People: Corporate finance team gets a boost at Garbutt + Elliott; Head of mobile returns to Brass and three promotions for Quod colleagues

Accountancy firm Garbutt + Elliott has boosted its corporate finance team with two recruits.

Nick Barker and Steve Garbett have joined as corporate finance managers at the firm’s York office.

They join a team led by Tony Farmer, who joined Garbutt + Elliott as a partner in December 2016.

Barker has 16 years’ experience in audit and accounts before qualifying as a chartered accountant. Garbett has a background in business tax, audit, accounts, personal and corporate finance. He began his career at Garbutt + Elliott and is rejoining the firm after ten years.

Russell Turner, Garbutt + Elliott’s managing partner said: “Our growth strategy is ahead of plan and appointing two high calibre people, in Nick and Steve, underlines our commitment to delivering excellent corporate finance services to our clients. Nick and Steve have over 30 years’ experience between them and are both very accomplished within corporate finance.

“We believe our growing corporate finance division will play a significant part in the success of Garbutt + Elliott in the future.”

Garbutt + Elliott partner and head of corporate finance, Richard Feltham said: “The addition of Steve and Nick to the corporate finance department will expand our coverage in the region and ensure we continue to develop client relationships through the values, excellent service and great ideas we provide.”

Garbutt + Elliott was established in York over 150 years ago. Today, the firm employs 120 people, including eight partners.

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Leeds marketing agency Brass has hired Sam Watson to a newly created head of mobile role.

Brass is increasing investment into mobile as a primary portal in delivering consumer experiences.

Watson started his career at Brass as an account manager in 2009 followed by positions at Digital Welly and twentysix, where he further specialised in the digital and mobile marketing, before returning to Brass.

Paul Mallett, managing partner at Brass, said:”In today’s omni-channel world, mobile has become the ‘go to’ technology for brands wanting to seamlessly connect and engage with their audiences.

“Mobile functionality now allows for truly personal and unique experiences. Whether using biometric tools, utilising proximity and location, or creating experiences that blend virtual and real worlds – the opportunity for both brands and customers to create individual customer experiences is now enormous.

“We decided that the time was right to further invest in mobile as a central part of our agency offering, both as a stand-alone service, and as an integrated touch-point within the customer journey.”

Watson said: “In addition to offering stand-alone mobile-centric services Brass offers total integration of mobile into the customer journey; both as a marketing tool, and as a communications portal. This, for me, is a really exciting opportunity as Brass’ philosophy for all work is centred around Consumer Experience meaning the opportunities are endless for mobile solutions, be that short burst campaigns or helping clients reshape their offering with mobile at the heart of the strategy.

“It’s great to come back at a time when Brass is flourishing with new client and award wins, the atmosphere in the workplace is exciting and every department has mobile on their agenda so I am going to be very busy here.”

John Morgan, CEO of Brass remarked: “We’re thrilled that Sam has returned to Brass, he has started to make a strong contribution to our business. We are confident that Sam’s extensive mobile and digital expertise will benefit our clients moving forwards.”

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Promotions at Quod Planning include three in the North.

Richard Frudd has been appointed a director. Rudd joined Quod in September 2014 after several years as regional director at Indigo Planning.

James Beynon has been promoted to associate level after joining Quod in 2011.

Lucie Jowett has been given the role of senior planner after just 18 months with the business. She is a chartered town planner.