This week’s North West appointments

Vajinder Singh, Digital Next

Search marketing agency Digital Next has welcomed Vajinder Singh to its Manchester-based paid search team.

Vajinder, who is the eighth member of the team, has joined after previously working for Digital Next’s paid search manager, Sherline Kumanan, at tech giant Google.

In his previous role, Vajinder helped support agencies that had acquired Google accounts.

With Digital Next, Vajinder plans to help Sherline grow and develop the company’s PPC department.

Commenting on his appointment, Vajinder said: “[I am] excited to bring [my] experience and knowledge to a team that are already doing great things.

“Our goal is clear, we want to become the go to paid search department in the North West in 2016.”

Sherline Kumanan said the appointment represents “a great opportunity” for Vajinder to work within a growing, results-focussed team.

Speaking further, he said: “We’re excited to welcome Vajinder on board and are confident he will bring positive and measurable results to our clients and help to take us to the next level!”

Duncan Cammack, Haden Freeman Ltd

Haden Freeman Ltd, the Denton-based engineering firm, has strengthened its senior team with the appointment of a new sales and marketing manager.

Duncan Cammack, who has worked in the commodities sector and in a site-based capacity for a combined 30 years, will focus on securing new business and supporting the firm’s growth strategy.

Commenting on his appointment, Duncan said: “I’m looking forward to helping to continue this success with a view to significant expansion in the next 12 to 24 months.

“The company has a great ethos and vast experience in all disciplines across most industries – I’m very excited to be a part of this.”

He added: “I’m keen to hear from any businesses interested in discussing how we can work together.”

The firm’s project director, Ian Dunkley, said Duncan matches the firm’s current calibre of staff “perfectly”.

He continued: “Bringing a wealth of experience to the role, I have complete confidence that Duncan will help to build a strong customer base around the country; along with our new business development manager, Gary Fish, who will be focusing on developing our presence in the North East.

“This appointment comes at a crucial time for Haden Freeman as we begin an aggressive growth strategy over the next 12 months.”

Ian added: “Duncan will help Haden Freeman become a global presence in the engineering sector, building on our existing presence in Qatar.”

Ian Jennings, Wrights Food Group

Wrights Food Group has chosen a new business development manager to shore up its range of dishes and recipes.

Ian Jennings, who brings the Crewe-based firm’s food innovation team to four, will focus on growing Wrights’ range of ready meals, which is primarily aimed at the foodservice sector, as well as pubs, cafes and restaurants.

He said: “The four of us work closely as a team, bouncing ideas off each other, and we must be able to translate what we cook in the development kitchens to products that can be replicated on a bigger scale when it comes to production, so we have to understand the manufacturing facility and what it’s capable of.”

After studying in Bolton, Ian worked at the Savoy Hotel in London before gaining experience at various country house hotels. He also worked for two years in the US as a personal chef for the British owner of a vineyard in California.

Sue Gwilliam, Wrights’ head of new food development, said: “We’re delighted with Ian’s appointment, Ian will help develop our food offer, and he’ll play an important role in the expansion of our product range across ready meals, savouries, cakes and desserts.

“He’s a very talented chef, who brings with him a wealth of experience from a variety of interesting sources.”

Pictured: Andrew Daniels (left) with Luke Massie

Andrew Daniels, Vibe Tickets

Online ticket platform Vibe Tickets has taken on Andrew Daniels, a Manchester-based digital entrepreneur.

Andrew Daniels, who is the MD of digital agency Degree 53, has joined Vibe in the role of non-executive director.

Entrepreneur Luke Massie, who founded Vibe in 2013, said: “Andy is extremely experienced in mobile technology and will be advising on the scaling of the Vibe product.

“I’m delighted to welcome him onto the board. It’s a natural fit.”

As non-executive director, Andrew will primarily advise the company on its digital strategy and securing funding.

Andrew commented: “Luke and I have similar approaches to business and a strong work ethic. We understand each other well and I’m certain our combined skills will help drive the company’s expansion.

“I’m looking forward to building on what was an outstanding 2015.”

Andrew, who has 15 years’ experience in the digital industry, previously worked as the head of mobile development for bookmaker Betfred.

