On the move: the latest East Midlands hires
WBR Group, the independent SSAS provider and tax specialist, has appointed Tom Lodge as tax director and Akshay Vaghela as tax manager.
Lodge will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day management of the WBR Tax function, with eleven people reporting to him. He will also join the Leicester firm’s executive board. Lodge joined WBR Group in 2019 and brings over 10 years’ tax sector experience to the role.
Vaghela joined the company in 2021 as a senior associate with a specialism in restructuring. He previously worked as a tax supervisor for Wilson Wright.
Tom Moore, CEO of WBR Group, said: “We are delighted to appoint Tom to the newly created role of tax director and Akshay to the role of tax manager.
“Tom has been with the business for 4 years and has been an invaluable member of the team, with a strong appreciation for technical detail, taking a keen interest in case law and future developments of tax policy. With his deep understanding of the legislation, and wider concepts he is able to advise on complex situations. His extensive experience and knowledge of the tax landscape will be invaluable as we continue to grow WBR Tax.
“The promotion of Tom and Akshay further strengthens our tax team and demonstrates our commitment to providing our clients and professional connections with the highest level of expertise and service.”
Meanwhile, Star Trust, which hosts unique “must-attend” events for charity, has welcomed several new business leaders and entrepreneurs as patrons and trustees.
Since its launch over a decade ago, Start Trust has donated more than £777,000 and awarded grants to 100 East Midlands-based charities.
Kavita Oberoi OBE, founder of Oberoi Consulting and Oberoi Business Hub in Derby, and Tony Hillary of Nottingham-based Hillary’s blinds have joined as patrons of the charity.
Both will work alongside established patron Tim Storer – joint managing director of his family business, Pukka Pies Ltd – to champion the charity, help decide where money should be donated and participate in fundraising activities.
Two new volunteer board members have also joined Star Trust in the shape of Lincolnshire-based entrepreneur Sarah Louise Fairburn and David Ryley, head of David Ryley Wealth in Nottinghamshire.
(L-R): Tony Hillary, Kavita Oberoi and Tim Storer
Star Trust founder Steve Hampson said: “We are delighted to welcome our new patrons and board members who join a loyal and committed team of volunteers with the sole focus of supporting local charities.
“We organise up to three high profile events a year – the most recent of which was a motoring day which raised more than £45,000.
“All the money raised is then granted to small charities across the East Midlands region who apply for funding and both our patrons and board members have an important role in ensuring that the money is allocated for maximum benefit to local communities.”
Kavita Oberoi added: “I am honoured to be working alongside such like-minded entrepreneurs from across the region who share my ethos to improve the lives of vulnerable people in our local communities.
“Our Derby Breakfast Club continues to be a huge success – ensuring children start the day with a healthy meal and Oberoi Consulting now has its own foundation to support charities and organisations across the world with a focus on women and girls.
“I regard this role as patron of Star Trust working well in tandem with this existing work and I look forward to playing an active role in this very successful charity.”
