People on the Move: Cowgills; SeaKing Electrical; Skinny Brands; Alexander Knight & Co; New Care

From left: James Kennedy, Sam Davies, Josh Harper

Cowgills has appointed James Kennedy as assistant director of corporate finance to further expand its business in Manchester.

James, 29, who joins from Clearwater International, will operate from the firm’s Spinningfields office at XYZ.

Cowgills are continuing with the expansion of its Manchester based corporate finance lead advisory team following the recruitment of CF director Sam Davies, 32, earlier this year.

In addition to Sam and James’s recruitment, there has been an additional appointment this month of corporate finance executive Josh Harper, 26, who joins from Deloitte.

The corporate finance team’s rapid expansion comes after a number of recent deals including the sale of Clean Line Waste Water Solutions to National Response Corporation (USA), the sale of How Planning to GVA and also advising Communicate Better Group on three acquisitions.

Sam Davies said: “We moved our Manchester office to XYZ, Spinningfields, just 12 months ago and have focused on recruiting the best talent to support our rapidly-growing business.

“James has an impressive record and excellent contacts in Manchester. He will be pivotal in helping us to provide the highest standard of service to our clients and to support our ambitious growth plans in the city.”

James, who trained with Deloitte, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to join a young, dynamic and fast-growing team in the heart of the city’s financial district.

“Coupled with the fact that we also have the backing of a highly experienced team based in Bolton and the ability to deliver a full financial service offering, means we can support clients through the lifespan of their business.

“I think that makes for an extremely strong offer. The firm has huge ambition to build its Manchester base and I’m really excited to be part of those plans.”

Headquartered in Bolton, Cowgills is one of the leading independent practices in the region and has a long tradition of delivering excellence for its base of SME clients.

The firm is now looking to the future and is investing in recruiting the next generation of business leaders across both Bolton and Manchester.

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Merseyside’s SeaKing Electrical is ushering in four new starters on the 10th anniversary of its apprentice training scheme.

A total of 43 apprentices have now been employed by the marine electrical specialist.

SeaKing employs more than 100 engineers worldwide with a track record of delivering projects across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Caribbean and USA.

New apprentices Callum Mulrooney, James Fields, Michael Mcevoy Hayes and Bradley Jones will now embark on a two-year extended diploma, NVQ Level 2 and 3, in Electrical Installation alongside a BTEC Diploma in advanced Manufacturing & Engineering.

Michael Mcevoy Hayes, Callum Mulrooney, James Fields and Bradley Jones

SeaKing Electrical managing director Dave Gillam said apprenticeships represent a long-term investment for the firm and the new recruits underwent rigorous panel interviews before securing the roles.

“SeaKing is experiencing an exciting period of growth as we look to expand into markets including the superyacht sector, while increasing our presence in our more established areas such as naval, cruise and commercial marine,” he said.

“It is essential our team has the skill to fully capitalise on the new opportunities that we have identified in the coming years.

“This is one of the reasons we like to train people from grass roots level. SeaKing invests heavily in apprenticeships because they provide an excellent foundation in technical skill and knowledge. We can then mould the recruits into world-class marine electrical engineers.”

He added: “Our apprenticeship programme has attracted a great level of interest over the years and we take great pride in nurturing talent and providing jobs for our local community.

“We are also proud of the strong partnership we have developed with the Engineering College since 2013, which has enabled us to convert many apprentices into full-time workers.”

The Engineering College runs 20 maritime, engineering and sector-support apprenticeships.

Courses focus on welding, mechanical and electrical engineering, computer-aided design, pipetting, project control, rigging, steel erection, railway track maintenance and non-destructive testing (NDT).

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Adrian Hirst has announced he is joining Manchester-based Skinny Brands.

In his new role as sales director he will be working with the board, driving on- and off-trade sales across the UK and EU markets.

He will also work with the wider team to support strategic brand development.

Skinny Brands, creators of Skinny Lager, the 4% ABV, 89-calorie lager, is one of the fastest-growing alcohol brands in the UK, aiming to create a new category in the drinks market.

