants, commented: “By continuing to grow our outsourcing division, we’re responding to our clients’ needs for a fully-fledged, flexible finance department and so we’re delighted to have Lisa, Judith and Sarah on board.

“All three are highly experienced in their specific field of expertise and epitomize the professionalism and care that the Goringe team always show its clients.” Lisa added: “It’s great to be part of the Goringe team as it’s such a forward thinking, dynamic firm.

“I love in particular the ability to work so closely with clients, advising them so they get the best from their accounts and in a way that helps maximise the growth of their business.”

Carolyn Jameson, Trustpilot

Online platform Trustpilot has appointed Carolyn Jameson as its chief legal and policy officer.

Carolyn has worked with a number of technology brands across both consumer and B2B audiences for over 16 years. She served as chief legal officer for Skyscanner and head of international mergers and acquisitions for Ctrip.

In addition to this, Carolyn sits on the investment advisory board for Scottish Equity Partners, and serves as an advisory board member for a number of technology start-ups.

In her new role based in the UK and Denmark, Carolyn will be responsible for overseeing Trustpilot’s legal and public affairs globally.

Peter Holten Muhlmann, CEO and founder at Trustpilot, commented: “Carolyn’s experience in helping brands navigate the issue of trust online makes her a fantastic addition to the team.

“As Trustpilot continues to grow and continue its ambition to bring consumers and businesses together, Carolyn’s expertise will only help improve the experiences of everyone using the platform.”

Commenting on her appointment, Carolyn added: “I am hugely excited to be joining Trustpilot at a time when it is continuing to grow more important every day.

“It’s exciting to be working in a company which has a genuine mission to use reviews to create ever-improving experiences, as well as actively looking to be a beacon for the question of trust in the online world.”