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£10,000 community fund to support local projects
Groups, individuals and projects within this five-mile radius from The Wigley Group’s headquarters in Stockton can apply to the new £10,000 annual Community Fund
A £10,000 annual fund is being established by Warwickshire-based property and development company The Wigley Group to support community projects.
The company will invite individuals and groups who are based within a five-mile radius of its headquarters in the village of Stockton to apply for a slice of the new fund twice a year.
Applications for the first round of £5,000 were submitted between March 1 and March 10 and the second round will be open in September. The Wigley Group has evolved from its beginnings as an agricultural plant hire company that was established in 1964 by John Wigley, father of the group’s current chairman, Robert.
Today, the group develops, owns and manages commercial properties across the Midlands region and the wider UK. It has been based in Stockton since 2019. James Davies, managing director of The Wigley Group, said: “As a company, we are very proud to support a number of charitable organisations through events held or supported by our own staff, as well as larger corporate events such as our annual Golf Day which has raised over £100,000 for the official Parachute Regiment charity, Support Our Paras, since 2013.
“We want to add to this activity by establishing a fund that is dedicated to the good causes and organisations in Stockton and surrounding villages.
“The past year has been a challenging time for us all. We hope that by making this money available to worthy causes in the immediate area around our headquarters, this will help us make a meaningful contribution to improving the lives of people in a community that we are proud to be a part of, not only in 2021 but for many years to come.”
An application form and the terms and conditions of the Wigley Community Fund can be found at www.thewigleygroup.com/csr/ wigley-community-fund
Accountancy firm joins Made in the Midlands
A West Midlands accountancy firm has thrown its support behind an organisation which aims to promote the thriving manufacturing industry across the region.
Prime Accountants Group, which has offices in Solihull, Birmingham and Coventry, has just become a patron for Made in the Midlands, a membership group designed to promote, inspire and share best practice within the manufacturing sector.
Made in the Midlands is based on a pledge signed by manufacturers to open a channel of communication with regional businesses, take on apprentices and export to new markets, in a bid to support and further boost this critical industry.
As part of its role with the group, Prime will be offering support, advice and financial services to those firms which are part of Made in the Midlands, a crucial boost at a time when business across the region is being affected by Brexit and the national COVID-19 lockdown. Morgan Davies, director at Prime Accountants Group, said: “As a firm that began here in the Midlands, we are always keen to support the work of the thriving industries on the doorstep of our offices across the region.
“As a large proportion of our client base is made up of manufacturers in the surrounding area, we have vast experience in dealing with their needs and requirements and have used our expertise to support them year after year.
“In turn, this has helped them to develop their businesses and contribute even more to this dynamic and fast-paced industry.
“We’re proud to be joining Made in the Midlands as one of its patrons and are
Prime Accountants Group, which has offices in Solihull, Birmingham and Coventry, has joined Made in the Midlands as a patron
excited to meet more of its members that make up this incredible industry and offer any financial assistance that they may need to make improvements within their organisations.”
Anna Power
A Midlands law firm has strengthened its commercial property team with a senior appointment to meet increasing demand for its services.
Anna Power has joined Leamingtonbased Wright Hassall as a senior associate in the firm’s real estate group, which now has 45 lawyers within the commercial real estate, development and securitisation, construction, planning, rural estates and residential teams.
She arrives with more than ten years of commercial property experience, including acting for real estate investors, owner occupiers and developers.
Anna will be responsible for supporting the expansion of the firm’s commercial property arm and mentoring younger members of the team.
Her arrival comes at a time when there is increasing activity in the real estate sector.
Anna said: “I’m really excited to be joining Wright Hassall at this time, as it’s a fantastic firm with a great reputation and an impressive client base.
“The real estate sector has remained resilient throughout the pandemic and is set for another busy period of activity.
“The retail and leisure sectors have been the hardest hit by the pandemic, with almost half of businesses looking to renegotiate lease terms, whilst landlords’ options to recover unpaid rent are curtailed by the Coronavirus Act.
