People: Hub Transport Planning; SWG Group; Ballards

Birmingham city centre-based Hub Transport Planning has appointed Tom Toeman as an associate to support business growth.

He joins from Waterman where he was previously contracted as a consultant highways officer to Coventry City Council, and before that held transport planning posts at Kier, WSP as well as spending 10 years in Australia.

His new role at Hub is to provide highways advice for its growing number of developer and land promoter clients, to ensure their residential and commercial schemes secure planning permission.
His work includes feasibility studies, traffic modelling, transport assessments, transport statements and travel plans to support planning applications and ensure they meet relevant transport and highway design guidance.

Toeman said: “Hub has an exciting and expanding portfolio of high-profile clients delivering developments in the housing, employment, retail, and care and education sectors and I’m thrilled to be on board.

“My focus is to deliver client value by providing advice that not only meets planning requirements but also supports sustainable developments that accommodate all modes of travel.”

James Parker at Hub added: “Tom joins at an exciting time for Hub as we embark on a growth phase and settle into our new Birmingham city centre offices.

“He brings a great mix of local authority and industry experience and knowledge both in the UK and abroad, meaning he can navigate the complex planning process in a commercially focused way.

“He’s a great asset to the team and will help us continue to deliver exceptional results for our growing client base.”

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A construction group which recently celebrated 20 years in business has welcomed two new directors to its company board.

SWG Group works on construction projects across Shropshire and Mid Wales, and is now expanding into the West Midlands as its client base continues to grow.

Bosses have now announced Sophie Shorey as SWG’s new finance director, and Josh Coleman as commercial director.

Jacqui Gough, SWG director, said: “We are delighted that Josh and Sophie have accepted positions on the board of directors. They have both made significant contributions to the company thus far and are real assets to the team.

“Moving forward, they will have crucial roles in helping SWG achieve its strategic goals as it continues to expand and develop its services and grow geographically throughout the area.”

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Gina Gardner, corporate tax manager at regional Worcestershire firm Ballards, has recently been appointed as chair of the Severn Valley branch of the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT).

As chair, she will be responsible for promoting tax education and engagement among tax professionals in the region.

Gardner has been an active member of the CIOT for several years and is particularly well known for her expertise within the field of Research & Development (R&D) tax relief.

Her expertise in R&D tax relief has been instrumental in helping businesses to identify and claim tens of millions of pounds of tax relief over the past few years. R&D tax relief is a valuable tax incentive that encourages innovation and growth by providing tax credits or cash payments to businesses that undertake qualifying R&D activities. However, many businesses are still unaware of the relief or do not fully understand the rules and regulations surrounding it.

Gardner said: “I am thrilled to be appointed as chair of the Severn Valley Branch of the Chartered Institute of Taxation. I am passionate about promoting tax education and engagement, and I look forward to working with tax professionals in the region to achieve the reinvigoration of the committee.”