This week’s North West appointments

Mary Page, Alexander Knight & Co

Manchester accountancy firm Alexander Knight & Co has appointed a new assistant accountant.

Mary Page, from Middlewich in Cheshire, has joined the firm as it looks set to grow following a string of new client wins.

Alexander Knight & Co founder Murray Patt said: “With the increase in the number of clients we’ve won so far this year it is important to make sure our back office operation is up to strength so we can continue to deliver for our clients.

“We’re pleased to welcome Mary Page to the team as assistant accountant. Mary brings with her a great attitude, exceptional skillset and she will be a great asset as we continue to grow our client base of entrepreneurs.”

Commenting on her appointment, Mary said: “I’m delighted to join Alexander Knight & Co at such an exciting time.

“I’m looking forward to working in the newly expanded office space and making a positive contribution to our clients and the practice.”

Haresh Murji, Stewart Milne Group

Housebuilding firm Stewart Milne Group has chosen project manager Haresh Murji to head up the construction of new homes in the North West.

Haresh has worked with the firm for nine years, having first joined as a senior site manager.

Following his promotion, Haresh will control all building operations, health and safely and customer satisfaction in the region, in addition to leading on staff development and retention.

He said: “Stewart Milne Homes is a business with a commitment to investing in people and places, which shows in the quality of the homes we build and the customer care we provide.

“Over the next 12 months our focus will continue to be on quality, safety and our customers. The North West is a key growth area for the company and we are seeing significant investment from the group in this area.”

Paul Challinor, North West managing director of Stewart Milne Homes, commented: “Haresh has been a valued member of the Stewart Milne Group for nine years, playing a significant role in our growth in the North West.

“He will bring a wealth of experience in the construction sector to his new role, as well as drive forward our core Group values which focus on quality homes and a customer centric approach to building and selling houses.”

Sam Petts, Clarion Wealth Planning

Clarion Wealth Planning, the Cheshire-based wealth management business, has added to its team with the appointment of Sam Petts as financial planner.

Bringing more than 15 years’ financial planning experience to his new position at Clarion, Sam started his career at Mayfair-based Caroline Banks and Associates before moving on to Killik & Co, where he worked for 12 years.

His most recent role was partner and head of office at Killik & Co’s Richmond Branch.

With Clarion, Sam will provide integrated financial planning services for business owners across the North West.

Clarion MD Ron Walker said: “Sam’s in-depth knowledge of pensions, taxation and intergenerational planning, involving all members of a family in a financial plan, will serve to strengthen Clarion’s niche wealth planning services.

“His strong track record for building relationships with professional services partners will also be an asset to Clarion as we continue our successful expansion.”

Sam commented: “I was attracted to Clarion’s comprehensive approach to financial planning.

“They help business owners achieve their long-term objectives by establishing key life goals to work towards.”

He added: “They create efficient solutions by addressing every aspect of the client’s lifestyle and I am looking forward to being part of the future development of the company.”

Dave Potts (pictured) and Ian Clarke, GSTS

GSTS, the Liverpool-based full-service security provider, has appointed a new chief executive and managing director.

Dave Potts has joined the company following a career in the police, where his roles included CID, firearms and crime prevention. He has served as a security advisor for some of the UK’s leading listed companies.

GSTS has also appointed Ian Clarke to the role of managing director.

Ian spent 23 years in the British Army, serving within the Parachute Regiment and Special Forces Support Group before moving into security.

Additionally, he previously worked as a risk advisor for corporations across the world’s conflict zones and is trained as a team leader in body guarding, conflict management and physical intervention.

Dave Potts said: “GSTS is one of only a handful of government-approved security providers for close protection services and manned guarding.

“They’re growing parts of our business, but so are day-to-day asset protection and facilities management for corporate installations.”

He added: “We’re growing across the board and myself and Ian will be working alongside our team to ensure that we build on our reputation for high standards.”

Four appointments, Bibby Financial Services

Bibby Financial Services (BFS), the Liverpool-headquartered business funding provider, has announced four appointments across Scotland and the North of England.

Wayne Spratt has re-joined BFS Yorkshire as business development manager, following sales and operational positions with Aldermore Bank Plc and RBS Invoice Finance. He has worked in the invoice finance industry for 15 years.

Casey Baldwin has joined BFS Yorkshire in the role of business development executive, prior to which she was assistant relationship manager at Aldermore Bank Plc and RBS Invoice Finance.

Lee McDonnell, meanwhile, is BFS Manchester’s new business development executive. Previously he worked as a credit controller.

BFS has also appointed Ronan Patrick Fallon as a sales executive in its Scotland business. Ronan’s former role was risk and recoveries administrator at the firm’s Manchester office.

Bibby Financial Services’ regional sales director for the North, Stephen Johnson, said: “We’ve seen considerable growth in the North of England and Scotland over the past year as more businesses look to access funding they need to grow.

“Expanding our team in Scotland and key areas in the North of England such as Manchester, Leeds and Bradford will undoubtedly enable us to further grow our support for local businesses and the intermediary community.”

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