On the move: this week’s new hires

Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO has added to its Midlands team with the appointment of Georgina Connor.

Connor joins the Forensics Services team as a director. She brings more than 20 years’ experience to the firm, with expertise in compliance, risks management, and forensic investigation, gained in both the UK and emerging markets. Her experience spans a wide range of industries, including government and healthcare sectors.

At BDO, Connor will focus on anti-bribery and corruption, fraud risk management, and investigation. She will also be supporting clients to manage their risks, including to design, build, implement and monitor related risk and compliance programmes. She is a chartered accountant and previously worked at PwC and GE Healthcare.

Sannan Khan, partner and head of forensic investigation and economic crime risk management in the Midlands, said: “Georgina is a fantastic addition to our forensic services team, as we continue to attract some of the brightest talent in the sector – people who have an in-depth understanding of the challenges facing regional businesses and the skills and experience to help guide clients through the complex landscape that surrounds fraud, compliance and other risks.”

Connor added: “I’m delighted to be joining such a talented team at BDO and I can’t wait to help grow our capabilities in what is quickly becoming a business-critical area for companies across a broad spectrum of sectors.”

Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire law firm, Wilkin Chapman, is celebrating five newly-qualified solicitors following completion of their training contracts.

Kelsey Jerrard

After a two-year training programme, Alisha Bingham, Lauren Osborne, Kelsey Jerrard, Rosanna Lindley-McGovern, and Sarah Johnson will specialise in disciplines including commercial property, corporate and commercial, and medical negligence.

They will be based in Beverley, Louth, Grimsby and Lincoln.

Jerrard, newly qualified solicitor in Grimsby, said: “My experience as a trainee solicitor at Wilkin Chapman has been amazing. The high quality of work I have been given, plus the client engagement that I have had the opportunity to experience, has been invaluable in preparing me for my career as a solicitor. The teams I have worked with have made me feel so welcome from day one.

“Growing up in Grimsby, Wilkin Chapman had always been on my radar, as I watched the firm grow over the years. I was offered a job as a paralegal to get my foot in the door, giving me the opportunity to see how the firm operates. The welcoming response that I received alongside the support in applying for a training contact showed that this is the firm for me.”

Marc Gallagher

Derbyshire-based fixings and fastenings firm, ForgeFix, has appointed Marc Gallagher as business development manager.

He has over 20 years of experience in the construction sector, including working for independent fixtures and fastenings experts, merchants and other well-known tools specialists.

Gallagher said: “Becoming part of a team synonymous with quality was a must – which is why I knew ForgeFix was the right fit for me. I have been following the impressive growth of the business over the last few years, and I look forward to being a part of that moving forward.”

Paul Swift, managing director of Forgefix, said: “It’s wonderful to have Marc on board and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the Forgefix family. It’s an exciting time for the company.

“Marc has a wealth of knowledge in the industry and knows the industry well, which will prove invaluable as we look to grow awareness of the ForgeFix brands.”

PwC has recruited a total of 143 graduates and school leavers to its offices across the Midlands.

Of the new intake, 111 graduates join the firm’s One Chamberlain Square office in Birmingham, with a further 18 in the Castle Donnington office and 14 at its base in Milton Keynes.

The graduates will be split across the firm’s lines of service including audit, consulting, deals, tax and risk, with some graduates on a rotation programme to experience multiple parts of the business, including roles related to cyber security and technology, data and analytics.

Matthew Hammond, PwC UK Midlands regional market leader & Birmingham seniorpartner, said: “I am delighted to welcome the class of 2023 to PwC Midlands. We’re committed to offering training and opportunities to the next generation from a diverse range of backgrounds, it is fantastic to welcome the majority of our intake for the second consecutive year from an ethnic monitory background and over 50% are female.”