New chairs for pro and future pro.manchester
NICOLA Quayle, an audit partner at KPMG, has been elected chair of pro∙manchester, the financial and professional services organisation.
Previously treasurer of the member organisation, she replaces corporate lawyer Paul Johnson of Linder Myers in the year-long role.
Liverpool-born Ms Quayle, who joined KPMG in 1996 and was made a partner in 2008, described herself as an “adoptive Mancunian” at the pro.manchester annual meeting on Thursday.
She revealed that pro.manchester is set to roll-out its SME Club advice service to Cheshire and Lancashire, while the organisation will now be partnering with other organisations, including Greater Manchester Chamber and MIDAS, on its annual business conference.
She said the main focus for her chairmanship will be on building stronger commercial links between the financial and professional profession and other key business sectors in the region.
“As the economy begins to show signs of improvement, pro∙manchester’s role as the voice of advisers in the city has arguably never been more important.
“Our priority over the next year will be to more closely align the region’s professionals with businesses operating in Manchester’s 10 highest growth sectors to create real commercial opportunities that drive economic expansion.
“These industries are innovating to meet the demands of their customers – from traditional sectors like manufacturing through to newer industries like TMT. Professionals must continue to do the same to maintain Manchester’s status as a leading business destination in the face of fierce competition from domestic and European city rivals.
“Having been a member of pro∙manchester since 2008, I understand the positive impact that the organisation can have on the careers of individual members – particularly through training and mentoring – and the strength of the professional community in the city as a whole. I am committed to working closely with the board and our entire membership base to meet our objectives for the coming year.”
Meanwhile Tim Grogan, director at Deloitte, has been appointed chair of future pro.manchester, which represents young financial and professional services professionals in Greater Manchester.
Mr Grogan will be supported in his new role by DWF business development professional Paul McGlone, who has been appointed vice-chair.
Mr Grogan, who has been with Deloitte since 2002, said: “I’m keen to use my time to ensure that we reach out as much as possible with our events and I want all young professionals, even those in the first year of their careers, to be encouraged to come along. It is never too early to start developing your network and getting to know peers.”
