On the Move: Pearson May; GIA; Persimmon Homes; Cricklade Hotel & Spa
Helen Draper, a specialist in the private client department at Bath-based Pearson May, has been promoted to partner.
Draper, who has been an integral part of the firm since 2007, joined Pearson May after earning a first-class degree in Mathematics from the University of Bath. Over the years, she has built an impressive career, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 2010 and then specialising in tax planning and compliance for individuals and trustees.
Jacqui Bowden, consultant, said: “Helen’s promotion follows our long tradition of growing and developing our staff. All of our partners have been ‘home grown,’ having trained with the firm and progressed to become owners and leaders. Helen’s exceptional attention to detail and logical approach will continue to provide a strong foundation for our Private Client Department.”
Draper added: “I am honoured to become a partner at Pearson May, a firm with such a rich history and strong reputation. I look forward to building on Jacqui’s legacy and continuing to work with our talented team to provide outstanding service to our clients. As an ICAEW training firm, Pearson May has been instrumental in my development, and I look forward to supporting and mentoring the next generation of professionals, just as Jacqui did for me.”
Pearson May has offices in Bath, Trowbridge, and Chippenham. Founded in 1841, the firm has six partners and employs 50 staff, comprising 23 chartered accountants, 13 chartered tax advisers, and a number of trainees and students.
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GIA has promoted Ben Williams to daylight consultant in its Bristol office.
Since joining GIA in November 2020, Williams has brought over a decade of experience in the field, working closely with architects and planners to navigate the complexities of large-scale developments.
He specialises in resolving challenges related to daylight, sunlight, and rights of light, helping clients unlock the full potential of their sites while maintaining compliance with natural light standards.
Alex Buckley, director at GIA, said: “Ben has consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment, technical excellence, and innovative thinking. His growth mindset and contribution to the success of our projects and team have been outstanding. I’m thrilled to congratulate him on this well-earned promotion.”
GIA’s Bristol office continues to play a pivotal role in regional development, including its involvement in the landmark approval of two city centre towers at the Bearpit — one of which will become Bristol’s tallest building.
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One of Britain’s largest housebuilders has appointed the new managing director of its Wessex business.
Seb Spiller takes on the role having served as deputy at Persimmon Homes Wessex for the last year.
Before joining Persimmon, he spent over 10 years at WYG (now Tetratech) as a civil engineer.
Persimmon Wessex covers Wiltshire, Swindon, western Oxfordshire, and parts of Somerset, with live and forthcoming sites in Chippenham, Didcot, Frome, Malmesbury, Swindon, Trowbridge, Wantage, and Warminster.
Spiller said: “I am delighted to be taking on this role at such an exciting time for Persimmon Homes Wessex – we have exciting, major projects underway and I look forward to overseeing it all.
“I am proud of our business’ positive and enduring legacy in the communities we develop, offering high-quality, affordable housing, exceptional amenities, and incorporating ambitious sustainability features into our projects.”
“We have a great team in Wessex and I look forward to continuing our good work in delivering much-needed new homes across the region.”
Persimmon Homes’ chair for the South West division, Julian Roper, added: “Seb’s journey from engineer to Managing Director at Persimmon Homes Wessex exemplifies his dedication, expertise, and the company’s commitment to investing in its people.
“His promotion underscores his invaluable contributions, which will be instrumental in driving forward our vision, overseeing our key projects across the region.
“I wish Seb all the best on assuming this important new role – one I was fortunate enough to hold myself in the past – and look forward to working with him in delivering for our business, customers, and communities for years to come.”
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Cricklade Hotel & Spa, the 45-bedroom country house hotel and spa in the Cotswolds, has welcomed Neil Parry as its new general manager.
Parry will lead the venue, located on a ridge overlooking the rural Wiltshire countryside. Parry joins the hotel from his previous role as director of operations at Crest Hotels.
He said: “I’m delighted to lead Cricklade Hotel & Spa and am passionate about taking the business from strength to strength, continuing to evolve with the support of a passionate team and exciting expansion plans. I’m excited to bring my experience and knowledge to the Cotswolds and, together with the whole team, am committed to offering an exceptional guest experience.
“We’ve partnered with some fantastic new suppliers and systems to enhance our service and drive outstanding results, and we have ambitious plans for continued development and refurbishment across our 33-acre estate to further elevate the guest experience.”
