New research team for Catalyst

CATALYST Corporate Finance has expanded its research team with the recruitment of three new staff, Jack Telford, James Leverton and Sophie Stephenson.  

The research team has a strong reputation for producing industry-specific research reports which have been featured in the national press, including the FT and The Guardian, as well as key trade magazines. Alongside this, the team supports the dealmakers and business development function to deliver and originate deals and the three new researchers will work across all areas of research.

Telford, a graduate in International Business, which he studied at Portsmouth and in Prague, joins from BCMS Corporate where his role as a researcher included identifying buyers and opportunities for clients to sell their business.

Leverton, a graduate from Leeds University, spent his placement year at Catalyst and joined the firm as an M&A Analyst post graduation. He is part of the Business Services sector team researching the sector and providing support to the partners and fee earners.

Ms Stephenson, who has a degree in Philosophy from Durham, is currently studying Banking and Finance at the LSE. At Catalyst she is assisting in the production of research reports for both Catalyst and its international partnership, Mergers Alliance.

Andy Currie, Managing Partner at Catalyst, said: “These appointments continue our recruitment drive and follow on from the recent announcements of three more dealmakers. This clearly demonstrates our commitment to investing in our business across the board.” 

Promotions at Unity Trust Bank

BIRMINGHAM-based Unity Trust Bank, which provides specialist banking services to social economy organisations such as charities, social enterprises, councils, social landlords and trade unions, has promoted Adam Ruffinato, former Relationship Manager for the North West, to its new Head of Social Economy position.

The bank has also appointed Steve Cronin to the brand new post of Head of Lending – Social Economy.

Ruffinato brings 13 years experience in banking and social finance, including previous roles covering property finance and the mutual sector. Having worked as a Relationship Manager for Unity for over four years, he has an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the social economy and the key role Unity Trust Bank plays within it.

With a background in the commercial and corporate banking sector, Cronin joins from Clydesdale Yorkshire Bank where he worked for more than nine years across a range of leadership roles around the Midlands. At Unity he will lead a specialist team of Relationship Managers in the social economy and trade unions sectors, to develop new products and achieve business development and social impact aims.

Peter Kelly, Business Development and Marketing Director at Unity Trust Bank, said: “Adam’s experience in the wider banking sector and as our Relationship Manager for the North West will be invaluable in his role as Head of Social Economy. Likewise, Steve’s previous success and extensive experience working in the small to medium sized business market place will be really beneficial for our customers.

“Both will be out in the regions supporting our Relationship Managers to help customers across the UK adapt and respond to an ever-changing socio-economic environment, with the aim of boosting the economic development of the local communities that they support.”

Youngest-ever director for Baldwins

BALDWINS accountants has appointed its youngest-ever director. Sean Emery, 29, is now in charge of a 20-strong staff at the firm’s new office in St David’s Court, Union Street, Wolverhampton.

Emery, left, a former apprentice at BDO in Wolverhampton, passed his Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) exams before progressing onto the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification, which he completed in 2008. He joined Baldwins’ office in Ashby de la Zouch in 2010 as a senior manager.

Emery has a diverse client portfolio and his job involves meeting clients, giving tax advice and leading audits and accounts in various sectors from construction to healthcare.

David Baldwin, co-owner of Baldwins accountants, added: “Sean fully deserves his promotion at Baldwins as we continue to build on our reputation of providing clients with the kind of personal advice and service from a local company which is generally given by larger accountancy firms.”