Tax partner appointed chair of BPS Birmingham

An international tax partner from one of the Big Four accountancy firms has been named as the new chair of BPS Birmingham.

Ian Barnes, International Tax Partner at Deloitte UK’s Birmingham office replaces Wesleyan CFO Ahmed Farooq, who steps down after 18 months in role.

An existing member of the BPS Birmingham (officially Business Professional Services Birmingham) board, Mr Barnes first took a leadership role in the organisation in 2009 through Birmingham Future, where he was chair of the strategy committee.

Having served as Finance Director of the organisation for the past two years, Mr Barnes will spend the next two years as chair continuing to strengthen the board and focus on nurturing and mentoring talent across the Midlands.

Mr Barnes said: “The Midlands has some of the best universities, colleges and professional organisations in the UK, yet in the past we have struggled to retain the expertise and knowledge developed here, but the tide is definitely turning.

“BPS Birmingham has made great strides over the past few years to showcase the full benefits of working and living in the city.  The creation of BPS Birmingham Aspire and the networking opportunities and mentoring schemes in place, ensures today’s talent have the best support to nurture and drive their careers.”

Mr Barnes, a University of Warwick alumni, returned to head up Deloitte’s 100-strong business tax team in the region in 2014. During his 18-year career in the professional services sector, he has taken on a number of talent roles, and is now responsible for more than 250 people across Deloitte UK.

In addition to his role as chair of BPS Birmingham, Mr Barnes will also be actively involved with the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership.

BPS Birmingham targets itself as the leading voice for the sector and is instrumental in influencing and shaping local policy.

Mr Barnes said: “I believe it is essential that we do all we can to both promote the city’s existing talent whilst also supporting future generations – from all backgrounds – into what is an increasingly exciting sector.

“It is important that we create opportunities and for new talent to network outside of their workplace to develop their own identity within professional services and create a voice of their own, which is where BPS Birmingham can play a major role.”