Josh Farrer, SureCare

Care business SureCare has announced the appointment of Josh Farrer, its new franchise sales manager.

Josh, who is the son of the company’s owner and managing director Gary Farrer, has a background in sales and marketing, and will lead a new drive to identify potential SureCare franchisees.

MD Gary, who acquired the Chester-headquartered firm in November 2014, said: “I am delighted that Josh has agreed to become SureCare’s new Franchise Sales Manager.

“I am extremely proud of the fact that SureCare is once again a true family business.”

He continued: “We also want our franchisees to feel they are joining a family when they come on board.

“Buying a franchise is a big investment and it is important to know that you are going to receive the support you need every step of the way.”

Services offered by SureCare franchisees include personal care and support, in addition to holiday and respite care.

Matt Baines, Jigsaw Cleaning Systems

Jigsaw Cleaning Systems, the national distributor and training provider, has appointed a new face to lead an upcoming training initiative.

Matt Baines has taken on the role of learning and development manager with the Preston-based company.

Bringing with him over 16 years of industry experience, Matt previously worked for manufacturer Premiere Products.

At Jigsaw Cleaning Systems, Matt will design, implement and oversee training programmes with customers across the country, supporting Jigsaw’s partnership with cleaning system manufacturer Wetrok.

He said: “It’s an exciting time to be joining the team and working with Jigsaw’s expanding distributor and customer base.

“The training aspect of this venture is a vital part of the service we offer to distributor partners and end users.”

He continued: “By helping and supporting our customers to reap the benefits of our cleaning systems, we will not only ensure they have the best cleaning methods in place, but ultimately help to shape and improve standards within the industry.”

Mark Barker, Squire Patton Boggs

International law firm Squire Patton Boggs has appointed Mark Barker to the role of real estate manager.

Mark, who has joined the company from law firm DWF’s Manchester office, has more than 25 years of experience in real estate.

Squire Patton Boggs’ European real estate practice group leader, Nick Green, said: “We are excited to welcome Mark to the firm. In Mark we have found an individual with exactly the right blend of ambition and experience to expand our practice.

“Manchester is a key centre in the UK commercial real estate market, with a high volume of development work in the city; Mark’s expertise makes him an excellent addition to our very busy team.”

The company’s Manchester-based real estate practice provides services for the sport, hotel, chemicals and leisure sectors.

The team is led by Mark Gaffney, who commented: “Mark is held in high regard by his clients.

“He is noted as an excellent technical lawyer, with a reputation for advising on complicated and involved real estate deals.”

Steve Cornwall, Martin Hall and Simon Malpas, ICS

Lancaster-based contractor accountancy and administration company ICS has bolstered its senior management team by appointing three new department heads.

Steve Cornwall is the firm’s new head of finance, while Martin Hall has taken on the newly created role of head of compliance and risk and Simon Malpas head of sales.

Steve, who previously worked for rugby union club Sale Sharks, will head up ICS Accounting and ICS Umbrella, in addition to managing the company’s internal finance department.

He said: “I look forward to constantly improving client satisfaction and strengthening the internal systems within ICS.

“We have restructured a number of our departments which has resulted in the creation of strong teams that will look after our growing number of clients using ICS Accounting and ICS Umbrella.”

Oxford graduate Martin, who joined ICS in the role of customer service executive seven years ago, will be responsible for monitoring legislation, managing necessary changes and overseeing all the company’s compliance and risk elements.

Martin commented: “There are some big industry changes coming up over the next few months and we need to show that we are compliant whenever new legislation is introduced.

“I will be managing the transition between March and April, and will focus on forming structures that can be put in place beforehand.”

Simon Malpas, who has joined ICS from Giant, will lead the firm’s whole sales team.

He commented: “A major part of my role within ICS will be client-facing and I am looking forward to strengthening existing relationships with agencies and clients, as well as creating new ones.

“My aim is to drive the business forward and increase our market presence, while adapting to any changes in the industry.”

ICS, which provides accountancy, payroll and administration services for freelancers, contractors and small businesses, currently employs a team of 40.

The firm’s managing director, John Lyon, said of the trio: “Their combined experience across different areas makes each of them a fantastic addition to the ICS team and they will all be instrumental in leading the company’s growth and development going forward.”

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