Deloitte lures new partner from PwC

DELOITTE has admitted to partnership Claire Evans, previously with PwC, as a new private client partner in its expanding tax practice in the Midlands.

The appointment brings the total number of Deloitte tax partners in the region to 45.

Ms Evans has more than 20 years’ experience in advising high net-worth business owners on all aspects of their personal and company-related tax affairs and will be one of two partners – with a supporting team of 13 – that make up Deloitte’s specialist Private Markets team based in Brindleyplace.

Commenting on her appointment, she said: “Private businesses are the backbone of the Midlands’ economy and we have some incredibly successful ones in our midst. I am delighted to have the opportunity to play a role in their continued growth and success.

“The Midlands is home to some of the UK’s most innovative, ambitious and dedicated entrepreneurs – which is very exciting for me. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Private Markets team on deepening our relationships with these individuals and their families.”

Chris Loughran, senior partner at Deloitte in Birmingham, commented: “Claire’s proven expertise and specialist knowledge along with her commitment to Midlands’ entrepreneurs is the best the market. We are delighted she has decided to join.”

New director for Clearwater

MID-MARKET advisory firm Clearwater Corporate Finance has promoted Sebastian Saywood to director.

Saywood has more than 10 years’ corporate advisory experience and works in the firm’s Birmingham and Nottingham offices. He read Economics at the University of Durham before training in restructuring and qualifying as a chartered accountant. Saywood joined Clearwater in 2007 and has since been involved in around 30 mid-market advisory mandates, including company sales and MBOs.

He advised management and Palatine Private Equity on the buyout of the amusement and gaming division of Midlands-based Inspired Gaming, which has turnover in excess of £30m.

Phil Burns, managing partner at Clearwater Corporate Finance, said: “We are very pleased to announce Seb’s promotion. He has made a significant contribution to the development of our key sector teams and helped us to develop relationships with businesses and investors overseas.”

Grant Thornton strengthens Financial Planning team

GRANT Thornton has appointed Jonathan Neale as an associate director to its Financial Planning team in Birmingham.

Based at the firm’s Colmore Square offices, Neale, left, began his career at HSBC in 1987, eventually becoming a commercial manager in 2002 and a financial adviser in 2004. His experience includes working with high net worth individuals at the bank’s Premier centre in Lichfield, plus international and UK-based clients of HSBC’s commercial and corporate division in Birmingham.

His new role at Grant Thornton will involve advising clients how to achieve their personal financial objectives as well as helping to develop the office’s financial planning service.

Neil Messenger, partner and head of Grant Thornton’s national Financial Planning team, said: “Jonathan has outstanding technical knowledge and has the rare skill of being able to articulate what are sometimes complex issues in a very simple and easy to understand way. He will be a real asset to the team.  He will provide clear direction and clarity to clients planning.”