On the move: the latest East Midlands hires

Begbies Traynor has promoted a member of its Leicester team to director.

Thomas Harris joined the insolvency and business advisory specialist in 2020 and has worked in the sector for nearly 15 years.

He has been made appointment-taking director following a period of growth for the firm, which opened its Leicester office three years ago.

Harris said: “Now more than ever, businesses are facing really challenging times, so it is important that they can rely on us to provide high quality business recovery advice and consultancy services. We are here to help local businesses who may find themselves in financial difficulty and work with them them achieve the best possible outcome from their situation.”

Martin Buttriss, partner at Begbies Traynor in Leicester, added: “Tom’s promotion is thoroughly well-deserved and it comes at a time when businesses need our support to help them navigate an increasingly turbulent economic environment. He is quick to establish a warm rapport with clients and is a natural fit for our approachable and friendly culture at Begbies Traynor.

“Since Tom joined us, we have grown to a team of eight, with plans for further expansion in the coming year.”

Leicestershire-based IFA Furnley House has bolstered its team with a new hire.

Darren Bradbury, who joins as a protection specialist, brings 25 years’ financial services experience to the firm.

Stefan Fura, managing director at Furnley House, said: “Darren coming on board supports Furnley House’s planned growth as well as our goal of helping clients in every stage of their life.

“His values really tie into with ours and we’re delighted to have him as part of our team going forwards.”

Bradbury said: “Having been self-employed for a few years, it would have taken an amazing opportunity to return to being employed, and that is exactly what Furnley House has offered me.

Darren Bradbury

“Coming from Leicester myself, I am very excited to be joining a local company that shares so many of my values. Both mine and Furnley House’s focus is always on the client, and I’m looking forward to supporting more people with their protection needs.

“I was also attracted by Furnley House’s strong charitable ethos. They have helped and improved the lives of so many people over the years through the Furnley House Foundation and I’m looking forward to getting involved with this as well as continuing my own charity work.”

He added: “I am so thankful to everyone involved for the opportunity and cannot wait to get started!”