On the Move: The latest West Midlands hires
Business advisory firm Baldwins has bolstered its forensic accounting team with a senior appointment.
Martin Chapman has joined Baldwins as a partner and arrives at Baldwins’ Birmingham office on Cherry Street with more than 15 years of accountancy experience at a top 10 accountancy firm.
For the last 13 years he has specialised solely in forensic accountancy, working his way up from trainee to director level at his previous firm.
He will be responsible for expanding Baldwins’ forensic accounting service in more than 20 offices spread across the Midlands.
“Demand is growing for forensic accountants, especially those with investigation experience as more businesses become aware of the risks that are being posed internally and externally,” he said.
“The rise in cybercrime means more businesses are now tuned in to the threat of fraud. Although the traditional forms of fraud, for example internal employee fraud, are as high as ever.
“A significant amount of work is referred to me from lawyers and regulators, but part of my role is to ensure Baldwins’ clients are guarding themselves against fraud and reacting to it in a timely fashion.
“In an ideal world we want to ensure our clients can be as proactive in safeguarding their organisations against those risks rather than the more costly reactive solution.”
Ian Gould, regional managing partner for Baldwins in the West Midlands, added: “Martin has sought-after experience in forensic accountancy, and his appointment is a massive coup for Baldwins as the firm looks to expand its reach in this niche sector.
“Being able to grow this service is a key piece in our business advisory jigsaw so that firms of all sizes can access the wide variety of services we offer to help grow their business.”
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Warwickshire County Council has welcomed its new chief fire officer, Kieran Amos.
Amos succeeds Andy Hickmott who retired after 30 years’ service.
He was formerly the assistant chief fire officer for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and brings with him over 29 years’ experience in a range of roles, from the then Surrey Fire Brigade, before rising through the ranks and being seconded into the New Dimension Programme, where he supported the development and roll-out of Fire and Rescue Services National Resilience capabilities. He was then seconded back as the national CBRN Detection, Identification and Monitoring (DIM) lead.
In this capacity, he was also the national Military Technical Response Force liaison and involved in the FRS national preparation and delivery arrangements of the London 2012 Torch Relay and Olympic Games.
Chief executive of Warwickshire County Council, Monica Fogarty, said: “I am pleased to welcome Kieran to Warwickshire. He is a well-respected and experienced fire and rescue professional, and brings with him a wealth of knowledge, experience and operational leadership. I have no doubt Kieran is the right chief fire officer to take Warwickshire’s Fire and Rescue Service from strength to strength. ”
