People: The latest West Midlands hires
A Midlands law firm has expanded its specialist tax team.
Kevin Hall has joined Leamington-based Wright Hassall as a partner from a national independent tax consultancy firm.
Alongside helping businesses to navigate Brexit-related VAT changes, Hall will also be providing VAT advice to businesses and their advisers across all areas, including property, cross-border transactions, financial services, mixed supplies, aircraft/yachts and margin schemes.
He said: “A great deal of SMEs – including many of Wright Hassall’s clients and intermediary contacts – are seeking guidance on how they can navigate the regulatory obstacles posed by Brexit when the transition period ends on 31 December 2020, and this will be an immediate focus of mine.
“There are going to be VAT changes for businesses that are buying and selling goods internationally, as well as those who are buying and selling services with the EU27, so it’s important that they are seeking advice to ensure they aren’t penalised.
“Another key project I’ll be working on next year will be helping construction businesses to be prepared for the Domestic Reverse Charge, which is changing the way that VAT is handled in that sector.
“This reverse charge means that construction sub-contractors will no longer charge contractors for VAT in many circumstances. This is likely to significantly impact sub-contractors’ cashflow and contractors’ terms of business, while complicating both of their invoicing systems, which is why it’s important they are up to date with this measure.
“With all this in mind, I’m thrilled to be joining a growing and progressive firm such as Wright Hassall where I can use all my expertise and experience to make a difference to thousands of their clients and contacts across the country.”
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A West Midlands-based independent accountants has followed a raft of appointments made earlier in the year by welcoming a new head of VAT.
Prime Accountants Group, which employs more than 100 staff across its offices in Birmingham, Coventry and Solihull, has appointed Gill Yates to lead its VAT team.
Yates has more than 30 years’ experience in the industry after starting her career as a VAT inspector for HMRC.
She later joined Deloitte’s London VAT team and, while there, spent time on secondment with Lloyds of London, before moving to KPMG.
After relocating to the Midlands, she worked for Mazars and later became VAT director for BDO in the West Midlands before joining Prime last month.
She said: “I’m pleased to be joining Prime at such an eventful time. A lot has happened in the last year and I’m sure a lot will happen over the next few months due to Brexit.
“Prime have worked hard to support their clients during what has been a very tough time and have been able to assist them in several areas through their variety of departments and experts.
“By joining the team, I will be able to help them support their clients even further with my VAT knowledge, especially with the challenges Brexit will bring.”
Kevin Johns, managing director of Prime, said: “Gill’s knowledge of VAT has developed whilst assisting her vast range of clients from FTSE 100 multi-nationals through to sole traders.
“It’s this broad and considerable experience which will be of huge benefit to our clients and I’m sure Gill will be a real asset to the team here. We’re delighted to welcome her to Prime.”
The firm will be relocating to a new Birmingham office in Newhall Street next spring.
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Emily Lowe
Bowcock & Pursaill has hired assistant solicitor Rhiannon Moody and paralegal Emily Lowe.
The Staffordshire Law firm handles a wide range of legal situations for both private and business law cases.
Lowe’s role will focus on supporting personal cases while Moody will work with a mixture of personal and business issues in the litigation department.
Ian Naylor, partner at Bowcock & Pursaill said: “The addition of both Rhiannon and Emily to our team is a great way for us to move forward into 2021 and continue to provide expert, sensible legal advice to our clients.
“We’re excited to see Emily and Rhiannon fit into the team and help us to better support those in need of clear, appropriate legal support.”
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Halesowen-based homebuilder Barratt Homes West Midlands has welcomed Adrian Evans as managing director.
Evans has worked in the industry for 34 years including roles at Avant Homes Midlands, Allison Homes and Persimmon Homes.
He said: “I’m enjoying the ability to influence all disciplines within the region to ensure that a successful and dynamic team function is achieved.
“My aim is to continue to build on the previous success of the region and provide the foundation for further expansion and successes.”
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The Institute of Directors (IoD) has unveiled a major restructure of its West Midlands network including the creation of a Greater Birmingham branch.
The Institute is seeking a chair to lead members across Greater Birmingham, which includes Birmingham city and Solihull.
The successful candidate will work alongside a branch team to represent Birmingham directors and drive a calendar of events and professional development training.
As part of the restructure, two further IoD branches have been established in Worcester and the Marches and the Black Country and Staffordshire.
The West Midlands’ fourth branch, IoD Coventry and Warwickshire, retains its name.
Brian Hall, IoD West Midlands regional chair, said: “We are removing outdated boundaries and regenerating the core of the region with a new Greater Birmingham branch that will build on the success of our first-class director training in the city and align our presence with that of the Metro Mayor and devolved powers.
“We are looking for a dynamic, influential and well-connected individual to lead the new branch and be the voice for Greater Birmingham directors. This is a fantastic opportunity to be at the heart of one of the UK’s most dynamic business communities.
“We passionately believe that better directors build a better world and want all business leaders to be able to access the best events, connections and professional development in their local area.”
