People on the move: Dow Schofield Watts; Medlock FRB; Suttons International; Apadmi; Kirwans
INDEPENDENT advisory business Dow Schofield Watts has launched a new technology team which aims to boost the growth of the North’s tech sector by helping businesses bridge the funding gap with the South.
The team will be led by David Smith, a veteran tech investor and adviser who formerly managed the North West Fund for Digital & Creative.
The line-up also includes Keith Benson, a former technology developer; Dave Graham who has a background in the mobile industry as well as leading the firm’s engagement with Sci-Tech Daresbury for the last four years; and Roger Esler who has advised technology companies at different stages of development.
While the team will offer technology companies a full range of advice on how to grow and exit their business, access to finance will be the key focus – and in particular how to tap into the rich seam of venture capital in the London market.
Venture capital investment has long been concentrated in the capital. According to figures from CB Insights, UK tech firms secured a record £2.46bn in venture capital in 2015, although 63% went to companies in London.
Smith believes lack of access to finance is holding back the development of the North’s tech scene. “The North has strong talent offering high-quality investment opportunities. Start-ups are becoming more sophisticated and professional each year.
We also have several vibrant, research-orientated universities in the region.
“However, with a few notable exceptions, venture capital remains focused on London and investors rarely venture into the regions – even though strong competition for investments in London is pushing up prices.
“A key part of our role will be to help bridge the gap by introducing Northern technology companies to sources of investment in the capital. We will also provide a conduit to enable London-based venture capitalists to access opportunities in the North, where they are likely to get far more for their money.”
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LEISURE contractor Medlock FRB has promoted two managers to its board as the firm gears up for its next phase of growth.
David Wheeler, 30, and Dan Lewis, 26, have been appointed to the newly-created roles of commercial director and project director respectively.
Medlock finance director Colin Drury said the duo have been rewarded for their impact on the fast-growing business, and would play a key role in its future development.
The construction and fit-out firm, which specialises in leisure and hospitality projects across the UK, saw revenues increase 35% in 2015 to £25m, from £18.54m in 2014.
Wheeler, who was previously senior commercial manager, has worked in the construction industry for 13 years and has been involved in numerous multi-million pound projects, including leisure and commercial schemes. He joined Medlock in April 2015.
Lewis joined Medlock in 2014 as a site manager and was soon promoted to project manager.
Drury said: “David and Dan have excellent track records in the industry. These promotions are a fitting reward for the major impact they have had at Medlock with their professional and positive approach to their roles. They are key and outstanding members of our team.
“It is an exciting time for the company and we are delighted to bring younger members of the team on to the board.
“These new director roles will enable us to continue our growth in line with our strategy and to build on our record of delivering successful projects for our customers each and every time, leading to continued repeat business and sensible business growth.”
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NORTH West based international logistics and supply chain specialist Suttons Group has announced the appointment of Barry McNally as managing director of Suttons International Ltd.
Suttons International Ltd operates globally with operations in the Americas, Europe the Middle East and Asia.
McNally will oversee all activities that the division provides to its clients in the chemical and petrochemical sectors including international Iso Tanks, fleet management, supply chain management, chemical packaging, warehousing and on-site logistics.
He will be based at Suttons’ head office in Widnes, Cheshire.
McNally has spent the last 18 years working for Stolt-Nielsen, most recently as director of planning and projects for Stolt Tankers. Prior to this, McNally held the positions of regional director Europe and global marketing for Stolt Tank Containers, leading teams of more than 120 employees in 6 countries.
John Sutton, Suttons Group CEO, said: “I am delighted to welcome Barry to the group.
“His appointment is key to the success of our International business and I’m confident that Barry will bring his extensive knowledge and sector experience to bear in driving forward our growth strategy. I am confident he will make a strong addition to our board of directors.
“Suttons’ focus will continue to be on delivering the high levels of quality of service that our customers have come to expect.”
Suttons operates internationally with key business centres in New Jersey, Houston, Chicago, Widnes, Antwerp, Ludwigshafen, Paris, Kuantan, Singapore, Shanghai, Tokyo and Khobar.
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MANCHESTER-based Apadmi, the app developer, has expanded its marketing division with the appointment of experienced marketing manager Andrew Lee.
Lee joins the team from Kewill, a leading logistics software company, where he was responsible for all global online marketing programs.
The rest of his 10 years’ experience in marketing includes roles at Siemens and Finning Caterpillar, the world’s largest dealer of Cat equipment.
In his new role, he will be overseeing the marketing team’s activities in promoting new projects and supporting the continued growth of the business.
The appointment comes after the Trafford business announced last month that it had doubled its turnover over the past two years and increased its headcount to 60.
It has recently hired several new members of staff to fulfill roles across multiple departments, following completion of several successful projects such including work with Argos and the NHS.
Lee said: “Apadmi is a leader in its sector, and the recent growth makes for a particularly exciting time to be joining the team.
“In my new role I will be leading the marketing strategy with creativity and ambition, and look forward to working with the rest of the team on achieving this.”
Nick Black, CEO of Apadmi, said: “We’re very glad that Andrew is joining the Apadmi team. His extensive experience in not only marketing, but the technology sector, will make him extremely valuable as the number of projects we take on continue to increase.
“We look forward to watching our marketing team flourish even more under Andrew’s guidance, as well as continuing to grow even more as a business.”
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LAW firm Kirwans has bolstered its service offering by moving its Liverpool office to the heart of the commercial district and announcing the appointments of two specialist lawyers.
The new city centre office at 1 Temple Square, Dale Street, Liverpool, will complement the firm’s existing offices in Prenton and Moreton, Wirral and Southport.
Newly appointed associate Julie Hunter and solicitor Lindsey Knowles have joined the team to further enhance the development and expansion of the firm’s commercial and personal legal services.
Hunter, formerly of Bermans, brings a wealth of commercial expertise to Kirwans’ litigation department, in particular in the areas of business disputes including finance litigation, asset finance and loan agreements.
Knowles, who joins the firm from Percy Hughes and Roberts and is an active member of the Employment Law Committee of Liverpool Law Society, will further enhance Kirwans’ current employment law offering, working on a broad range of employment matters on behalf of employers and employees alike.
Managing partner David Kirwan, whose late father founded the firm in 1947, said: “Kirwans is committed to expanding our services in Liverpool, and the new location together with the key appointments of Julie and Lindsey underline our determination to do just that.
“The organisation’s longstanding success has been built on the high standard of service delivered to our clients by our talented and much-valued team. This is an exciting time for the firm as we welcome new faces and grow our service offering throughout the UK.”
