Appointments: all change at Driver Group; IFP gets new chair

NORTH West construction dispute resolution business Driver Group has reorganisaed its board, with Steve Driver becoming executive chairman, and has made changes to its operational structure.

The company, based in Haslingden near Rossendale and listed on AIM, advises construction and engineering firms on contractual disputes. It has a strong presence in the Middle East, and last year opened an office in Oman to service that area.

Operationally the company has been reorganised with  five new business units set up for: Middle East; International; Expert Services; Consultancy Services (UK); and Project Services.Driver said the respective managing directors of each business area are internal appointments.

The company said the changes, which will take effect from October, will strengthen the business and help to ensure that Driver is well positioned for on-going growth.

Chief executive Steve Driver will become executive chairman. In this role he will focus primarily on strategic initiatives, including acquisitions and alliances  and client relationships.

Meanwhile, Michael Davis will step down as non-executive chairman but will remain on the board as a non-executive director. Dave Webster, currently chief operating officer, will become chief executiv, while the post of chief operating oficer will be withdrawn.

A company satatement said: “Dave was appointed to the board of Driver’s core business, Driver Consult, in 2002 and subsequently to the group’s board in 2004. He has been instrumental in the group’s successful development to date and will continue to lead the group’s day-to-day operations worldwide.”

::

STEVE Martin, director of Altrincham-based Smart Financial Planning, has been announced as the new chairman of the Manchester branch of the Institute of Financial Planning.

The IFP is the professional body that supports and promotes the financial planning profession and upholds the professional standards of financial planners in order to protect the interests of the public.

Mr Martin, who takes over from Andrew Taylor of TFP Wealth Management, will oversee the branch which has over 250 members across the North West, making it the second biggest branch in the country. Members include Grant Thornton, Deloittes and BDO.

During his time as chairman, Mr Martin intends to grow the membership and to encourage more financial planners to qualify for Certified status, the highest professional standard that planners can achieve.

He said: “During my time as chair, I will doing what I can to raise the profile of our industry, demonstrate its professionalism and educate people that financial planners are professionally qualified individuals whose purpose is to help clients clarify their financial and non financial goals and then work with them for the long term until those goals are achieved.”