People: PwC; Godel; Veka; MHA Moore and Smalley
PwC UK has added to its Restructuring and Insolvency team in Manchester with the key hire of Sarah O’Toole as a partner, a restructuring and insolvency specialist with more than 20 years’ experience, most recently spending over seven years with Grant Thornton. She joins as the firm is seeing an increase in restructuring activity.
She said: “I’m looking forward to applying more than 20 years of experience guiding firms through financial headwinds, alongside working with financial institutions to put in place the investment which allows our clients to survive – and also maintain and grow their positions.”
Peter Dickens, PwC UK partner, added: “It’s great to bring someone of Sarah’s calibre and experience into our Restructuring and Insolvency practice as we continue to invest in our team in the North West of England. We are committed to providing our clients with market leading expertise across the spectrum of our restructuring business.”
“Businesses have a range of headwinds to deal with, including energy costs, interest rates, supply chain issues, for example. We continue to support management teams and shareholders navigate these difficult times.”
Claire Reid, head of Restructuring & Forensics and PwC UK partner, said: “Sarah’s appointment reflects our confidence in the growth potential and opportunities in the Restructuring and Insolvency market.
“Drawing on PwC’s multidisciplinary expertise from the wider firm as needed, we best serve our clients at all stages of their life cycle and assist in overcoming challenges to create a sustainable business future.”
::
Gareth Ainsworth
Software company Godel Technologies has appointed Gareth Ainsworth as its new Chief Executive Officer. The appointment strengthens Godel Technologies’ leadership team and reputation as a trusted technology partner for UK organisations while positioning the company for further growth and innovation.
Gareth takes on the role, with over 25 years of commercial experience culminating in a successful six year appointment as Group Sales Director at ANS Group, where he helped to develop a number of the company’s initiatives, driving growth and delivering customer excellence.
After his six year tenure as CEO, Neil McMurdo will take up the role as Non-Executive Chairman.
“Godel is at the forefront of software development talent, building industry disruptive business critical solutions and I am looking forward to working within this world class and well-established team as CEO,” said Ainsworth.
“Godel has an outstanding reputation for delivering quality and success in some of the most demanding sectors in the UK, this resonates with my own core values and I am excited to build upon the strong foundation laid by Neil.”
::
Beth Moore
Brand and performance agency, Door4 has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Beth Moore as Head of Client Services.
Beth joins the Burnley-head quartered business from Return on Digital, where she held senior client services roles for more than a decade.
As well as experience in client relations, Beth knowledge of paid search, social and SEO channels and her expertise spans both eCommerce and B2B sectors. She will work alongside founder Leon Calverley and Managing Director Sean Dwyer to support Door4’s client growth and retention strategy, as it solidifies its expertise within core business sectors including homes and gardens, automotive and family.
::
L-R – Ellis Warburton, Ross Bradley, Nick Warner, Nuccio Gratino, Robbie Cross
One of Burnley’s largest employers VEKA plc, has taken on five engineers following the closure of Graham and Brown’s site in Blackburn, Ellis Warburton, Ross Bradley, Nick Warner, Nuccio Gratino and Robbie Cross.
Described as a strategic move it is aimed as bolstering VEKA’s maintenance team and enhance its engineering division.
The recruitment of these engineers was made possible through the proactive efforts of VEKA Talent Acquisition Partner, Yasmine Hooson. Yasmine attended a recruitment fair at Graham & Brown in November last year, where she identified the potential in the engineers and extended job offers to 5 of them. Three chose to stay at Graham & Brown to assist in the site closure process before transitioning to VEKA in February 2024.
One new recruit will be completing his apprenticeship at VEKA, which he started at Graham & Brown. This seamless transition reflects the commitment of both companies to support talent development and ensure a smooth career progression for employees.
::
L-R Michael Spencer, Paul Clough, Andy Disley, Tony Reddin
North West accountancy and business advisory firm MHA Moore and Smalley has appointed Andy Disley as a senior manager and Paul Clough as a tax consultant in the firm’s Liverpool office.
Andy Disley will specialise in international tax matters for both owner-managed businesses and larger corporates, and joins from City Football Group (owners of Manchester City FC) where he was a senior tax manager.
On his appointment, Andy said: “During my career, MHA Moore and Smalley has always stood out to me as a company with a strong culture and vision. This was confirmed during the conversations I had with the firm prior to joining.”
Former Rugby League pro Paul Clough spent 10 years with Super League side St. Helens, where he won two Challenge Cup trophies and three League Leaders’ Shield and after retiring began a career in financial planning working for Merseyside-based Tailored Financial Planning.
Paul said: “MHA Moore and Smalley has a strong reputation in the Merseyside area and when an opportunity arose to join the firm, I was keen to take it. I’m looking forward to learning from the firm’s experienced and highly regarded tax partners and gaining further insight in matters such as business restructuring, exit readiness and succession planning.”
Michael Spencer, tax advisory partner, MHA Moore and Smalley said: “Myself and Tony have had the pleasure of working with Andy in the past and know he is a high-calibre tax advisor. With his rugby career and background in financial planning Paul brings a unique perspective which will benefit our clients.
“I welcome both Andy and Paul to the firm and very much look forward to what they will bring to the business and to our clients.”
::
Kate Hughes and Jake Noble
Jake Noble has been promoted to audit manager at DTE, just three years after joining as a trainee.
He said: “Since joining DTE, I’ve always felt backed by my manager, the team around me and the wider business. As a trainee the study support contributed to me passing my exams first time and, since qualifying, the business has mapped out regular opportunities to grow, which has aided my progression, as well as giving me the confidence to take on this new role.
“Besides the development I enjoy the culture at DTE as I know I’m a valued member of the team, and not just a ‘number’. I’ve formed great relationships with my colleagues and have made some truly great friends for life.”
Kate Hughes, Associate Partner, said: “Jake is a valued member of our audit team; he has great ideas and initiative which have seen him excel in his career at DTE. I look forward to welcoming Jake into our management team.”
