People: Advisory firm appoints partner; CEO of listed firm steps down; and more

Karl Hodson, who joined BTG Advisory, a division of Begbies Traynor Group, three years ago as a director, has been promoted to partner as the quoted group continues to build its team of funding specialists.

Hodson, who is a former banker and investment manager, joined BTG Advisory in 2016, working from the firm’s offices in Yorkshire, the Humber and the North East, to set up its offering of tailored funding solutions and receivables management services. Since then, he has grown the Corporate Solution division to a seven-strong team and helped it to achieve over 50% income growth in the last financial year (ending April 2019).

The team assists businesses needing to raise finance, working with banks and accountants across the North as well as partnering with Caple Business Loans to provide unsecured loans of £500k to £5m. In addition, the team provides sales ledger support, helping to collect outstanding business debts.

Julian Pitts, regional managing partner for Yorkshire, said: “With his extensive knowledge of commercial funding, Karl has proved to be the ideal person to lead our specialist services, working with professional advisers to guide SMEs through the raft of lending options in what has been a very challenging and turbulent time.

“Karl has built an extremely experienced and capable team which has supported numerous businesses with their refinancing needs, as well as working with them to collect outstanding debts. This promotion is well-deserved recognition of his achievements and positions the team for further growth.”

Hodson added: “As an independent funding specialist, we see our role as working with advisers and businesses to help find solutions to their finance needs. Whether seeking funding for growth, or just for working capital purposes, finding the right funding is still difficult, but we have proved able to support profitable businesses by providing unsecured loans to fill a gap in their finances. We also offer a range of services to aid the collection of outstanding business debts and have achieved numerous successful collect outs ensuring the secured lender has been repaid in full.

“Bringing together this expertise has been well-received by businesses across the UK, and I look forward to building on this as we continue to strengthen our offering.”

The firm recently launched Sheffield Chamber Finance, a new product which gives advice to Sheffield Chamber of Commerce members.

In his spare time, Hodson has helped to raise over £10,000 during the last 12 months for local charities such as Cavendish Cancer Care, Laura Crane Youth Cancer Trust and the Include Foundation by running networking events in Sheffield and Leeds in support of the charities.

Karl’s experience before joining BTG Advisory, includes working as a commercial manager for HSBC, time at the British Business Bank, and as investment manager for Enterprise Ventures, primarily working on the Finance Yorkshire fund.

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The Chief Executive Officer at listed firm Tissue Regenix has resigned from his position with immediate effect after a recurrence of his illness.

Steve Couldwell informed the Board that he had taken the decision in order to concentrate on his recovery.

John Samuel will resume the position of Executive Chairman until a full time CEO appointment is made. Gareth Jones, Chief Operating Officer, will take up the position of interim- CEO.

Mike Barker, who has been with the Group since January, will continue to support the Executive team as interim Finance Director.

Couldwell said: “It has been my great privilege and honour to lead Tissue Regenix for two years in the position of CEO. I truly believe in the strength of our technologies, our product portfolio and market strategy.  The Company is at such an exciting point of commercial and operational inflection and I remain committed to being available as an adviser and mentor wherever possible.”

Executive Chairman, John Samuel, added: “The Board and I regret the news of Steve’s resignation and would like to thank him for his inspirational leadership over the last two years. With the support of Gareth and Mike, we continue to be well positioned with an experienced Executive team.”

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Nexus, the University of Leeds’ innovation hub, has expanded its team with the appointment of a new Engagement Officer.

Tom Oakes joins from PwC’s technology consulting practice, where he worked with public and private sector organisations helping to deliver complex change programmes, including large scale digital transformation and digital enablement projects.

Oakes joins a dedicated team responsible for facilitating productive working partnerships and collaborations.

As the point of contact for initial enquiries, he will be responsible for building relationships with early stage, high-growth businesses, assessing their needs and identifying ways to collaborate with the university.

Oakes said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the Nexus team. As a University of Leeds graduate, I have first-hand experience of the strong reputation the university has for its interactions with business.

“I’m looking forward to using both my engineering and technology expertise to help create collaborative opportunities for start-ups and SMEs, and engaging with partners to make a positive contribution to the region’s wider business community.”

Dr Martin Stow, Nexus Director, added: “Nexus is centred around collaboration and helping organisations to harness ideas and translate them into real business opportunities.

“Tom will join a team dedicated to facilitating productive working partnerships and collaborations between academic experts and business. His experience will be a tremendous asset, as he builds relationships with businesses and matches their needs to the capabilities of the university.”

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Leeds-based Fullers Foods International has recruited Rebecca Allan to its team, where she will be responsible for the company’s expanding Aldi and Co-op accounts.

Allan has extensive experience in both food manufacturing and retails customers. She joins the Fullers team from BBF Hull (formerly Greencore Cakes and Desserts), where she was a Senior Business Account Manager, looking after Asda.

Jason Fuller, joint CEO of Fullers with his brother Adam, said: “I am delighted to welcome Rebecca to Fullers Foods.

“Rebecca has an excellent track record in the food sector and will be a valuable asset to our customers and internal team.”

Kevin Smith, Managing Director at Fullers Foods, added: “Rebecca’s appointment is part of the ongoing development programme we are implementing, and I am confident her expertise will prove of significant value as we continue to build on the relationships and service we provide to the retail and food service sector.

“Her experience will bring a fresh view and drive in our approach.”

Allan added: “Fullers Foods is a strong business and I am delighted to be joining them at such an exciting time. I look forward to working with a talented and motivated team and ensuring that we strengthen and develop our relationship with key clients.”

Allan, who graduated with a First Class Honours degree in Business Studies at Lancaster University, previously worked for 2 Sisters Food Group, Asda and Netto, as well at BBF Hull.

Fullers Foods intends to work with Co-Op and Aldi on a plan to face the food industry’s increasing challenges, creating a faster more commercial network with improved value and availability for  customers while supporting farmers, production facilities and distribution networks throughout the UK and Europe.

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