People: BCAE Architects; BDO; Celerity; Shield Safety; Mann Roberts Solicitors; Dote; Harold Sharp
Chorley-based architecture studio, BCAE Architects, has announced an expansion to its services with the appointment of an in-house interior designer to enhance the
customer experience and bring a fresh and innovative approach to integrated design solutions.
Jessica Lauren joins the team with a wealth of experience across different projects. BCAE Architects is owned by Ben Craven and Arron El-ammar. Director Ben Craven said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Jess to our team and it’s a significant move for BCAE. Her design philosophy aligns perfectly with our vision for creating harmonious, sustainable, and user-focused spaces and her input will undoubtedly strengthen our ability to deliver truly exceptional results.”
Jess Lauren said: “I’m extremely excited to be joining BCAE, with such a dynamic and forward-thinking team, offering tailored interior design services, ensuring every space is as thoughtfully crafted on the inside as it is on the outside.
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Catherine Wilks
Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO, has strengthened its North West team with the appointment of Catherine Wilks.
Catherine joins the consulting, risk and outsourcing team as partner. She brings more than 15 years’ experience in data analytics and digital transformation.
Angela Cross, regional managing partner at BDO in the North West, said: “We’re really excited to have someone of Catherine’s calibre on board. Not only will she be a valuable addition to our North West team, but she will help to strengthen our capabilities UK-wide in what is a rapidly expanding and evolving area.
“Time and again, our bi-monthly survey of 500 mid-market businesses highlights the important role that AI, data and digital transformation play in helping to deliver business growth.
“Catherine has a fantastic track record of bringing those ambitions to life for clients and we’re delighted she’s part of what is a rapidly expanding team – both regionally and nationally.”
Catherine said: “I believe that special things happen when you combine great relationships, an understanding of value and quality delivery. I am really looking forward to developing strong partnerships with existing clients, and the wider BDO team.”
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Ed Brookes
BGF-backed Celerity, a provider of hybrid cloud and IT managed services, has appointed Ed Brookes as chief financial officer.
With a proven track record of driving growth and operational improvement in private equity-backed businesses, Ed’s recruitment will support Preston-based Celerity through its next growth phases following the announcement of Craig Aston as CEO in September 2024.
Ed’s appointment marks the latest step in Celerity’s ongoing leadership transformation. In addition to Craig’s transition from chief operating officer to the role of CEO, the company has also recently appointed Mike Gowan as chief revenue officer and Graeme Smith as chief technology officer.
Craig Aston said: “It’s great to welcome Ed to the Celerity team at such a crucial moment in our journey. His extensive experience in building scalable financial systems, driving organisational change and supporting M&A activity aligns perfectly with our strategic goals.”
Ed Brookes, CFO at Celerity, said: “Celerity’s impressive growth since its investment from BGF is a testament to the strength of its vision and the capabilities of its team. I’m excited to join the company at this exciting stage of its journey.”
Harry Jones, BGF Investor, said: “Celerity continues to go from strength to strength with a strong vision for the company and a highly talented leadership team to capitalise on the significant opportunities ahead.”
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Robert Belton
Shield Safety, the Manchester-based food safety, health and safety and fire safety business, has appointed Robert Belton as strategic growth and partnerships director, strengthening its senior leadership team.
Former industry posts in Robert’s career include a directorship at leading UK law firm, Ashfords, board director at the Society of Food Hygiene and Technology, chair, Chartered Institute of Environmental Health London Food Safety/Health, consultant to the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, UK health and safety lead – assistant vice president at Barclays and policy and regulatory manager (HSEQ) at Sainsbury’s Supermarkets.
He said: “During my career I have developed a profound understanding of the complexities and challenges in this field. My expertise is not only rooted in extensive experience but also aligned with Shield Safety’s core values of ‘people first, passion, excellence’.
“I place a strong emphasis on the importance of people in every aspect of my work. I have an empathetic leadership style, always prioritising public safety and a focus to inspire those around me to strive for excellence in their own roles.”
