People: Unity Bank; GMI Construction Group; Headpoint
Unity Trust Bank has announced the appointment of Laura Willis-Shaw as head of customer fulfilment, based at the firm Birmingham offices.
Willis-Shaw will lead a team of specialists focused on delivering positive banking experiences and ensuring that the voice of the customer continues to be at the heart of everything it does.
Having enjoyed many senior customer-focused roles during her 22-year career in banking, she joined Unity in 2020 as head of its UK-based contact centre.
She said: “I was excited to join Unity because the role combined my two biggest passions – people and customers. It was a dream job. I knew my calling was in customer service after working in a fruit shop as a teenager and realising the importance of getting to know your customers and delivering excellent personal service.
“I am passionate about the experience customers have because as a customer myself of other businesses, I know what good looks like – and what it doesn’t look like. It’s about putting yourself in the shoes of a customer and constantly thinking about how they feel, what they want and what improvements are needed to make it even better for them.
“The most important thing for me is to have the right people in place with the right level of skills and SME expertise; people who are passionate about delivering exceptional customer service and protecting our customers is key to Unity delivering excellence. If you have that, the rest will follow, and we certainly have that at Unity Trust Bank.”
Alex Rice, chief commercial officer at Unity Trust Bank, said: “With her passion and determination to deliver the best outcomes possible for our customers and her extensive experience in frontline roles, I’m delighted that Laura will head up our new Customer Fulfilment department.
“Creating this new specialist team is a testament to Unity’s continued commitment to put our customers at the forefront of everything we do.”
GMI Construction Group has unveiled a new management team for its Midlands operation, promoting a pair of experienced construction industry professionals to lead the business’s growth across the region.
Adam Taylor has been named as the new regional director for the Midlands. He succeeds Gareth Jones who has been promoted to group managing director.
Having spent 13 years with GMI, Taylor has been heavily involved in the establishment and subsequent growth of the company’s presence in the Midlands, which began in 2018.
The role of commercial director for the Midlands has been awarded to Ryan Brown. He takes on this position following the promotion of Richard Davies to group commercial director.
Brown entered the industry in 2000 as a quantity surveyor, joining GMI almost three years ago, and developing a strong track record in the commercial sector.
Both Taylor and Brown will lead the region working closely alongside Construction Director Jonathan Walsh who has been successfully driving growth and delivery in the region for several years.
Taylor, Walsh and Brown will continue to maintain and grow its position as a lead contractor delivering developments such as industrial premises, fulfilment centres, retail parks, mixed-use schemes and purpose-built student accommodation.
Taylor said: “I’m honoured to become Regional Director for the Midlands. Having been part of GMI’s growth in the region from the beginning, I’m excited to lead our talented team in continuing to deliver high-quality projects across the Midlands.
“Our focus will remain on building strong client relationships and delivering innovative, sustainable developments that benefit the communities in which we operate.
Gareth Jones, group managing director, said: “I’m delighted to see Adam step into this role, which is a testament to his dedication and the significant impact he has made in establishing GMI as a major player in the Midlands.
“His leadership and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to grow our presence in the region. With Adam, Jonathan and Ryan at the helm, I am confident that the Midlands team will reach new heights and further solidify GMI’s reputation for excellence and reliability.”
Headpoint has announced the appointment of Joseph Lowe as an associate in the corporate finance team.
Lowe has joined Headpoint from EY where he spent over three years in audit, becoming a fully qualified ICAEW chartered accountant and working with clients operating across the built environment, house building and property development.
He grew up in the Midlands and is a graduate of the University of Durham.
As an associate within the corporate finance team, he will be focused on providing M&A advice to our clients on a range of transactions.
Mark Wilson, managing partner, Headpoint said: “We are pleased that Joe has decided to join Headpoint. He was looking to transition into corporate finance after a successful career in audit with EY and the Headpoint model aligns well with his aspirations and the way he wants to develop his advisory career. His strong educational background coupled with his professional experience with private sector clients, operating in sectors we are active in, makes him an ideal fit within the Headpoint team.”
Lowe said: “I’m excited to be joining the Headpoint team at this time, supporting the partners in executing a range of deals and expanding Headpoint’s mid-market advisory offering. Headpoint’s innovative approach and service quality levels align clearly with my aspiration to deliver great deal outcomes for clients.”