People on the Move: K7 Media; Bibby Financial Services; Dow Schofield Watts; BJSS; Wirral Chamber of Commerce

From left: Clare Thompson, Keri Lewis Brown, Gary Carter and Phil Birchenall

Following a period of sustained growth, K7 Media is strengthening its management team.

The Manchester-based global media consultancy has announced a number of key internal promotions to support new client wins in China and on the US West Coast.

Under the new structure, Phil Birchenall is promoted from projects director to managing director, as founder Keri Lewis Brown becomes CEO.

Non-exec directors Gary Carter and Clare Thompson remain on the K7 board.

A newly-created operations team will see David Ciaramella, Ella Turner, Richard O’Meara and Michelle Lin appointed to management roles, handling client relations and overseeing a team of researchers providing broadcasters, producers and distributors across the globe with insight into the very best in international programming.

Due to K7 Media’s growing Asia Pacific client base, Michelle Lin will lead K7’s expanding Asia Pacific team, specialising in the analysis of titles across the wider Asia region.

Keri Lewis Brown said: “A business restructure has been on the cards for some time, recent new business wins have provided us with the perfect opportunity to reflect on the way the team works.

“As a business we are committed to expanding our knowledge and expertise across global territories. The creation of a dedicated Asia Pacific research team is testament to our ongoing commitment to deepening our understanding of the nuances of global trends.”

The restructure comes at a time when K7 Media are increasing their work with OTT and branded entertainment.

K7 Media offers an all-inclusive subscription service and provides research and intelligence to assist TV executives in the creation, purchase and sale of the best TV and video entertainment from across the globe.

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Liverpool-based Bibby Financial Services (BFS) has appointed Joe Waters as head of sales as it seeks to develop its services to small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the South of England.

With industry expertise spanning more than 30 years, Joe has held several senior positions in financial services, specifically supporting UK SMEs.

He most recently served as director at Partnership Invoice Finance, and was also a founding director at Gener8 Finance, as well as holding roles at PwC.

Joe Waters

Joe’s focus will be to grow BFS’s client base in London and the South, from the company’s office in Redhill, Surrey, where he will manage a team of six.

Joe said: “This is a fantastic time to join BFS as it seeks to broaden its influence across the London and Southern region.

“I wanted to join the company as its suite of financial services products are among the most innovative in the industry.

“As head of sales I look forward to working with SMEs in the region, helping them to access the funding they need to drive the growth of their business.”

Gary Davis, regional sales director-South at Bibby Financial Services, said: “BFS is continuing to expand throughout the UK to meet the funding demands of SMEs across the country.

“The current business environment means businesses need all the support they can get, so we are pleased that we have been able to strengthen our London-South team by appointing Joe.

“Joe brings a wealth of experience in financial services, and we are confident he can help consolidate and build on BFS’s reputation in the South of England as a bespoke provider of financial services for UK SMEs.”

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Advisory firm Dow Schofield Watts has appointed Dave Graham to lead its fast-growing London office.

Dave, who was the Daresbury-based firm’s first official employee when he joined in 2007, has relocated from the North West to work alongside the team in Covent Garden. He will be supported in his role by founding partner, Mark Watts.

The London office was opened in June and offers corporate finance and transaction services.

Dave Graham said: “The London market is incredibly vibrant and whilst there are many excellent corporate finance advisers, there is a clear gap in the mid-market for the type of hands-on, partner-led service that we provide.

Dave Graham

“As well as providing a local presence to work on client projects, the London office will enable us to build stronger links between the regional offices and the London funder market.”

Dave, who worked at telecoms group Caudwell and KPMG before joining Dow Schofield Watts, also leads the firm’s international network, which has members in 15 countries.

Mark Watts said: “Dave has been a key contributor to our growth over the last 10 years, as well as leading the launch and development of our international network.

“With existing London relationships already being an important part of our business, Dave is perfectly placed to continue that development and provide the key link to our strong regional office network.”

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BJSS, the IT and business consultancy, has appointed Stuart Bullock as managing director.

Bullock, who joined the company in 2000, is moving up from his role as director in charge of delivery centres in Leeds, Manchester and Bristol, and will now be responsible for running all aspects of BJSS’ business.

The appointment comes as BJSS continues its ongoing growth and follows the company’s recent win of the Queen’s Award for Innovation.

Bullock will replace Glynn Robinson, who has led the company for five years and will now take up the role of chairman.

In addition to its new managing director, BJSS is also appointing two new board members.

Stuart Bullock

  • Angela Pickard has been appointed to the board. She has worked at BJSS since 1993 and the elevation of her company secretary role to board level underlines the company’s emphasis on strong corporate governance as it expands.
  • Simon Sear, has been appointed to the board as chief innovation officer. Over the past two years Simon has grown BJSS’ Digital Design Consultancy, Sparck and he will now lead the company’s activities to stay abreast of technical and market developments.

Stuart Bullock said: “This is a hugely exciting opportunity to lead the business as it continues its rapid and sustainable growth.

“The recent validation of being named a Queen’s Award for Innovation winner has been a highlight and I know that we’ll continue to see many more successes over the coming years.

“It’s both an honour and a challenge to follow on from Glynn’s period at the head of BJSS and I’m delighted that he will continue to play a key role in executing BJSS’ strategy as chairman.”

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Wirral Chamber of Commerce has announced the appointment of Kate Eugeni to the role of director of visitor economy.

Wirral Peninsula’s tourism sector is currently worth more than £402m, employs in excess of 5,150 full-time equivalent jobs, and attracts around 8.5 million day and short break visitors each year.

It has increased by more than 39% since 2011, and employment within the sector has increased by 22%, and over 25% more visitors came to Wirral during the same period.

The role will heavily focus on the strengthening of the current visitor economy network locally and nationally.

Kate said: “I am excited to be taking over this role – visitor economy is worth over £400m to Wirral, however, it has the opportunities and potential to become much bigger.

Kate Eugeni

“A vibrant visitor economy will make local services viable, supporting local infrastructure and the creation of jobs.”

She added: “Next year will see Wirral as the Borough of Culture for the Liverpool City Region, and throughout the year we will see a series of events take place with visitors from all over the world coming to see what Wirral has to offer, and it is vitally important that local business know what they need to do to get involved at these events.”

Paula Basnett, Wirral Chamber of Commerce chief executive, said: “It was important to have a strong lead in directing this vital sector.

“Kate is well known in the area, and has a valuable national network.

“The recent visit of The Giants to Wirral clearly demonstrated that Wirral and Wirral Chamber of Commerce will always ensure that our economy is promoted as a vibrant and attractive place for businesses to grow and develop, so I am delighted to offer our support to Kate Eugeni in driving forward this important sector for the benefit of Wirral.”

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