Member Article

This week’s Yorkshire appointments

Armstrong Watson, Matt Osbourne

Armstrong Watson has announced the appointment of Matt Osbourne as their new corporate director whom has moved across from Baker Tilly and will be based in their Leeds office as from 10th March 2014.

Matt brings to the firm his experience of running the audit team of a ‘top 10’ accountancy practice.

In addition to his audit background, Matt has considerable experience of working with owner managed businesses in an advisory capacity, with specific expertise in business planning, cash flow modelling and the provision of outsourced finance solutions.

Matt’s career rise started in 2000 with Forrester Boyd then joined the Leeds office of’ top 20’ practice Bentley Jennison in 2004, and quickly progressed to the role of audit manager.

Following a merger between Tenon and RSM Bentley Jennison in 2009, Matt was promoted to the role of Senior Audit Manager, managing a portfolio of growing and established owner managed companies.

Mike Kienlen, Leeds Office head partner, said: “Matts appointment to the Leeds office is very timely with our move into providing clients with even more business advisory services.

“From the first meeting with Matt it was clear his drive and enthusiasm would be a real asset to our Corporate division, bringing with him a wealth of ideas and experience which will definitely be beneficial to our team and clients”.

Paul Dickson, managing partner, goes on to say “I am extremely pleased that Matt is joining the team in Leeds, as he will play an integral role in supporting and advising our clients that own and run their own business.

“Matt’s experience and drive will now helps us with our plans for continued growth in Leeds and Yorkshire.”

Matt Osbourne, corporate director with managing partner Paul Dickson and Leeds Office head partner Mike Kienlen.

Grant Thornton, Mark Overfield

Mark Overfield has joined Grant Thornton’s growing Yorkshire audit team as director based at the firm’s Leeds office.

Mark began his career with Deloitte in Newcastle in 1996, moving to Leeds in 2009, latterly working as an audit director and also leading Deloitte’s manufacturing practice across Yorkshire and the North East.

With 18 years’ experience, Mark has led audit and related services for a portfolio of businesses across the region, with a particular focus on the manufacturing, consumer business and energy and waste sectors.

In his new role, Mark will be assurance director for Grant Thornton in Leeds, applying his skills to build new relationships, strengthen existing ones and further develop the existing team.

Andy Wood, partner and head of Grant Thornton’s Yorkshire audit practice said: “The appointment of such an experienced director adds further depth and breadth to the team, enabling us to build on our sustained growth in Yorkshire and the strength of our offering to dynamic businesses in the region,”

“It forms part of our strategy to cement our position as the leading adviser to fast-growing, mid tier businesses as the economy improves and new opportunities arise.”

Mark adds: “Grant Thornton is known for being client-focused, and I share its clear passion for proactively providing insight and meaningful, actionable advice.

“The firm has built an impressive team in Yorkshire, being big enough to have real strength and depth of expertise, and remaining agile enough to add real value in supporting its clients’ growth ambitions. I am really looking forward to playing a part in its continued success.”

Provide Education, Lea Thorpe

Specialist schools recruitment agency Provide Education has taken on a new consultant to join its growing team.

Lea Thorpe has started work as a recruitment consultant at the company’s South Yorkshire headquarters in Barnsley. Lea is a recent graduate from Sheffield Hallam University and has previously worked for internet provider, Plusnet.

Lea is the fourth new recruit at Provide Education in the last six months.

A new job was created in the firm’s West Yorkshire division, based at Brighouse, where graduate Liam Perry was appointed as a recruitment consultant. He has previous experience working in the leisure industry.

Managing director Barry Simmons said: “It’s very exciting taking on so many new people in such a short space of time. We’ve recruited to meet growing demand for our services, which has grown year-on-year since we set up the company in 2007.”

Top industry role for Sheffield leisure centre manager

CIMSPA Yorkshire and Humber, Tim Hicks

Sheffield leisure centre manager Tim Hicks has been elected to a top position at the professional body for the UK’s sport and physical activity sector.

Tim, who is general manager of Hillsborough Leisure Centre and Concord Sports Centre, has become the new regional chair of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) Yorkshire and Humber region.

Tim, 37, from Rotherham, takes over from outgoing chair Lorenzo Clark who is director of operations for Sheffield International Venues (SIV), which operates Hillsborough and Concord.

During a career dedicated to the leisure industry, Tim joined SIV as fitness manager in 2004 and has worked his way up to become general manager of both the Hillsborough and Concord venues.

CIMSPA launched in January 2012 as the chartered professional development body for the UK’s sport and physical activity sector.

Tim, who grew up in Broom but now lives in Bramley, said: “I’m extremely proud to have been elected to such a high profile position.

“As chair, I’m keen to ensure both the board and myself engage personally and communicate directly with the region’s members, so we can deliver the high quality events, networking opportunities and a valued CPD program.”

The award-winning Hillsborough Leisure Centre has recently undergone a major refurbishment project to expand its popular Fitness Unlimited gym.

Concord – one of Sheffield’s longest established sports venues - is set to become a National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM) site.

Lorenzo Clark, who is the outgoing chair and will remain on region’s board, said: “Tim is a great asset to our company and we would like to congratulate him on this fantastic achievement.

“I’m proud that an SIV employee has once again been voted into a position to provide leadership and support to help ensure the highest standards of service delivery by those working in the sector in the Yorkshire and Humber region.”

Williamsons Solicitors, Charlotte Pritchard

A newly qualified lawyer has joined Williamsons Solicitors following more than three years of training and legal support work at the Hull-based firm.

Charlotte Pritchard qualified in February after progressing through the firm since joining as a legal clerk in 2010 and completing an 18-month training contract.

The University of Hull law graduate is now working in Williamsons’ wills and probate department as part of a seven-strong team of lawyers and professional support staff.

“You can train as much as you like, but nothing prepares you for practice and having to think on your feet all the time,” said Ms Pritchard.

Sarah Clubley, director at Williamsons Solicitors, said: “Charlotte has proved to be very tenacious and committed to lawand it’s pleasing to see her progress from university and then through the ranks.

“Here at Williamsons, we do try to be as proactive as possible in taking on our trainees and not just train them and then not give them a job at the end, which can often happen.”

Williamsons usually take on three trainees a year and many of the firm’s more senior solicitors started off on a training contract with the firm.

Originally from Sandbach in Cheshire, Ms Pritchard has remained in Hull after gaining her law degree in 2007 and then completing a Legal Practice Course at the College of Law York.

Ms Pritchard, whose work experience in Hull has also included a post-graduate year working in administration for a fish processor on Hessle Road, added: “I’m really pleased to be joining Williamsons full-time and have just bought a property in the centre of Hull – it’s a really exciting to be in the city with the sporting, cultural and business success we are now enjoying.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .