On the move: the latest East Midlands hires

Developer Sladen Estates has appointed a new architect following the acquisition of various development sites across the UK.

Steve Melhuish brings along two decades’ experience of working within the private and public sector as chief architect for Mansfield District Council and a variety of commercial practices.

He will join the firm as design architect and will bolster Sladen’s existing in-house design offering.

Melhuish said: “I am really pleased to join Sladen Estates, which is involved in so many exciting and interesting development projects throughout the UK. Having worked on many high-profile builds throughout my career, I am now looking forward to playing my part in Sladen’s development programme.”

Nick Sladen, chief executive of Sladen Estates, said: “Having an experienced and professional in-house design capability is an important part of how we do business, sets us apart from our competitors and allows us to respond to our clients’ requirements very quickly.

“Steve’s experience will be invaluable for our projects. He has joined the company at an exciting time and I am delighted to welcome him to the Sladen Estates team.”

Smith Cooper has announced that 16 new recruits, including 11 graduates, will be joining the firm by the end of September.

The Midlands-based accountancy and business advisory firm has attracted graduates from universities including Newcastle University, Nottingham Trent and Loughborough University to work in the audit team across their key offices in Birmingham, Derby and Nottingham.

Sarah Flear, partner and head of audit at Smith Cooper, said: “Smith Cooper is particularly committed to investing in aspiring young professionals within the local community, as to advance their careers as finance professionals, hence why nine of the new intakes are graduates, and a further two join as semi-seniors.

“Whilst the majority of our new graduates are from local universities, a number of our intakes join us from universities further afield. As such, we are proud our company and graduate scheme draws fresh talent to the Midlands and we’re very excited to welcome all our new starters to the firm.”