This week’s National appointments: Featuring Small Business Charter, Ciphr & more

This week’s round-up of National appointments includes the Small Business Charter, Ciphr and 3t. Read on to find out more…

Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE DL - Small Business Charter

Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE DL has been appointed patron of the Small Business Charter, the ‘mark of excellence’ for business schools that excel in supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs, and local economic growth.

He has used the appointment to urge UK business schools and government to build on their collaboration to help the economy “go for growth.” Lord Bilimoria is a crossbench peer, the founder of Cobra Beer, Chairman of the Cobra Beer Partnership, a joint venture with Molson Coors, and the founding Chair of the UK India Business Council.

He is a long-standing supporter of business schools and universities, having studied at Cranfield School of Management, London Business School and Harvard Business School, and is currently Chancellor of the University of Birmingham and Ambassador for Cambridge Judge Business School.

Lord Bilimoria’s appointment was announced at London South Bank University Business School where he was introduced to the school’s latest cohort of small business leaders on the Help to Grow: Management Course.

Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE, DL, said: “Our business schools can help the UK go for growth. It’s why I am honoured to have been appointed as the patron of the Small Business Charter at such an important time for small businesses, who are the beating heart of our economy.

“The Help to Grow: Management Course, and the Small Business Leadership Programme before it, are just two examples of the immense capability of the Small Business Charter, and its accredited business schools, to equip small businesses and entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and power the economy.”

Andrew Stevens - Ciphr

SaaS HR provider Ciphr has announced the appointment of Andrew Stevens as its new chief technology officer. Andrew joins Ciphr from Checkit, where he served as CTO for nearly three years. Prior to this, he was software development director for Kerridge Commercial Systems, working with large-scale ERP systems.

He has previously worked in senior roles at Kerridge Commercial Systems, DMGT’s Property Information (PropTech) division, and at Sage, where he worked for over a decade – rising through the ranks to head up R&D for a range of HR, payroll and ERP products in the UK and Europe.

Andrew commented: “I’m excited to join Ciphr at such an important time, and I see great opportunities ahead for the business and our customers. Ciphr has big ambitions, a thirst to drive change, and a proven legacy of innovation in the HR technology market.

“It’s a very compelling proposition, and I’m looking forward to working closely with our customers to meet their business needs and deliver the best possible outcomes.”

Sion Lewis, CEO of Ciphr, added: “We are delighted to welcome Andrew to Ciphr, and to our executive leadership team. CTO is a pivotal role in driving ongoing growth for the group and Andrew brings extensive technical knowledge and expertise in software development and engineering to the business.

“We’re really looking forward to working with him as we continue to innovate and evolve Ciphr as the go-to HR software and solutions provider for mid-sized organisations.”

Saskia Koske - 3t

Provider of high-impact training solutions for safety-critical industries, 3t (previously 3t Energy Group) has announced the appointment of a new position for its multi-million-pound generating Managed Services service line.

Saskia Koske has been appointed General Manager of 3t Managed Services in a new role created to lead the service line responsible for managing outsourced training requirements for major blue-chip companies within the oil and gas, renewables, utilities, and power generation space.

Joining 3t with over 14 years of experience running complex and digitised safety-critical healthcare, training, and consulting services, Saskia joins 3t as the company continues to embed its newly refreshed brand identity and vision.

Saskia commented: “Joining 3t following its recent rebrand and being a part of its new identity is exciting. I’m passionate about the impact and importance of digital transformation, and knowing the work the 3t team have done through its Managed Services service line already, allows me to channel that passion into making a difference for our industries.

“I’m confident that alongside the 3t team, I will be able to help grow the already successful service line even further in the coming months and years.”

3t’s Vice President for Training, Paul Knowles, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Saskia to 3t and to harness her experience as we enter this exciting period of growth. We know she’ll add exceptional value to the business, and we’re enthusiastic to see what the future holds with Saskia onboard.”

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By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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