“However, investment volumes have continued to rise month-on-month since the end of the second quarter, as property yields have started to stabilise.
“Commercial property is a key part of the UK’s economy, and I’m looking forward to helping clients navigate the recovery and embark on new opportunities.”
Andrew Jones, head of commercial real estate at Wright Hassall, added: “Anna’s arrival at Wright Hassall is a coup for us. Her in-depth experience and range of industry contacts will be instrumental in helping us to expand the commercial real estate team and provide the best service for our clients.”
Postive signs
At time of writing, Spring is nearly upon us and we dare to hope that restrictions will be finally over in a few short months.
Schoolchildren have returned to their classrooms and the vaccine roll out continues at pace, in fact I had mine last week and I am pleased to report that not only was it painless, but I had absolutely no reaction whatsoever apart from a sore arm for a couple of days afterwards.
So, a big thank you to all the NHS staff, volunteers and teams involved in distributing and administering the vaccination programme, you are all doing a superb job.
Since my last column there has just been so much to focus on, what with the phased plans to end lockdown, the Budget, the programme launch announcement from the City of Culture and a £23.2 million pound windfall from the Government Towns Fund for Nuneaton, to name but a few!
The Budget will obviously affect different people in differing ways but overall, in my opinion it could have been a lot worse.
The two stand out points for me was firstly how vitally important it was to avoid a cliff-edge with regards to potential job losses, therefore an extension to the furlough system until September had to be welcomed.
Secondly was the incentive for firms to invest in the very latest technology available, through a new “super deduction” that reduces tax by 130% over the next two years. There was obviously other loans and grant schemes announced which I sincerely hope will help all our businesses, as they start to plan out a road map to recovery.
I also think it is important to say a massive thank you to all the hard-working local authority personnel, whom are working tirelessly to help, advise and distribute grants and funds to businesses. You have my utmost respect, especially when trying to understand all the rules and regulations normally attached to such governmental announcements and documents.
Closer to home and during my role as President I aim to liaise with as many Chamber members as possible, so it was great to finally have a virtual catch up with Declan Allen Managing Director at HoribaMIRA, they truly are a world class organisation and we are extremely lucky to have such an outstanding company on our patch.
It was fascinating to hear about some of the projects they are currently working on and the calibre of companies they are attracting to the region. Therefore I make no apology when asking our local MPs to take a message to government and to request greater support and investment for institutions such as HoribaMIRA, they truly are a crucial asset to this region.
Best regards Tom Mongan
Wadsworths Solicitors makes new appointment
Wadsworths Solicitors has announced that Gemma Dempsey has joined the board of directors alongside John Wadsworth, Alexandra Tait and Michael Wadsworth.
Gemma joined the family-run firm in 2004 as a conveyancing secretary. Over the years she has worked her way up, first becoming a conveyancing caseworker, then becoming head of Wadsworths’ busy residential conveyancing department. Now she has been appointed director of the firm.
Gemma’s promotion comes during an exciting time for Wadsworths, which continues to expand across the West Midlands and Warwickshire to meet demand. The company has recently opened new offices in Henley-in-Arden, Warwick and Tamworth.
Gemma said: “I’m extremely happy to step up to this role at what is proving to be a positive and exciting time for the firm. Together with my co-directors and dedicated team, I’m looking forward to continuing to build on the successes we’ve had over the last 34 years.”
John Wadsworth, managing director of Wadsworths Solicitors, said: “Alexandra, Mike and I are thrilled to have Gemma joining us on the board of directors. After a busy 2020 juggling the intricacies of three new offices, staff safety and maintaining a consistently high client experience despite the pandemic, it is wonderful to start the year with such positive news.”
Gemma has assisted thousands of satisfied clients with the process of buying and selling their properties throughout her time at Wadsworths Solicitors, helping to maintain the firms’ outstanding reputation in the local community.
