Appointments: Ambassador appointed at PwC; New MD at Smart Identity; and more…

DAVID Roper, assurance partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Manchester with responsibility for community affairs in the region, has been named The Prince of Wales’ Business in the Community Ambassador for the North West.

The announcement was made at the North West Business in the Community Annual Awards ceremony, attended by 350 members of the local business community.

The award is partly in recognition of the community activities undertaken by PwC, but also Mr Roper’s work with Business in the Community in developing their “Business Class” initiative,which aims to encourage and facilitate long term partnerships between businesses and secondary schools.

Mr Roper, said: “I believe that encouraging businesses to actively engage with schools in a long term relationship is critical in helping to raise the aspirations and achievements of children by broadening their understanding of the world of work and the opportunities it can provide them, and helping the school address its development priorities in a potentially wide range of areas.

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NORTH West based software company, Smart Identity, has appointed David Nicholls as managing director.

Mr Nicholls joins from software firm, Novell, where he held the position of sales director for Australia and New Zealand. He has19 years experience in the IT industry, having held both commercial and government sales roles.

Mr Nicholls, said: “After two years of solid performance, Smart ID is poised to leverage its investment in people,solutions and market understanding. I am looking forward to guiding the company as it develops to reach its full potential.”

Scott Fletcher, non executive chairman at Smart Identity, said: “Dave is a great addition to the senior management team and having worked with him when he was at Novell I am confident he will deliver on our plans over the coming years.”

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LANCASHIRE law firm Harrison Drury has expanded its senior team with the appointment of Iain Hall.

Mr Hall joins from Marsden Rawsthorn and will be based at the firm’s office in Blackburn.

He has more than 20 years experience acting for both landlords and tenants of commercial premises, and in freehold sales and purchases of all types of commercial property.

John Chesworth, managing partner at Harrison Drury, said: “With more than 20 years experience in the industry, Iain has gained a reputation for personal service and for his hands on approach. I’m confident that his vast expertise will be invaluable to all his colleagues and clients.”