Barclays recruits from Warwick Business School

BARCLAYS has bolstered its wealth and investment management services in Birmingham with the appointment of Private Banker, Cecelia Russell.

Prior to joining Barclays, Ms Russell spent seven years as a Postgraduate Programmes Manager at Warwick Business School, where she ran a portfolio of premium finance-related Masters courses. She arrives at the wealth and investment management division of the bank as part of the Embark scheme, under which Barclays looks to attract talented individuals who have spent time in a different profession and are looking to make the transition into wealth management.

Commenting on the appointment, Ben Gulliford, Regional Director for Barclays Wealth and Investment Management in Birmingham, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Cecelia to the Barclays team in the Midlands. The experience she has gained in the world of academia will be of great value in her work as part of our team and we look forward to the fresh perspectives she will bring. The Embark programme is an excellent way of attracting individuals such as Cecelia who have a proven track record of success in their previous roles.”

Ms Russell added: “This new chapter of my career represents a significant change from my previous work and I look forward to working with my new team to help local high net worth individuals achieve their financial goals. The Embark programme offers excellent opportunities to gain knowledge and experience as a private banker, for those looking to make the move into a new industry.”

Former HSBC regional director returns to Birmingham with Santander

SANTANDER Corporate Banking has appointed Leon Marklew as Regional Director for the West Midlands.

In his new role, Marklew will be based at the Corporate Business Centre in Birmingham and will lead a team of Corporate and Commercial Banking experts spread across Birmingham, Coventry and Wolverhampton, but working with businesses across the whole of the West Midlands.  

The team includes bankers in sectors such as Real Estate, Healthcare, Deposits, Asset Finance and Invoice Finance. As a whole, the 37-strong team is responsible for managing existing customer relationships and sourcing new business to support the continued expansion of Santander Corporate & Commercial Banking throughout the region.

Marklew is an established figure in the UK regional banking marketplace and takes up his new post having previously been Regional Director for Retail Banking and Wealth Management, London for HSBC. Prior to that, he was HSBC’s Regional Director for Birmingham and the West Midlands with responsibility for retail, commercial and business banking.

Bloomer Heaven partner celebrates his silver jubilee with the firm

CHRIS Stephen- Haynes managing partner of Birmingham-based accountancy firm, Bloomer Heaven, has celebrated his 25th anniversary with the company.

He began his accountancy career as a trainee accountant with the firm and in 2006 was appointed managing partner. During that time he has seen the business grow into one of the largest independent accountancy and business services consultancies in the city.

The firm recently moved into new offices within the Colmore Business District.

Reflecting on his quarter of a century at Bloomer Heaven, he said: “I have enjoyed every minute of my 25 years at Bloomer Heaven as a trainee, as a partner and for the past six years as managing partner. It has been a privilege to work with such talented and dedicated staff and such a diverse range of businesses not only within the Midlands region but across the country.”