People: PwC strengthens business restructuring services; Senior team expands at computer specialist; and more

PwC has added to its business restructuring serviceswith the appointment of Rob Asplin as a senior adviser.

He brings two decades’ of expertise in the restructuring and private equity sectors, specialising in protecting and creating value in turnaround situations. Previously he has been a partner in a special situations fund, a portfolio chief restructuring officer, a non-executive director and he has held senior roles in corporate finance and banking.

His appointment at PwC will centre on supporting UK businesses of all sizes to maximise value through the critical post-Covid recovery period.

He will be particularly focused on working with private equity-backed businesses and private equity owners in designing and delivering value recovery plans.

Asplin said: “I’m delighted to join PwC at such a critical time for the many businesses across the UK, many of whom play a vital part in driving local and regional economies. I will be working with colleagues across the deals business at PwC to support the critical activity that goes on in private equity to support a deals-led recovery – which has begun in earnest.”

Rob Moran, partner and mid market leader for BRS based in the Midlands, said: “It’s great to bring someone of Rob’s calibre and private equity expertise into our BRS practice as we continue to invest in our team.  We are committed to providing our clients with market leading expertise across the spectrum of our BRS business. Rob brings a wealth of experience as an investor, and we are delighted he is joining the senior team at PwC focused on the important Private Equity marketplace.

“Firms are now planning how they preserve and grow their businesses once furlough schemes are withdrawn. Growth presents great value creation opportunities but also cash flow risk as companies look to manage their working capital through this recovery and growth phase.  We are here to help corporates and shareholders navigate these times.”

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OGL Computer Services Group has further expanded its senior team with the appointments of Charlie Grant and David Jubb in newly-created roles, as head of profit for operations and head of communications and information systems, respectively.

The new hires form part of a senior-level recruitment drive across the company to capitalise on the business’ strong performance and deliver an ambitious five-year growth plan.

OGL Computer Services Group, which celebrated 45 years in business last month, currently employs 284 people, with nine new recruits joining imminently, and 18 further roles expected to follow.

The business anticipates its employee numbers will increase to more than 300 by the end of 2021.

Jubb’s role will see him deliver growth and investment across the group, specifically through the streamlining and digitalisation of operations.

Prior to his new role, he was finance manager at OGL Computer Services Group, overseeing the increase in turnover from £20.1m to £23.1m in 2020.

Grant who brings a wealth of technical expertise to his new role, primarily from his 14 years working across various managerial roles in OGL’s software division, including his previous role there as development manager.

As head of profit four operations, he will take responsibility for driving business for OGL’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, Profit4.

Debbie Barton, operations director for the Kidderminster-based company, said: “We are delighted to welcome David and Charlie into these two newly-created roles. They will help us to continue delivering a first-class customer experience through the effective use of technology to streamline and automate everything we do.

“While having worked with Charlie for more than 14 years, I know him to be a dedicated candidate who knows the business inside and out, which makes him the perfect fit for his role as Head of Operations. Charlie will be a great asset for the future expansion of the software division, following the launch of Profit4.”

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Law firm FBC Manby Bowdler has bolstered its customer service support with the addition of a business apprentice and two Kickstart employees.

Jasmine Massey has joined as a business administration apprentice, while Aliyah Kumari and Jagraj Gill have been welcomed as customer call handlers through the Kickstart employee programme, part of the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs.

Head of new business, Dawn Tuck, said: “These three new roles will support our existing client support team to achieve the stellar standard of service we are recognised for.

“Jasmine’s role is to provide administrative support, while Aliyah and Jagraj are responding to clients and prospective customers within the new enquiries team. All three will be benefiting from our investment in their training and skills development and we’re looking forward to working alongside them over the coming months.”

The Kickstart government scheme is a £2bn fund to create six-month job placements for young people as part of the Covid-19 recovery plan.