With its head office in Shirley, Solihull, Wadsworths Solicitors was established in 1986. The firm now has four directors with a dedicated team of staff across four offices.
Integrity Wealth Solutions is delighted to welcome Alex Bolton into its team.
A chartered financial planner and fellow of the Personal Finance Society, Alex has been in the industry since 2006 upon graduating with a law degree from the University of Bristol.
Integrity Wealth welcomes new team member
He brings with him a wealth of experience, having worked his way through the ranks and becoming a financial adviser in 2012. His areas of expertise are complex pensions, estate planning, charities and trusts.
Since achieving chartered status, Alex has been driven to continually develop his skills and knowledge by gaining additional industry qualifications and has recently added the Investment Management Certificate and a qualification with the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners to his already impressive portfolio.
Since becoming a financial adviser, Alex has not only worked within financial services companies, he has also held in-house positions as an adviser at a chartered accountancy firm and within a national investment management firm. This gives him an in-depth working knowledge of these industries and the areas they and their clients may need assistance with.
Although we are still working remotely, our technology means we have all been able to “meet” Alex and we are confident he will soon be an integral member of the IWS family.
New starter at Katronic
Martin Harwidge has joined clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter specialist Katronic to take on the role of global sales manager.
In his new role he will work to grow demand for the company’s portable and fixed non-invasive systems in the UK and across the distributor network, especially in southern Europe, Asia and South America.
Martin is a familiar face in the industry, having worked in process control and instrumentation since the late 1980s.
He said: “I’ve worked either for or with some of the big players in the instrumentation industry, so I’ve seen ultrasonics up close and personal for the best part of thirty years.”
For the last seventeen years he has run his own business, supporting process measurement and other technical companies with their marketing communications activities. Katronic is well-known locally, winning the Professor Lord Bhattacharayya Award as Manufacturer of the Year in 2019 in the Coventry Telegraph Business Awards.
Outside of work, Martin is married with three grown-up children. He and his wife Julie are both keen golfers and he also occasionally plays guitar in a pub rock band.
He said: “Right from the first time I met everyone at Katronic I enjoyed the atmosphere and it really feels that people value being part of this team. I’m delighted to be involved.”
For more information visit www.katronic.com
New partner appointed at Warwickshire accountancy firm
A regional accountancy firm has bolstered its leadership team with the appointment of a new partner to support the development of its corporate services division.
Burgis & Bullock, which has offices in Leamington, Nuneaton, Rugby and Stratford-upon-Avon, has made the internal appointment of Kate King to the position of partner at the firm.
Born and bred in Leamington, Kate is a qualified chartered accountant and joined the firm in 2006 as an audit senior, progressing to senior manager and now partner.
She will be based at the Leamington office and work with managing partner Wende Hubbard on leading the development of the company’s corporate services division. This includes taking a lead role on the training and development of trainee auditors and technical training for the corporate services team.
During her 15 years with Burgis & Bullock she has overseen the delivery of statutory audit services for the firm’s large corporate clients, as well as acting as an outsourced financial accountant for other clients.
Kate said: “I’m excited to take on this role and build on the success I have already had with the firm.
Wende Hubbard, managing partner at Burgis & Bullock, added: “We are very pleased to have appointed Kate to our group of partners. She has proven herself time and time again since joining the firm and has established herself as a key asset in our corporate services division.”
Kate King, partner at Burgis & Bullock
New hire bolsters Lodders’ in-house HR team
Andrew Busst takes on the new role of Training & Development Manager at Lodders Solicitors
Midlands and south west law firm Lodders Solicitors has boosted its in-house human resources (HR) operation with the creation of the new role of training & development manager.
The move will support its team of 150 fee earners and support staff across its four offices.
Training and development specialist Andrew Busst takes on the new role, working alongside Lodders’ HR director Sarah Naffine who coordinates the creation and delivery of Lodders’ strategic and operational HR support and initiatives, and talent management activities.