Skinny Lager says it is unique in its offering, giving consumers an alcoholic beverage that is full of flavour yet low on carbs and calories, fitting in with an active lifestyle.

Adrian Hirst

Hirst, 53, is well-known in the industry for his work with Kopparberg, where he held the position of global sales director.

He was credited as the ‘driving force’ behind securing the Swedish fruit cider brand listings with leading distributors and retailers across the UK, which ultimately led to the brand becoming an industry leader in the brand-new category of fruit ciders.

Before this, Hirst also enjoyed a successful career at Red Bull and Interbrew.

He said: “It is integral to success that we surround ourselves with the right individuals – like-minded, motivated and experienced in the drinks sector. The Skinny team embodies these traits, which is why I was immediately drawn to the brand.

“I feel very proud to have joined Skinny Brands, not only because I’m from the North West myself and feel patriotic about the brand, but because it is a new project that I’m keen to lend my expertise to.”

Skinny Brands managing director, Tom Bell, said: “Skinny Brands have already taken the market by storm – Skinny Lager is exported to the likes of Italy, Norway, Russia and as far as Dubai, the United Arab Emirates and Australia, to name a few.

“These are huge successes, but we want to continue driving this forward and make sure Skinny Brands products have a higher consumer awareness, starting with the EU and UK.

“We have a solid foundation of awareness and positive feedback from our customers – 92% of consumers who purchase Skinny Lager will buy our product again, which is a really telling statistic.

“We believe with Adrian’s track record we will keep this momentum going to secure more listings, both nationally and further afield.”

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Alexander Knight & Co, the Hale-based accountancy practice, has boosted its team with the appointment of experienced tax specialist Clare Bradbury.

Clare Bradbury

Ms Bradbury is an experienced tax specialist and advises SME’s on tax planning issues as well as guidance on tax issues on corporate transactions. During her career she has worked at EY, KPMG and Mazars in Manchester.

Murray Patt, founder of Alexander Knight & Co, said: “There is high demand for specialist tax advice in the region and we are delighted to have appointed Clare to our team.

“We are confident that our clients, who range from fast-growth businesses to seasoned entrepreneurs, will be well served by her specialist tax skills.”

Clare Bradbury added: “I’m delighted to join the team and I’m looking forward to working with our clients to make sure their tax position works effectively for their business, at whatever stage it is at in its lifecycle.”

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Altrincham-based New Care, a fast growing development-led care home operator, has promoted Dawn Collett, a former registered nurse, to the role of commissioning director.

In recognition of her achievements, Dawn, who has worked for the company for more six years, has also been appointed to the board.

Since joining New Care in 2012, Dawn has forged formidable relationships with industry bodies, such as local NHS Trusts, stakeholders, as well as residents and their relatives.

Dawn Collett

In her new role Dawn will continue to build these invaluable relationships, helping and guiding individuals when they are vulnerable, emotive and often at a loss as to what to do.

She is also tasked with imparting her knowledge regarding funding for elderly, utilising her expertise to support and advise those looking for a care home.

With five ‘new generation’ care facilities fully operational currently across the North West and Midlands, plus a sixth care home in Formby, North Merseyside, scheduled to open early 2019 and a further four in Cheshire to follow suit, Dawn’s experience plays an integral part in New Care’s ambitious growth plans.

Dawn said: “I am thrilled to have been promoted to commissioning director and join the New Care board. The company has an inspiring ethos, is innovative in its approach to the provision of care, and commands excellence in all areas, from care delivery and resident experiences to hospitality, dining and interior design.

“It has been a pleasure to work for New Care over the last six-and-a-half years and looking forward, with the company continuing to expand rapidly, I’m excited to be part of this growth and New Care’s fantastic future.”

Dominic Kay, chairman at New Care, added: “Dawn has proved to be invaluable since she joined New Care over six years ago.

“Promoting her to commissioning director and inviting her to join the board is quite simply recognition of her excellence.

“She is a much-valued member of the team and a true asset to the company.”

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