New Area Business Manager at Barclays

BARCLAYS has appointed James Whitaker as its new Area Business Manager for Birmingham.

Whitaker, who has a wealth of business experience, will lead the 16-strong business team which specialises in working with firms in the SME sector.
 
He said: “I am delighted to be moving into this role to support businesses in the Birmingham area. The experience of the team is undoubted and we look forward to helping clients achieve their aspirations.

“As confidence continues to return to the market, I would like to build on the great success of the last few years to help more and more customers grow their businesses. As we continue to focus on the delivery of a high standard of business banking service for our customers, I believe we can offer an approachable and efficient way of working to meet the needs of local businesses.”

New CFM for Odyssey

ODYSSEY Corporate Finance has expanded its team in Birmingham with the appointment of a new Corporate Finance Manager.

Adam Rowlands’ (left) appointment follows a year of growth for the OCF team.

Tom McCarthy, Director at OCF said: “We’re pleased to welcome Adam to the team. During his career he has advised a range of clients including management teams, private equity firms, shareholders, Plc’s and foreign corporates.

“Adam has worked in numerous sectors with specific interest and experience in healthcare, technology, media, business support services, electronics and engineering.  He joins at an exciting time for Odyssey as we continue to develop our business.”

New recruitment sparks fresh initiative for Mortgages Together

SOLIHULL-based independent mortgage broker Mortgages Together has launched a new initiative, expanding into independent financial planning and wealth management following the recruitment of a leading independent financial adviser.

The expansion coincides with Trevor Pugh’s intention to retire from Mortgages Together, the business which he founded in 2003. Pugh will continue to have a financial interest in the business in the short-term.

Taking the reins as the new Managing Director of the business is Gordon Symes (left), a highly experienced independent financial adviser specialising in wealth management, pensions and retirement planning.

His expertise now enables the Mortgages Together business to operate in two connected but distinct service areas.  This will be reflected by trading under two names: Mortgages Together, which will continue as an independent mortgage broker for residential and commercial mortgages and Planning Together.

Through the latter, the business will provide independent professional advice on investment, pensions, retirement and inheritance tax planning to individuals, including shareholders and owners of privately owned companies.

Symes, who has been in the financial services business for a quarter of a century, said: “Our strategy is to offer a wide range of wealth management and related services to clients, including those who own high growth businesses.  
“We will be able to cover all of a client’s financial needs, including for example, pensions and mortgages, in a coordinated way.”

In an additional appointment, the mortgage team is being strengthened with the recruitment of Andy Rose, who has 19 years of experience within the mortgage world – the last 14 of which as an adviser.

Pugh (right) said: “I believe that the Mortgages Together and Planning Together businesses will be greatly strengthened by going forward  in partnership  The new team is in place and is already delivering a proactive service to clients both in securing mortgage loans for clients and in providing holistic financial advice.”