This week’s North West appointments

Alison Birch, Mitchell Charlesworth

Accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth is looking to drive growth in its specialist tax division with the appointment of a new senior VAT manager.

Working at Mitchell Charlesworth’s office in Manchester, Alison Birch has been tasked with expanding the company’s VAT service and growing its client base.

Alison, who graduated with a degree in psychology from the University of Central Lancashire, began her career in VAT with professional services giant Deloitte.

Her most recent role, prior to her appointment with Mitchell Charlesworth, was at professional services company KPMG’s Birmingham office. She has worked in VAT for over 15 years.

Alison commented: “This is a great opportunity for me at Mitchell Charlesworth. VAT is constantly evolving, and many people find it mysterious, if not downright scary, and that’s why we’re keen to offer them professional and experienced help and advice.

“A large proportion of business’ cash flow can be tied up in VAT, and Mitchell Charlesworth emphasise that it is crucial to manage both payment and compliance efficiently and effectively.”

She added: “I’m looking forward to working with both existing and new clients to maximise their VAT opportunities and streamline their VAT processes.”

Paul Wainwright, managing partner of Mitchell Charlesworth, said: “Alison is highly experienced and skilled and will add great value to our team as the new senior VAT manager.

“She arrives with an impressive track record and will play an important role in driving forward our ambitious expansion plans.

Stephen Fox, Ludlow Wealth Management

North West firm Ludlow Wealth Management has announced the appointment of its 21st consultant.

Stephen Fox, from Fulwood, has joined Ludlow to help the firm achieve its aim of hitting £1bn of client assets under advice, up from £700m, within the next five years.

Following his appointment, Stephen will work at the company’s Preston office.

Stephen, who previously held the role of wealth manager and financial planner with investment services company Raymond James, said: “I’m joining Ludlow at an exciting time but what particularly attracted me to the role is the company’s excellent reputation and its firm commitment to service and satisfaction, putting the client at the centre of everything it does.

“Many of Ludlow’s team and clients have been with the firm for a significant number of years and I’m looking forward to building on such long term relations with both clients and professional connections.”

He added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me to work with a growing and respected business to help it achieve its goals and vision.”

Ludlow’s chief exec, Sid Ludlow, commented: “Stephen’s depth of investment knowledge and client experience makes him a real asset to our group.

“His appointment will help us to meet growing demand as we continue to develop and expand alongside helping our clients to live their lives.”

Ruth Clifford, Citypress

PR agency Citypress has taken on Ruth Clifford in the role of social media director.

Ruth Clifford is joining Citypress’ Manchester HQ from communications agency Golin London, where she worked as a digital director and led social media programmes for brands such as Unilever, Great Western Railway and Toblerone.

Bringing more than seven years of experience to the role, Ruth will work on expanding Citypress’ social media team, which includes copywriters, photographers, designers and analysts.

Citypress chief exec Charles Tattersall said: “Ruth’s appointment is another significant investment in our social capabilities.

“Her experience of leading ground-breaking campaigns for some of the world’s biggest brands means we’re better equipped than ever before to support clients as an integrated partner, helping them create high-quality, engaging content that has real impact against business objectives.”

Commenting on her appointment, Ruth said: “Social media is first and foremost about great content and that’s what attracted me to Citypress: we’re already creating industry-leading, cross-channel content for some of the best brands in the world.

“I’m hugely excited about strengthening the strategic social offering of the agency – working with a team of expert social designers, copywriters and creatives.”

She added: “I’m looking forward to helping clients seize the opportunities that strategic and innovative social campaigns can deliver.”

Dean Watson, Begbies Traynor

Business recovery and insolvency practitioner Begbies Traynor has appointed a new partner to head up its office in Preston.

Qualified accountant and licensed insolvency practitioner Dean Watson has over 25 years of experience in advising businesses.

Having joined Begbies Traynor’s North West operations in 1999, in his new role Dean will oversee the firm’s 25-strong Preston team.

