People: BDO makes key promotion; Double hire for FRP Advisory; and more

Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO has announced a senior promotion in its Birmingham office.

Paul Townson, based its Snow Hill office, has been promoted to partner in the BDO tax team.

Townson, who has been with the firm for 18 years, is one of 14 new partners across its UK tax, audit and advisory teams.

The promotions are effective from July 6 and cover its tax, audit and advisory teams.

Townson joined BDO in 2000 and primarily works for privately-owned businesses, their owners and their families within an 80-strong Midlands tax team.

He said: “I am delighted to be moving up to partner in July following a number of years as a member of the Midlands senior tax team. My promotion comes at a time when BDO is going from strength to strength, following our recent merger with Moore Stephens. As a business we are proud to be considered as specialists in our field, with the capability to effectively deliver complex projects.”

Richard Rose, head of BDO in Birmingham added: “2019 has already been a notable year for BDO for many reasons. Following our successful merger with Moore Stephens, we are in a position of strength and I am thrilled that our newly enlarged firm is continuing to attract and retain exceptional talent like Paul.”

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Specialist business advisory firm FRP Advisory has strengthened its Birmingham team with the appointment of partner Tony Barrell and director Gemma Jones.

Barrell has more than 20 years’ experience in the Midlands restructuring market, most recently leading PwC’s restructuring team in the East Midlands. He is an advisory and insolvency specialist and throughout his career has supported mid-market businesses across the automotive, manufacturing, retail and healthcare sectors.

At FRP Advisory, he will work alongside restructuring partners Gerald Smith, Raj Mittal and Arvindar Jit Singh as their 19-strong team continues to provide support to businesses and their stakeholders across the West Midlands.

Gerald Smith, partner at FRP Advisory in Birmingham, said: “Tony is a strong addition to the team – his experience, in-depth knowledge of the region’s business community and his reputation as a trusted advisor to businesses and their stakeholders across the Midlands are exactly what we look for and it’s fantastic to have him on board.”

FRP Advisory has also announced the promotion of Jones from senior manager to director in the restructuring team. She has been with the firm for more than four years and was recently elected to the ICAEW Council to represent the West Midlands and Birmingham in recognition of her commitment to the industry.

Smith added: “As a firm, it’s vital that we continue to invest in and develop the best talent, as only by doing so are we able to continue to deliver the highest quality service to our clients. These latest appointments are testament to that and I’m looking forward to Tony and Gemma playing a key role in the next stage of our growth journey.”
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Floor coverings manufacturer Victoria has announced that after 32 years Alexander Anton is retiring from the board as a non-executive director in order to focus on his other business interests.

Geoff Wilding, executive chairman of Victoria, said: “Alexander has given many years of valued service to Victoria but he has become increasingly busy with other business commitments. Following the recent successful IPO of Summerway Capital PLC, where Alexander is Executive Chairman and a significant shareholder, he felt it was the right time to step down. On behalf of the shareholders and myself I would like to express our sincere gratitude for all his work and steadfast support.”

Anton added: “My family and I are significant shareholders in Victoria and intend to remain so indefinitely. The company is executing consistently on its proven strategy, which will continue to create wealth for its shareholders.”