On the move: the latest East Midlands hires

Earl Shilton Building Society (esbs) has announced the addition of Simon Biggs and Rachael Bartlett to its team.

Biggs joined the Leicester-based society in December 2024 as data transformation lead, bringing extensive experience in risk analytics, forensic investigative analytics, and compliance systems implementation.

He said: “I was drawn to esbs for its culture and personal touch, as well as the opportunity to help shape its vision, strategy, and operations during a time of exciting change. What I enjoy most is the willingness of the Society to go out of its way to help, along with the strong sense of community.”

Rachael Bartlett

Rachael Bartlett, who joined in June 2024, takes on the role of customer services representative in branch & savings support.

With a background in various customer-facing roles in retail, hospitality, and cafes, Bartlett is well-suited to her new position.

She said: “I wanted to join esbs to build a long-term career with job security. The friendly atmosphere among both customers and staff makes every day different and enjoyable.”

Scott Devereux, CEO of esbs said: “We are pleased to welcome Simon and Rachael to the team. Their skills, experience, and enthusiasm will be invaluable as we continue to grow and support our members.”

Tim Harrington has been promoted to director of the Northampton office of corporate finance specialists Watersheds.

Since joining Watersheds in 2018, Harrington has become a trusted advisor to a wide range of owner-managed businesses across the East and West Midlands, the M1 corridor, and East Anglia.

He now leads a growing team based from the Northampton office, providing specialist advice and guidance on buying and selling businesses and raising finance.

Harrington has had a transformative impact on businesses throughout the region, guiding clients through complex transactions and strategic growth decisions.

Tim Harrington

His expertise has helped ambitious business owners realise value, unlock growth, and navigate the challenges of change with confidence.

Among the standout deals led by Harrington are the sale of The Woodhouse Partnership, an asset management consultancy, to RSK Group; the sale of engineering and software specialist GRM Consulting to US-based, private equity-backed Solid Solutions; and an acquisition for a leading IT consultancy business.

He said: “I’m honoured to have the chance to lead such a talented and driven young team here in Northampton. I’m looking forward to growing the business and that team, and continuing to provide a second-to-none service to our clients, supporting them through what are ‘once in a lifetime’ transactions.

“It’s a real pleasure to help clients realise the benefits of what has often been a lifetime’s work, grow their business, or acquire their own. Our commitment to working on contingent fees, and so only charging those fees, when we deliver results sets us apart in the marketplace and aligns us completely with our clients’ objectives. I’m looking forward to introducing these unique services to a growing portfolio of clients in the region.”

Prior to joining Watersheds, Harrington held senior commercial and financial roles in the energy sector, including three years in Norway as an Economist, as well as roles including Commercial Finance Manager for a FTSE 100 subsidiary.

Sue Green, managing director of Watersheds said: “Tim’s combination of experience in senior roles in industry and acumen in advising businesses across the region and guiding them to meet their goals has resulted in his having a real impact on the development and growth of business in the region. His promotion to Director is recognition of the skills he has, as well as his leadership of the growing team in Northampton.”

Blu Hardy, marketing manager at Hardy Signs, has returned to Ghana for a second year of volunteering with African Adventures.

Hardy is working with two community-led projects in the Volta Region – Tegbi EP School and The Young Shall Grow International – as part of a team of UK-based volunteers.

This year’s focus is on building a perimeter wall around Tegbi EP School to improve safety for the children, while also supporting classroom learning and infrastructure improvements.

Hardy said: “It’s truly humbling to be welcomed back into a community that has given me so much perspective and purpose. The children at Tegbi EP and The Young Shall Grow International are bright, eager and full of potential. It’s a privilege to play a small part in helping to shape their futures and to represent Hardy Signs in such a meaningful way.”