In a strategic move to enhance its North West team, a finance group has promoted Harriet Gibbs to the role of sales director, making her the first to hold this position within the company.
With over a decade of experience in the finance sector and having been with the team since 2021, Harriet will lead the sales team at their Manchester office. She will play a pivotal role in broadening the network of introducers and brokers, fostering stronger customer relationships, and driving forward the business’s growth. Her responsibilities will also include developing and executing the sales strategy to double the region’s lending capabilities over the coming years and introducing an expanded product offering. Harriet expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Over the last three years I have worked shoulder to shoulder with clients and colleagues at the forefront of the industry, and I’m looking to build on this in my new role with an ambitious and energetic team behind me.” The regional managing director commented, “It is a very exciting time, and this investment in the team allows us to better help entrepreneurial people and businesses thrive. The team has set the standard in alternative finance by creating dependable funding through an expert team, and Harriet will be driving that even further.”
Meanwhile, a Liverpool-based housing group has appointed Angela Needham to its board as a customer with lived experience. Angela, from Cheshire, formerly chaired the Customer Assurance Panel and has nearly two decades of experience in housing. Her new role as a board member is part of the group’s commitment to ensuring the customer voice is represented throughout the organisation. Alison Horner, director of governance, noted, “As a board member with lived experience of being a customer along with her housing background, she will provide valuable insight into the effect of policies and services on customers.” Angela expressed her dedication, saying, “From my role on the Customer Assurance Panel, I have seen that the group is committed to hearing the voice of its customers in how it shapes its policies and services. As a board member I look forward to working with colleagues to ensure the customer remains at the forefront of all activities.”
In another sector, a premium kitchen appliance brand has appointed Paul Whyte as the new commercial director. Since its establishment in 2017, the company has grown steadily. Paul’s extensive experience in the white goods industry makes him a valuable addition. He commented, “The company has so much untapped potential, as well as fleet-of-foot flexibility and I’m energised by the prospect of working with the team to explore just what the business is capable of.” His appointment is anticipated to further solidify the company’s position in the market.
Simultaneously, a land and estates company has promoted Jonathan Hird to Associate Director. Jonathan, who began as a placement student in 2015 and returned as a graduate surveyor in 2017, is recognised for his deep-rooted connection to the agricultural sector. Jonathan shared, “I’m very happy. I’ve been here since my placement year in 2015, so I’m very much a part of the furniture now. My day-to-day job won’t change massively, but I am looking forward to supporting the team and helping those who are looking to progress their careers with us.” A senior director remarked, “Jonathan has been a key part of our success and his promotion is well deserved. He brings not only professional expertise but also a deep personal commitment to rural life and the challenges faced by our clients.”
Additionally, two significant appointments have been made at a business services group to support its expansion strategy. Sam Wilson has joined as chief commercial officer, and Eileene Hardy as business development manager. Both positions are new and aim to expand the group’s reach into new sectors. The appointments come from a background in the banking industry and the commercial finance sector. Sam and Eileene are expected to play crucial roles in securing new business and maintaining relationships with key partners. Sam stated, “This is an ideal time to join, as the company is growing in staff and client numbers. It has a solid product offering which fits perfectly with my experience, and I’m looking forward to contributing to the group’s journey.” Eileene added, “I’m really excited to join the team. I hope to further enhance its offerings and support the existing business development team as we look to the future.”
In another notable development, two talented audit professionals, Fahim Ashraf and Jake Edwards, have joined the audit team at an accounting firm. This move follows significant growth in the firm’s audit services, which saw a 31% revenue increase in 2023. Fahim, joining as audit and accounts senior, shared, “It’s been fantastic to become part of the team. In the short time since I joined, I’ve been able to put my experience to use while also benefitting from the extensive expertise of my new colleagues.” Jake, appointed as audit and accounts semi-senior, remarked, “Joining the audit team will help me achieve my personal goal of making an impact on businesses in our region. I’m also very much looking forward to embracing the diversity of the clients that the firm represents.” An audit partner at the firm noted, “There is a real shortage of audit talent in our industry, and we’re thrilled to have Fahim and Jake joining us as skilled, experienced professionals.”
These appointments and promotions across various sectors underscore the dynamic nature of the business landscape and the continuous drive for growth and improvement. Each individual brings a wealth of experience and expertise, poised to make significant contributions to their respective organisations.