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Colin Vickers
Mann Roberts Solicitors has promoted Colin Vickers to head of its Liverpool office.
Colin joined Mann Roberts in March 2023, from DWF. Since joining the business, he has focused his extensive litigation experience on the business disputes and commercial litigation aspects of the firm’s work.
He said: “It is only right that I acknowledge that we have a superb, supportive and collegiate team here, full of positive energy and ambition but grounded and humble and they have played a huge part in our success so far and indeed in me being able to take this new position.”
Founder and managing director, David Mann, said: “This promotion is well deserved. Colin is a force to be reckoned with. He takes a leading and significant role in all the work the team undertakes and is a lynchpin to our success.”
Colin’s promotion follows on from Alex Mullin being promoted to senior associate at
Mann Roberts Solicitors last year.
David Mann added: “As we grow the business, we will always recognise and reward our people – they’re the key to our success.”
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Denise Namakando
Manchester-based nursery tech firm, Dote, has appointed Denise Namakanda to the newly-created role of managing director of the UK & Ireland.
She is a highly experienced chief marketing officer who has already led Dote’s go-to-market strategy, brand positioning and execution, and commercial proposition during her time as the firm’s fractional CMO.
Stephen Senior, founder and CEO at Dote, said: “2025 is a pivotal year for the brand as we gear up for a range of major milestones, including our latest funding round, our consumer launch and our expansion into international territories. As such, it’s critical we have a team that can drive the vision as well as deliver our ambitious technical roadmap.
“Appointing Denise is a significant step for Dote, as we embark on a crucial stage in our journey of acceleration, expansion and disruption.”
Dote is an innovative technology brand that is redefining parenting with its AI-driven ecosystem, including the first integrated AI-powered smart baby monitor, app and travel system for monitoring in the stroller, car and home.
The appointment of Denise marks a trio of senior hires in the first quarter of the year, with Avril Murphy joining Dote as COO and Nova Chow joining as technical product manager.
Denise Namakando, said: “Dote was founded with a simple mission: to reduce the stressors of modern-day parenting and create more joy for parents by disrupting the nursery category with innovative design and leading technology. As both a parent and a sector specialist, this is a mission I share wholeheartedly so I am delighted to be taking on the role of managing director UK & Ireland at such a crucial time in our growth journey.”
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L-R: Amie Wilson, Charlotte Hinchcliffe, Fred Norman
Sale-based accounting and business advisory firm, Harold Sharp, part of ETL Global, has promoted Amie Wilson and Fred Norman to director.
The move reinforces its leadership team at a pivotal moment in the firm’s ambitious growth journey.
Amie Wilson, who rejoined Harold Sharp in February 2024 as associate director, has been instrumental in scaling the accounts and outsourcing team, strengthening the firm’s service offering for owner-managed businesses.
Fred Norman, formerly a senior audit manager at PwC and recognised in Accountancy Age’s 35 Under 35, joined Harold Sharp in November 2023, as head of audit to bolster the firm’s audit practice.
He said: “Over the past year Harold Sharp’s audit portfolio has grown by almost 20%, reflecting the increasing demand for our expertise across a range of sectors. This expansion has driven the growth of our audit team, and we remain committed to further strengthening our offering as the wider firm continues to scale.”
Managing director, Charlotte Hinchcliffe, said: “Harold Sharp is entering an exciting new phase of growth, and Amie and Fred’s promotions reflect our commitment to investing in top talent to drive that momentum.
“They bring fresh perspectives and deep expertise to our leadership team, positioning us strongly for the future.”
Amie Wilson said: “The ETL UK Group enables us to retain an independent lens supported by a community of like-minded firms. This allows us to stay agile, make decisions that are right for our clients and build a firm that is truly focused on the future. As we enter this next stage of growth, our investment in people remains at the heart of everything we do.”
