People: PM+M; Siemens Energy; James Halstead; BES; Implicit; Cortus; Living City

Blackburn and Bury-based PM+M, the chartered accountancy, business advisory and financial planning group, has made a record 22 promotions across the business including three new directors.

The three new directors are: Claire Layton and Chris Read who specialise in audit, accounting and advisory work; and Dean Rodgers who focuses on advisory and accounting matters. Claire joined PM+M in 2008; Dean in 2009 (with former employer Haworths who merged with PM+M in 2021); and Chris in February 2022. They were all managers in their teams before their respective promotions.

Along with the new directors, 19 other promotions have been announced in the cloud, audit, accounting and advisory, financial planning, tax, payroll and marketing teams. The promotions are comprised of two managers, one assistant manager, three senior advisers, four advisers, a client relationship associate and eight junior advisers – all of whom joined the firm as apprentices in September 2022.

Claire Layton, who commenced her career at PM+M in 2008 as a trainee and has gained several promotions since joining the firm, said: “I’m pleased to be continuing my career journey and growth with PM+M and I am extremely proud to have achieved directorship. This promotion represents not only a personal milestone but is also testament to the incredible opportunities that PM+M provides for professional growth.”

Helen Clayton – managing partner – said: “Announcing this phenomenal set of promotions is a fantastic way to kick start 2024. The whole ethos of the firm is about developing and, importantly, retaining the very best talent to ensure we develop continual succession across our teams – all for the benefit of our clients and for the community we want to create here at PM+M. Every single promotion is richly deserved and it’s especially rewarding to see eight of our 2022 apprentices take the next step in the careers.”

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Darren Davidson

Darren Davidson has been appointed vice president of Siemens Energy UK&I and Siemens Gamesa UK. He will be responsible for a UK team of around 6,000 people, with sites and offices across Great Britain and Ireland, including major facilities in Lincoln, Manchester, Hull, Newcastle and Aberdeen.

Siemens Energy employs 96,000 people worldwide in more than 90 countries and generated revenue of €31 billion in fiscal year 2023. An estimated one-sixth of the electricity generated worldwide is based on technologies from Siemens Energy.

He said: ”I’m proud to take on this new role as Vice President for the UK and Ireland. From grid technology to power generation and wind, I believe we are ideally placed to help the UK deliver on its energy transition targets. Our people make the difference, and it’s a privilege to lead such a dedicated team playing a critical role in the UK’s journey to net zero. I’d also like to pay tribute to both Steve Scrimshaw and Clark MacFarlane. They are both inspirational leaders and have been fundamental to the success we’ve had as a business and our net zero targets in both the UK and Ireland.”

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David Drillingcourt

AIM listed floor coverings business James Halstead has made new appointments to its board. David Drillingcourt has been made corporate development director after first joining the company in 1996 and holding positions such as finance director of Polyflor and group company secretary. 

Deborah Harrison will join the Board as an independent non-executive director and sit as a member of the audit committee and remuneration committee. 

Non-executive director Stephen Hall will be stepping down from 1st March 2024. A new Senior Independent Director will be appointed soon. 

Mark Halstead, chief executive of James Halstead plc, said: “Deborah will bring to the board her significant experience of dealing with international groups of companies, including acquisitions and disposals, and her knowledge of corporate reporting requirements will further enhance the Board’s financial expertise.

“David’s extensive knowledge of the Company and his flooring industry experience will play an important role in supporting the board in its strategic aim of growing the global footprint of the business.

He added: “I also would like to thank Stephen for his contribution to James Halstead plc in his role as non-executive director through an important period which has seen the business grow and overcome significant challenges. We wish him the very best for the future.”

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Samantha Kennerley has joined as fractional chief operating officer of Implicit Advisory Limited, the advisory business set up by formr Palatine director Charlotte Ashton.

“To date Implicit has taken advantage of the vibrant freelancer “gig economy” to prove concept and define resource requirements.  Flexibility and access to niche skills has helped to develop a differentiated delivery model for business owners to access independent, practical exit planning support. Since meeting through Freshwalks, Sam and I have built a close friendship and Sam invested significant time in understanding the business and working with me to define priorities.”

An experienced strategic marketeer, Sam has worked in professional services and the charitable sector in the UK and Australia and will drive business and brand growth through operational streamlining and professionalising sales and marketing efforts.

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Eleanor Boardman

Eleanor Boardman has joined BES group as Group Acquisitions Manager at BES Group, an engineering testing business based at Birchwood, Warrington.

She previously worked as an investment manager for four years with DSW Ventures, after training with KPMG and working for three years in their Manchester office. 

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Cortus Advisory has recruited two new partners. Lizzie Meadowcroft joins as a partner in the synergies, integration and separation team at Cortus focussing on the mid market.

Jenny Kirkham, partner at Cortus said: “Lizzie enables us to expand the range of pre and post deal services Cortus can provide to our clients.”

She joins from KPMG where she spent 6 years in the Manchester office, and had reached partner level in 2022. Prior to that she worked for KPMG in the US.

Also joining from KPMG is Daniel Booth, who will become a partner in the Transaction Services team. He said: “I look forward to supporting local business owners, corporates and the vibrant NW Private Equity community on their upcoming acquisitions and growth strategies.”

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Livingcity Group of Companies has appointed Daniel Bright as Associate Director of Livingcity Asset Management. He first joined Livingcity in 2019, having completed an LLB (Hons) in Law and Politics. He has recently gained a first Class Honours in a MSc in Real Estate and Property Management.

Director of Asset Management and Consultancy, Paul Atkins said:“Dan has made a significant contribution to the establishment and continuing expansion of our Asset Management and professional consultancy department over the past few years.”

Established in 2000, Livingcity provides services to developers, owners and occupiers in residential, mixed-use and commercial buildings.