In his new role, Andrew will initially focus on refreshing the firm’s induction and onboarding processes – much of which is currently done remotely and online because of COVID-19 restrictions.
He will identify professional development requirements and opportunities for every member of staff working across its specialist corporate, business and private client legal teams, and work with them to create individual and personalised training/learning and development programmes that will fulfil their potential.
Andrew brings years of dedicated training and development experience to the new role. He joins from automotive supplier Brose, where he was most recently training & development coordinator, and has legal sector experience from his ten years at Birmingham law firm Beynon & Co.
He said: “Lodders is a highly progressive firm. It’s rare for a law firm to have a role dedicated to overseeing training, something that’s really refreshing, appealing and exciting. The role allows me to maximise my experience in a way that will add real value to the firm, its people and talent management strategy.”
Lodders’ managing partner Paul Mourton said: “Lodders continues to be passionately committed to resourcing, supporting and investing in our solicitors, particularly when we can develop and grow our own – a strategy that supports our investment in learning and development and the firm’s succession and future plans. This rationale is a key part of Andrew’s recruitment, and he will add focus and energy to tailored development for our new starters, trainees, apprentices, fee earners and support staff.”
For more information: www.lodders.co.uk
Gallagher strengthens Coventry team with double hire
Insurance broker Gallagher has welcomed two risk management specialists to its Coventry team, further increasing the firm’s presence in the Midlands.
The new joiners will specialise in providing insurance solutions to startup businesses in the life sciences and technology sectors, two areas of expertise in Gallagher’s Coventry office, as well as servicing small business clients in Coventry and Warwickshire.
Gallagher’s 20-strong Coventry team, based at Prologis Park close to the city centre, has had a presence in the city for more than 30 years, serving a range of local and national clients.
James Henley and Anharul Ali have been appointed as enterprise account managers, with James joining from insurance broker A-Plan Insurance in Shirley, and Anharul joining from Simple and Smart Insurance in Small Heath. With a background in supporting small businesses with their insurance and risk management requirements, James and Anharul will be partnering with growing companies in the life sciences and technology industries, as well as local small business clients, to help them identify their current risks and anticipate risks they may face in the future as they reach key milestones, and provide them with bespoke insurance solutions accordingly.
Debbie Moss, Coventry head of office at Gallagher, said: “As an insurance broking partner to companies of all sizes, including businesses in the early stages of development, we recognise that stepping out on your own can be a daunting but exciting prospect. As businesses grow, so do their risks, and we work with clients to ensure they stay on a firm footing throughout their growth journey – keeping abreast of the shifting sands of emerging risk, regulation, legislation and compliance.
James Henley
Prime Accountants Group has promoted Paul Guise to the role of associate director
Prime promotion for Paul
An independent accountancy firm in the West Midlands has promoted one of its most experienced account managers to a directorship role.
Prime Accountants Group, which has offices in Solihull, Birmingham and Coventry, has appointed Paul Guise as associate director after six years with the firm.
It’s a ringing endorsement of the career pathways on offer at Prime as Paul joined the firm in July 2015 as an accounts manager, becoming a senior audit and accounts manager in July 2017 before his promotion to associate director last month.
Paul, who has a wealth of experience advising ownermanaged businesses, began his accountancy training in 1998 at a large independent firm in the Midlands.
He first worked in the audit department before a promotion to accounts department manager shortly after qualifying in 2005, working with an SME client base.
Paul said: “My role involves advising and helping ownermanaged businesses on all a spects of their finances.
“It’s all about taking the burden away from the owner or director, allowing them more time to run their business more profitably and providing access to better financial information to allow them to do so.
“Prime is a very flexible, supportive environment and has enabled me to work my way up through the ranks. I’m delighted with my new role and the faith the company has shown in me.”
Kevin Johns, managing director of Prime, said: “The working culture is a huge part of our offering here and Paul’s latest promotion is further proof of that.
“He’s been with us for nearly six years and his hard work has been rewarded. His promotion is richly deserved and we wish him every success in his new role.”
