This week’s North West appointments

Paula Jones and Clive Briggs, Reward Finance

Reward Finance, the alternative funding provider, has appointed two finance professionals at its Manchester office.

Clive Briggs, the firm’s new North West business development director, has worked in the finance arena for over 30 years. His experience covers a range of disciplines, including commercial banking and invoice finance.

Paula Jones, appointed as portfolio manager at Reward Finance, has spent the last 20 years as a relationship manager working closely with SMEs for RBS.

Clive said: “I have known the directors at Reward Finance for many years and I have always admired their ‘can do’ attitude and flexibility when it comes to helping SMEs grow their companies.

“The advantage they have over other lenders is they don’t make SMEs ‘jump through hoops’ before giving them an answer. Instead they quickly get a grasp of the situation and provide the company with a quick decision.”

He added: “It really is a refreshing approach and I am looking forward to introducing Reward to my network within the financial sector.”

Reward Finance’s group sales and marketing director, Nick Smith, commented: “The fact that Clive and Paula have joined our rapidly expanding team sends out a clear message that we mean business in the North West.

“SMEs are finding it increasingly frustrating when it comes to obtaining finance for their growing businesses. With the team we are building in our Manchester office we can continue to meet the growing demand for a variety of finance options.”

Claire Higham, Slater Heelis

The Manchester office of law firm Slater Heelis has welcomed a new face to its family team.

Claire Higham joined the company as an assistant solicitor and will advise clients on issues arising from separation, such as divorce, children and financial matters.

Prior to her appointment she spent two years with Bolton-based KBL Law.

The head of the family team, Mark Heptinstall, said: “The continual increase in demand for our services, meant that we needed to expand our team and Claire was the perfect fit.

“She brings a wealth of experience and she compliments the team very well.”

Grant Ashbrook and Jessica Katsouris, KPMG

Business advisory giant KPMG has announced two new partners its latest round of promotions in the North West.

Jessica Katsouris is now a partner within KPMG’s audit practice, following a 19-year career in financial services. She has worked at the firm’s Manchester office since 2004.

Grant Ashbrook, meanwhile, has over 15 years of experience as a transfer pricing specialist in KPMG’s tax team, having joined the firm in 2002.

They are joined by the following director promotions at KPMG’s office in Manchester:

• Helen McCourt (deal advisory)
• Elizabeth Meadowcroft (deal advisory)
• Nisha Sharma (deal advisory)
• Ryan Ballantyne (tax)
• Adrian Wills (tax)
• Christopher Hardman (tax)
• Andrew Stone (restructuring)
• Matthew Jackson (advisory)
• Andrew Trasler (management consulting)
• Chris Martin (audit)

At KPMG’s Liverpool office, Carla Kennaugh has been appointed as an audit director and Ian Atkinson promoted to management consulting director.

KPMG’s North region chair, Chris Hearld, said: “Jess and Grant are well-established figures at KPMG. Their experience and skill-set demonstrate the specialist talent we have in the North of England to support the needs of the local business community.

“They now join a partner group in our thriving offices in Liverpool and Manchester, which have been bolstered by an impressive intake of graduates, school leavers and apprentices.”

Neil Thompson, Gas Tag

Liverpool-headquartered tech company Gas Tag has taken on a new executive.

Neil Thompson previously worked for professional services firm Capita, where he held sales and marketing director positions within its supplier assessment services business.

With a background in the construction, supply chain compliance and safety sectors, Neil will now help grow and develop Gas Tag’s foothold in the market.

Neil said: “Gas Tag is a business with massive potential and it is an exciting time for me to join the company.”

Gas Tag’s co-founder and CEO, Paul Durose, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Neil on board.

“He brings with him a wealth of both sales and marketing talents. He will be a great addition to our team.”

Katie Beattie and Katherine Almond, Cushman & Wakefield

Commercial property consultancy Cushman & Wakefield has welcomed two graduates at its Manchester office.

During their induction week, Katie Beattie and Katherine Almond were welcomed to the company by EMEA chief exec John Forrester and head of UK and Ireland Colin Wilson, before embarking on a schedule of talks, workshops and other activities.

Katie and Katherine will work over the next two years towards their Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) qualifications with RICS.

The head of Cushman & Wakefield’s Manchester operation, John Keyes, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Katie and Katherine to the Manchester office.

“They join another substantial intake of talented and enthusiastic new graduates and apprentices this year. The progress made by our previous intake bodes well for them, as does our APC success rate.”

Kirsty Bannerman, early career development manager for Cushman & Wakefield, commented: “Our programmes ensure each individual takes on responsibility for their own work, with appropriate support, and is given the chance to make an active contribution right from the start. We look forward to helping them progress.”

Adam Unsworth, Plastic Card Services

Plastic Card Services (PCS) has made Adam Unsworth its new managing director.

The firm’s current MD, Rob Nicholls, is stepping down from the role to focus on new projects but will remain as joint owner of PCS alongside Tim Holt.

Rob said of the appointment: “Adam started with us as a graduate sales trainee 16 years ago and has progressed through our business to the position of sales director.

“The transition of becoming managing director of the company has been carefully planned and developed over the last 18 months.”

He continued: “It has been quite a journey over the past 25 years of both learning, development and also challenging market environments, but it has felt a great pleasure and with a sense of pride to have been working with the individuals, companies and brands that we have over the course of those years.”

Adam commented: “Naturally I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to pick up where Rob has left off, and feel my 16 years with the company have given me invaluable experience and technical knowledge putting me in an excellent position to drive the business forward in 2017 and beyond.”

Jonathan Edwards, Browne Jacobson

Law firm Browne Jacobson has appointed a new head of its Manchester-based banking and finance team.

Jonathan Edwards, who was national head of banking at DWF for seven years, has more than 26 years’ experience in all aspects of banking and finance.

Working for banks and asset-based lenders across the UK, he advises on matters ranging from acquisition finance and leveraged finance to asset-based lending.

Browne Jacobson’s head of banking and finance, Paul Ray, said: “Jonathan is a real heavyweight and his appointment underlines our long-term commitment to creating a top-tier banking practice in Manchester.

“His experience and proven track record will complement our impressive credentials and existing client base to crucially make a mark in the North West.”

Jonathan commented: “Browne Jacobson has a very well-established banking and finance practice and I am excited to have the opportunity to build on that further.

“I look forward to working as part of this talented team to provide the highest quality legal services for our regional, national and international clients.”

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