People: The latest West Midlands hires

Birmingham architectural practice Associated Architects has announced the promotion of a new director.

Steve Townsend has stepped up to take the role of director after 11 years at the practice.

He will work closely with the existing directors Warren Jukes, James Hall and Richard Perry and his work will focus on further developing the practice’s track record in city centre office and residential development, with an emphasis on sustainable design and occupier wellbeing.

During his career at Associated Architects, Townsend has worked on a number of high-profile projects, including Birmingham City Council’s headquarter offices at 10 Woodcock Street, which was awarded multiple British Council for Offices awards, and the RIBA Award winning Michael Baker Boathouse.

He is currently delivering Birmingham’s largest office redevelopment project at 10 Brindleyplace, as well as the Platform 21 office redevelopment, which has been fully let to the Government Property Agency.

He is also leading on several luxury residential developments in Birmingham city centre, including the conversion and extension of historic buildings.

Townsend said: “Taking on my new role as director at Associated Architects comes as we embark on an exciting new chapter at the practice.

“It will allow me to build on our successes and help shape the future of the company, whist growing and nurturing our team to deliver buildings that are environmentally responsible, and people centred.”

Managing director Matthew Goer said: “Steve’s promotion is a recognition of his exceptional project work, especially in the workplace sector and support of the practice’s business goals.

“The directors are looking forward to supporting and working with Steve to achieve his business aims while maintaining the highest quality of service for our clients.”

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Wesleyan Bank, a specialist commercial finance provider to UK SMEs, has appointed Yvonne Wiseman as head of indirect sales.

Wiseman, who joins from Capex Finance, will report to the company’s director of sales and marketing, Simon Welling.

He said: “Yvonne is someone I have known for over 20 years having previously worked with her at Lombard. She possesses all of the qualities and experience that we need and her appointment is critical so that we continue to build our capability and maximise the potential within our broker channel.”

Wiseman added: “Wesleyan Bank is an established brand and has achieved phenomenal success this year. I’m excited to join a high performing and dedicated team that shares my views on the importance of great customer relationships and outcomes.”
 

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IT provider 848 Group has appointed a new business development manager.

Mike Spink has worked with Microsoft Dynamics since its inception and has successfully streamlined Microsoft’s Dynamics applications for  several hundred corporations from SMEs to large blue chip companies.

Prior to providing business application solutions, he sold financial services and has worked with a range of large corporate organisations.

Kerry Burn, CEO at 848 Group, said: “We are delighted to have Mike on the team. He’s completely in sync with our culture, he’s a very credible business development manager and knows the software we work with like the back of his hand. He’s going to be a valuable member of the team and will support our upward trajectory of growth well.”