People: Alsico; Jones Hargreaves; Pannone Corporate; 263; Roma Finance; PM+M
The UK arm of workwear manufacturer, Alsico, has appointed Charlotte Clarke, as its new managing director to propel the business into its new growth strategy, with news that current managing director David Toon will step into the role of chairman.
Currently serving as UK commercial director, Clarke has overseen the transformation of Alsico’s sales operation and has been responsible for driving sustainable business growth. With more than 20 years of experience within the industry, and multiple senior positions held at Alsico and leading safety workwear supplier, Arco, Clarke will be shaping the future of Alsico UK and its performance against the business’s growth plans in her new role as managing director.
Charlotte said: “I am thrilled to be furthering my career with Alsico, and stepping into a role that means as much to me personally as it does professionally. I look forward to combining my passion, commitment and experience in the sector to build upon the fantastic foundation delivered by our team, and drive our strategic vision forward.”
Gauthier Siau, CEO of Alsico Group, said: “I would like to congratulate Charlotte on her new appointment, the combination of her experience, culture and drive makes her an ideal fit for the role and for the next stages of our growth.”
Charlotte’s appointment as managing director follows David Toon’s move to chairman, which will both officially commence on October 1, 2023. David formed Alsico UK in 2007 and has since been responsible for driving the UK business forward, delivering growth in the UK and value to the wider Alsico Group business across Europe.
He said: “With over 20 years of industry experience behind her, coupled with her knowledge and genuine passion for the sector, Charlotte’s appointment will hugely benefit our customers and our business. I would like to congratulate Charlotte on her new role and wish her the best in taking Alsico to the next level.”
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Alan Wales
The Manchester office of Jones Hargreaves, a commercial building, project and sustainability consultancy, has hired a senior associate partner as the firm continues its expansion.
Alan Wales joins Jones Hargreaves from Hollis in Manchester, where he held an associate role. Wales has an extensive background in the commercial property industry, having previously worked at Colliers as Associate Director and CBRE where he was a Chartered Building Surveyor.
Wales has worked across Manchester and the North West region throughout his career and brings with him a particular focus on contract administration, project management, technical due diligence, dilapidations, tenant alterations and project monitoring.
The Manchester office, based at Bonded Warehouse on Lower Byrom Street, opened this year and is led by partner Nick Twigg.
Alan Wales said: “I’m very pleased to join a fast-growing, agile and experienced business at a time when there is a real uptick in commercial property projects across the North West and beyond.”
Jones Hargreaves has been working across the North West for several years and has numerous ongoing projects in the region. The team has recently completed the 22,000 sq ft Gilbanks Manchester office fit-out as well as the £1m refurbishment of 42 Fountain Street.
Nick Twigg, partner at Jones Hargreaves, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Alan to the team, his knowledge and experience of the North West commercial property market will be invaluable to clients across the region.”
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Paul Jagger
North West law firm, Pannone Corporate, has promoted Paul Jagger to head the long-established debt recovery team, as it continues to invest in its development and growth.
Paul, who joined Pannone in July 2022, takes over the lead role from Karl Williams, following his retirement earlier this year. Karl was head of the debt recovery team at Pannone for more than 20 years. The team boasts a long standing and national client base, which includes DHL, L’Oreal and Manchester City Council.
Paul Jonson, senior partner, welcomed Paul Jagger, saying: “In a short space of time he has made a real impact on the team and is perfectly placed to take over from Karl, who built a fantastic reputation for the team.”
His promotion follows the appointment of David Walton, who joins Pannone’s regulatory team as partner, bringing more than 30 years’ experience to the role. He joins from Keoghs.
Paul Jagger said: “When I joined Pannone, I was blown away by the wealth of opportunity and potential that exist at the firm, particularly in the debt recovery team. Over the last few months, Karl and I have worked closely together to create a seamless transition – both for the team and our clients.”
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Sean Wrest
Preston’s first restaurant to be awarded three AA Rosettes has confirmed its new head chef.
Sean Wrest, who was previously head chef at Fell Bistro and now serves as executive chef, will be the new head chef at 263, on Camden Place. Samantha Haigh, who was the general manager at Fell Bistro, will also move across to 263.
Sean Wrest was also previously head chef at Roots, in York, and led the team to win its Michelin star in 2021. He spent time with two three-star Michelin restaurants – The Fat Duck in Bray and Maaemo in Oslo.
This follows the announcement of Brett Thornton being promoted into the head chef role at Fell Bistro.
Sean said: “Sam and I are hugely excited to be taking over at 263. Having spent the majority of our careers working in fine dining restaurants, heading up Michelin-starred establishments, we feel now is the right time to get back into the intricate fine dining scene that we have been so accustomed to. We look forward to working alongside Alex and Oli, two people we admire greatly, who share our ambition to keep pushing, creating and evolving the restaurant.
The pair will take over from Rikki Hughes and Emese Pogany in the head chef and general manager roles, respectively. Their last day at 263 will be on June 10 before Sean Wrest takes over.
A joint statement from managing director Alex Blamire and chef director Oli Martin, said: “We are hugely grateful to both Rikki and Emese for the enthusiasm, skill and guile they have brought to 263 in their time with us. The achievement of earning three Rosettes speaks for itself but both have been a pleasure to work with and we wish them all the best with whatever comes next.”
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Michael Allison
Roma Finance has appointed Michael Allison to commercial director in what is described as a pivotal moment for Roma and represents the next stage of the business’s significant journey.
Michael joined Manchester-based Roma as head of transformational change in May 2021, from Together, where he worked for 13 of his 23 years in the finance industry. The company said he has created a revolutionary journey for the Roma team and will now lead the pre-completion divisions of the journey for the business, building the strategy for sales, underwriting and completions.
Michael said: “Being part of a business that is so focused on people, has been a pleasure and there is so much scope to do more. I am thrilled to be taking on this new step in mine and Roma’s journey.”
Scott Marshall, managing director and founder, said: “Michael has been a major asset to the growth of Roma and I am so excited for the next two years. The positive changes that will be broadcast throughout 2023 to materially enhance the partner and borrower journey are ground-breaking in our industry.”
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Ceri Dixon and Roger Phillips
PM+M – the Blackburn and Bury-based chartered accountancy, business advisory and financial planning group – has further strengthened its partnership following news that Roger Phillips and Ceri Dixon have both been made partners.
Roger joined the tax team as a director in 2021. He started his career at PwC in Leeds and prior to joining PM+M he was director of private client at Fairhurst where he worked for more than 11 years.
Ceri Dixon joined the audit, accounting and advisory team in June 2015, and has successfully overseen the delivery of the team’s full range of services which includes annual audits for companies and charities, financial reporting and risk management as well as one-off projects. She was made a director in 2022.
She said: “Since joining PM+M my career has gone from strength to strength and being made a partner is an amazing milestone in that journey. I am lucky to work with some incredible people who drive me forward.”
Roger said: “Like Ceri, I am now really excited about my new role and am looking forward to helping drive the business to even greater successes.”
Jane Parry, PM+M’s managing partner, said: “Both Ceri and Roger are highly talented and experienced financial professionals, so their promotions are well deserved.”
