Appointments: Franchise Brands; Charity Retail Association

Chris Dent, chief financial officer at Franchise Brands
Chris Dent, chief financial officer at Franchise Brands (Credit: LinkedIn)

Franchise Brands, the stock market-listed group with five franchise businesses, has appointed a new chief financial officer.

Chris Dent has joined the Kidderminster-based group, having previously worked for another Alternative Investment Market business, 7digital Group. The 36-year-old began his career at Deloitte, where he spent 10 years.

Interim finance boss Paul Below will leave next month after a handover period.

Stephen Hemsley, Franchise Brands’ executive chairman, said:
“Chris has excellent technical and transaction experience which will be invaluable given the ambitions of Franchise Brands.”

Franchise Brands floated in 2016 with three businesses – ChipsAway, Ovenclean and MyHome – and has since bought dog business Barking Mad and drain clearance business Metro Rod.

The Metro Rod deal was transformational for the group, and required Franchise Brands to raise £20m in a share placing to fund the reverse takeover.

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A director of a West Midlands hospice has been appointed to the national Charity Retail Association board, as the champion for charities with a small chain of shops.

Susan Newcombe, director of income and generation marketing at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, won a ballot for the directorship and will represent charities with 20 shops or less.

As the only body in the UK to represent the interests of charity retailers, Susan’s expertise will help deliver its Shop For The Future strategic plan, which aims to develop best practice in the industry.

Newcombe said: “Charity shops are an essential element of our organisations and high streets – not only are they an invaluable source of income but they also act as the heart of the community. They help bring together local people and for some, this may be their only source of health information.”

Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice currently operates 16 shops within the West Midlands area to support its work providing care and support to individuals and families living with terminal illness in Birmingham and Sandwell.

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