Discussing his appointment, he said: “I’m really pleased to be taking on the role of leading the long established Preston office.

“It’s a dynamic team that’s going from strength to strength and offering the full range of Begbies Traynor’s services across a really wide and diverse geographic area.”

He continued: “I’m looking forward to working with the firm’s existing - and many of them longstanding - clients as well as welcoming new ones as we step up our business here in West Lancashire, with several key hires planned over the coming months.”

Sally Abrams, Birchall Blackburn Law

Birchall Blackburn Law has selected one of its family law specialists to lead its Southport-based family law division.

Sally Abrams will bring with her over 20 years’ experience when she relocates for her new role later this month.

Sally, who has worked with the North West law firm since 1996, specialises in all areas of family law with a particular focus on divorce and financial settlements. Previously, she worked at Birchall Blackburn Law’s office in Leyland, Preston.

She said: “I’m looking forward to joining the team at the office in my home town and getting to know the local community.

“Family law can be very complex but I am very proud of the reputation Birchall Blackburn Law has in this field and I aim to continue and build this in Southport.”

Claire Smith, Jackson Canter

Jackson Canter, the North West law firm, has appointed qualified solicitor Claire Smith in the role of chief marketing officer.

Joining from law firm QualitySolicitors, Claire will contribute towards the firm’s growth in business development and marketing.

Commenting on her appointment, Claire said: “The North West boasts one of the UK’s most impressive legal sectors and it’s a really exciting time for me to take on this role.

“The Jackson Canter Group approaches the provision of legal services in an innovative and refreshing way and I’ve no doubt that this method, along with the expertise of the team, will see the firm make a real mark on the industry.”

She added: “The group has a very clear set of values with making a difference through the practice of law at its core”

The CEO of The Jackson Canter Group, Brian Cullen, said: “Claire joins the firm at a crucial time, when her expertise in how to develop and market the business successfully has never been more vital.

“The quicker we grow, the bigger difference we can make to society through the practice of law – a value which sits firmly at the heart of the group and will continue to remain at the forefront of our operation regardless of ambitious commercial objectives.”

Fiona Carter, High Access

High Access, a provider of high-level commercial property services, has announced the appointment of a new HR director.

Fiona Carter has previously worked for a number of national and international brands, including pet supplies chain Pets at Home and fashion retailers Topshop and Topman, in addition to setting up her own HR consultancy firm, PRIDE in People, to support SMEs.

Fiona said of her appointment: “Joining High Access was an attractive opportunity for me as an ambitious business with a decade of solid growth that is moving into its next growth phase.

“The team and roles within the business are diverse but everyone shares a strong work ethic and common goal to provide a can-do service to all of our clients.”

Fiona has experience in all aspects of HR, from employment law to recruitment.

High Access MD Niel Bethell said: “With a new depot opening in Slough and an ever-growing team in the field, Fiona’s expertise will be invaluable to the business.

“Already, Fiona has implemented new initiatives, including the introduction of the UK living wage, childcare vouchers and benefits packages to High Access.”

He added: “At the heart of Fiona’s role, will be the need to attract, retain and develop the industry’s top talent, to enable us to maintain our premier positioning as the go-to providers for high-level jobs.”

Carl Kameen, MSoft eSolutions

Healthcare software company MSoft eSolutions has appointed a new commercial director as it targets international expansion.

Wirral-based MSoft eSolutions has recruited Carl Kameen, who previously worked in the corporate finance team of professional services company Ernst & Young.

MSoft’s founder and MD, Matt McAlister, said: “We are delighted to have brought someone of Carl’s vast experience on board as commercial director.

“I have known Carl for a long time and his extensive knowledge working at a high level within PLCs combined with his corporate finance background will be essential in helping us deliver our global expansion plans.”

He added: “Over the coming months I will be working closely with Carl and other members of the MSoft senior management team to put in place a dynamic and robust plan for international growth which will see us enter a number of new markets in Europe and elsewhere.”

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