New tax director at Friend

FRIEND has promoted Julia Rosenbloom to director in the firm’s tax department. Ms Rosenbloom joined the firm to expand the firm’s private client offering with her experience in tax planning for high net worth individuals, owner managed businesses and entrepreneurs. She said: “This demonstrates the firm’s commitment to expanding its taxation services and I look forward to playing a key role in that process.” Managing partner Malcolm Friend added: “The tax advisory element of the practice is one which we are keen to develop and with Julia’s qualifications and experience, she is extremely well placed to play an important part in that development.”

Lloyds TSB Commercial strengths property focus

LLOYDS TSB Commercial has appointed a team of three property focused relationship managers after being chosen by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors as its preferred banking partner. Andy Bullmore, relationship director at Lloyds TSB Commercial in the West Midlands said: “The SME property sector is crucial to the UK and regional economy and the fact that we have increased lending by 9.2% is an indicator our strategy of investing in this dedicated team is what businesses are looking for.” The bank said many of its property customers were now considering purchasing property indicating more optimism in the economy. “By establishing this team in the West Midlands we are aiming to further increase lending to the right businesses at a time when the SME property sector needs confidence and stability,” added Mr Bullmore.

Inspired to help new motocross portal

INSPIRED Accountants has been appointed to provide business advice and accountancy support to Tamworth based ®Getting-Dirty.com, an online social network for the sport of motocross. Paul Bulzacchelli, director at Inspired Accountants, said demand for the new service had been strong and the firm was keen to given the new venture its support. He said: “When Mike Duffy first approached me and explained the concept behind his new venture I was immediately interested. The pre-launch demand via Facebook was unprecedented and Mike had put together a team of very talented and creative individuals and secured the backing of some great names within motocross.  These were all sure indicators that he was on to a winning idea which just needed some business planning and finance to assist with its launch and future development.”