On the move: the latest East Midlands hires
Multi-disciplinary built environment consultancy EDGE has appointed Joe Vale as director of cost management.
Vale joins EDGE with more than 15 years of experience in delivering cost management services, forming client relationships, developing strategies and driving solutions.
The core of Vale’s role will support and lead cost management services across the Midlands.
With a growing emphasis on sector-specific insights and regional capacity, Vale will provide expertise across the commercial, residential, public and education sectors.
He said: “In my view, the key to delivering valuable services and successful cost and project management is honesty and integrity. Telling the hard truth is more challenging than simply saying what people want to hear. When combined with excellent technical service delivery, this approach allows the opportunity to lead ethically and with integrity ensuring that the best advice and guidance is provided, thereby driving successful outcomes for clients and stakeholders.
“I look forward to applying this approach to support the high-quality service EDGE provides to clients while contributing to the ongoing success and growth of a business that is already achieving remarkable things.”
Lee Simmonite, director at EDGE, said: “Joe’s appointment is a significant milestone towards scaling up our operations as we continue to grow and invest in talent across all of our office locations – with several prospective major projects in the pipeline. Our senior leadership team has decades of experience in construction and property, remaining hands-on, personally guiding all work to completion.
“We know that Joe will be a brilliant addition to the diverse mix of staff that contribute to our success, playing a vital role in evolving our processes and strategies. With momentum building and a pipeline of growth in Birmingham across a range of sectors, we look forward to what will be a poignant period in the region’s landscape.”
Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO has welcomed over 50 new trainees across its Midlands offices this week, with more than 600 starting across the UK.
The trainees, who join the firm’s 8,000-strong workforce across its audit, tax and advisory practices, are a combination of school leaver apprentices, university graduates and students undertaking a 12-month industrial placement.
As part of their training, the majority of new joiners will have the opportunity to undertake a Level 7 apprenticeship programme, resulting in a qualification equivalent to a master’s degree.
This year, 40 students from years 11-13 took part in the firm’s Explore BDO programme, designed for students from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and a further 22 university students took part in BDO’s Black Heritage Insight programme.
Once completed, both offer fast-track applications to students interested in applying for BDO’s apprenticeship or graduate positions.
In addition, BDO will welcome over 80 students on a summer internship in July of next year – eight of whom will be based in the Midlands.
Kyla Bellingall, regional managing partner at BDO in the Midlands, said: “I’m always delighted to welcome our annual cohort of new trainees to our offices in the Midlands. This young talent never fails to bring a fresh perspective, enthusiasm, energy, and a thirst for knowledge.
“We know our insight and work experience programmes across the country continue to make a real difference. As a firm, and for me, as someone whose career in the profession began as a school leaver apprentice, increasing access to accountancy is incredibly important. At BDO, we’re committed to opening up as many opportunities as possible to a diverse group of young people who will play a vital role in helping to shape not only the firm but our industry in years to come.”
