People: Cortus Advisory; LDC; Santé Group; New Care; Kingdom Services Group; MHA Moore and Smalley
Cortus Advisory Group has welcomed Helen Johnson as head of operations.
Helen, a qualified accountant with a background in practice management and industry, will support recruitment plans alongside helping to deliver an ambitious three-year growth strategy which includes diversification of service lines and geographical expansion.
She joins from a role in industry where she was the group finance officer for two years and prior to that she was the accountancy services manager at Hallidays Group, responsible for a portfolio of clients’ audit and accounts work and supporting individuals in her team with workload management and mentoring them through a range of professional qualifications.
James Groot, chief operating officer, said: “Given our fast growth trajectory, we recognised the need for additional support for the team and to help to deliver our plans. Helen’s background fits our needs perfectly as she has a thorough understanding of the dynamics of a growing professional services business. The team will benefit from her varied experience and background, and she is a welcome addition to Cortus as this exciting time in our growth journey.”
At the same time, Preston-based Cortus will welcome Saskia Barrett and Molly Marchant to the team as transaction services analysts.
Following a 12-month internship with Cortus, while continuing her studies in accounting and finance at Lancaster University, Molly accepted an offer to join the team as a trainee on a full-time basis from September. Saskia Barrett also joins the team as a trainee after completing her degree in history from Manchester University. Both will undertake their ICAEW training with the firm.
Jenny Kirkham, who leads the transaction services team, said: “Whilst we have, and continue to, support part-qualified students through the ACA qualification, this is the first graduate intake for Cortus. This represents our ongoing commitment to grow our own talent and invest in the future of our high quality team.”
Finally, the group continues to invest in its advisory offering and grow its corporate finance team with the addition of Raghav Jalota as a corporate advisory manager. Raghav joined on September 4, from London boutique Khepri following a return to the North.
Alex Stewart, who leads the corporate finance team in the North, said: “I am thrilled for Raghav to join the team as we continue to strengthen our corporate finance offering and build the team.”
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John Clarke
Private equity investor, LDC, has promoted John Clarke to partner following his significant contribution both in the North West and nationally.
John has been promoted in recognition of his pivotal contribution to the business, including leading a number of the firm’s notable investments.
Since joining in 2017, John has been involved in many of the firm’s most significant partnerships. John led LDC’s exit and reinvestment in MSQ in June 2023, after helping the business to double revenue and headcount over the course of the initial four-year partnership, as well as to acquire five complementary businesses. The investment generated a return of 3.9x for LDC.
In October 2022, he led LDC’s investment in Talos360, an award-winning provider of human capital management solutions and one of the UK’s fastest growing HR technology providers. John also played a key role in LDC’s investment in SRL Traffic Systems, which the firm exited in December 2021 after supporting the business in growing revenue by 72% in three years, generating a 5.7x return.
LDC has also appointed Endrit Gashi as investment manager in the North West. Endrit joins LDC from Livingbridge, bringing more than four years of experience to the firm. In his new role, he will be responsible for supporting LDC’s existing portfolio businesses and identifying local business leaders seeking the backing of an investment partner to help realise their growth plans.
Dale Alderson, partner and head of LDC North West, said: “John is one of the most experienced investors in the region, and has a track record of delivering exceptional results, collaborating with the local business community and supporting the professional development of his colleagues. I’d like to congratulate him on this well deserved promotion.
“We’re also pleased to welcome Endrit to LDC. He brings valuable experience and is a great addition to the team.”
John Clarke said: “I’m proud to have supported some fantastic businesses over the past seven years, and helped their management teams to achieve their growth ambitions. LDC’s North West team continues to go from strength to strength and I look forward to our continued collaboration and success with businesses in the region.”
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David Cross
Lancashire-based Santé Group has appointed two new members to its team, taking its headcount across the group to 41.
David Cross joins the business as its first chief technology officer and will be responsible for developing the group’s digital strategy and service offering. He’ll also play a vital role in the development of the recently launched My Santé app, which provides a range of lifestyle products and services.
The firm has also added Isaac Bradley to Santé Group’s compliance team. He joins the business from AO.com, where he was a compliance manager. His appointment has been prompted by an increased demand by directly authorised health and protection intermediaries and appointed representatives under Santé Partners needing Santé Group’s compliance platforms to help run their businesses more efficiently with regulatory guidance.
Alison Wignall, operations director at Santé Group, said: “We’re pleased to welcome David and Isaac to our company, and their expertise will help us grow our business and provide a class-leading service.
“David’s appointment is vital as many of our clients require digital-first services, and as a business, we are increasing our focus on digital-lead services. He’ll have a fundamental impact in developing new products and services aligned to client requirements.
“Isaac’s addition to our compliance team will help us to continue to deliver faultless service and important advice to our increasing number of independent brokers.”
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Emma Roberts
There’s a new face at New Care’s Bramhall Manor care centre. Emma Roberts joins the team as deputy manager, working with manager Helen Hartley, to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the care home on Hardy Drive close to the village centre.
Having worked previously for New Care at the company’s Ashlands Manor care centre in Sale, and also as a district nurse, Emma has a strong background in healthcare.
She said: “It is a privilege to join the team as deputy manager.”
Home manager, Helen, welcomed Emma, saying: “It’s a pleasure to have her on the team and I’m looking forward to working closely with her in the future.”
Over her career in healthcare, Emma has gained many qualifications including NVQ2 in Healthcare, a foundation degree in nursing and a degree in adult nursing and she is due to start the induction for her Level 5 management in care apprenticeship soon.
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Paul Worsley
Kingdom Systems, part of Kingdom Group, has bolstered its senior leadership team with the appointment of Paul Worsley as director of service for systems.
Paul boasts more than two decades of sector experience within the fire and security field. He joins from one of the UK’s leading providers in fire and security, HESIS, having previously worked at director and manager level at companies including Swift Fire & Security, Defense Security Systems and Kings Security Systems.
As a results-driven director, with a strong background in systems operations, Paul is a strategic hire for Kingdom. Kingdom Group has continued to grow year on year for more than 30 years.
CEO, Terry Barton, said: ““Paul brings with him a wealth of experience in the industry – his longstanding business expertise, along with his experience of the systems sector, is impressive and we welcome him on board.”
Paul Worsley said: “Joining Kingdom at this time in their momentum of success is an exciting challenge and at the right time in my career. I bring over 20 years of experience to Kingdom and expertise and knowledge of the subject matter will help me achieve the growth aspirations for Kingdom Systems.”
Kingdom’s national support and command centre is situated in Newton-le-Willows.
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New recruits and colleagues at induction day
MHA Moore and Smalley has welcomed 48 new trainees and apprentices across its seven offices as part of the firm’s 2023 cohort.
The record number of recruits includes university, college and sixth form graduates who will work with MHA Moore and Smalley colleagues, supporting the firm’s clients across the region while undertaking professional accounting and tax qualifications funded by the firm.
Each of the new members of staff will be mentored by a senior colleague and will receive their own development plan to support their progression within the firm.
Managing director, Graham Gordon, said: “This year’s intake of trainees and apprentices is another record figure for the firm, which is a testament to our continued growth across the North West and nationally as part of the MHA group.
“Many of our graduates and trainees from previous years now hold senior positions within the firm and I’m looking forward to seeing this next generation of MHA Moore and Smalley leaders grow and thrive.”
Chartered Accountants and business advisor, MHA Moore and Smalley, has offices in Preston, Liverpool, Manchester, Blackpool, East Midlands, Kendal and Lancaster. It has 29 partners and employs more than 400 staff.
