People: The NEC Group; Persimmon Homes; FRP

The NEC Group, a live events business, has announced that Jen Mitchell will join the company as managing director for Arenas, effective from the 4th of November.

In her role, Mitchell will be leading the teams at BP Pulse LIVE and Utilita Arena Birmingham and will initially be focused on launching the new premium seating and hospitality areas at the Arenas.

Mitchell joins the NEC Group with over 25 years of experience working in the live events industry.

Most recently, she was general manager at the AO Arena in Manchester, where she led a £50m redevelopment project.

Before this, she was general manager at Leed’s first direct Arena and MD at Kings Place.

Mitchell, said: “It’s fantastic to be joining the team at the NEC Group at such an exciting time. It’s a unique opportunity to lead a team across two of the best arenas in the country and I’m looking forward to getting started!

“The redevelopment of the premium areas is a huge opportunity and will enable guests to experience shows at a whole new level. I can’t wait to work with the team at the arenas and continue to bring exceptional experiences to all the guests who walk through our doors.”

NEC Group CEO, Melanie Smith CBE, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Jen on board, at such an exciting time for the NEC Group. Jen brings a wealth of industry experience and I look forward to working closely with her to deliver a magical experience for guests at our arenas.”

Persimmon Homes has strengthened its team with the promotion of a local Managing Director to Regional managing director.

Neil Williams has been with Persimmon since 2007, joining as land director in the company’s Yorkshire team before moving to the West Yorkshire business.

In 2015, Neil became the first Director in Charge of the newly formed Persimmon Homes Central business, which is based at Birmingham Business Park.

Neil will continue to provide overall strategic and operational direction to the wider Central team, as well as support the West Midlands team to ensure the regions continue to deliver on their commitments to creating high-quality homes.

Williams said: “I’m delighted to have been promoted to Regional Managing Director and I’m looking forward to a new challenge and playing my part in ensuring quality homes and infrastructure remain at the heart of what we do.

“Buying a new home is a huge commitment, which makes it vital that we provide our customers – and the communities in which we build – the highest standard properties and surrounding areas.Our five-star HBF rating is a reflection of the progress Persimmon Homes has made in recent years and I’ve no doubt our developments will continue to deliver real benefits for customers and communities across the region.”

Stephen Cleveley, regional chair at Persimmon Homes, said: “We’re delighted to have promoted Neil to Regional Managing Director. His skills and experience have been a real asset to Persimmon for years now. With his promotion, this will only continue to be the case. Providing homes and infrastructure of outstanding quality is integral to what we do at Persimmon, and having Neil’s support will help to strengthen that – ensuring that we continue to deliver the highest standards for customers, communities and stakeholders.”

Specialist business advisory firm FRP has announced 30 promotions, as it continues to invest in its team across the UK.

The announcements include four promotions to director level.

Ramandeep Sandher

Ramandeep Sandher (Birmingham) and Stephen Hole (Brentwood) have been named directors in the business restructuring practice, with Shaun Hudson (Sunderland) being named an appointment-taking director.

Meanwhile, Harry Trick – based in FRP’s offices in Leeds – has been appointed a director in the business’ forensic services team.

The 26 other promotions span the business’ restructuring advisory, debt advisory, corporate finance, financial advisory and forensic services pillars, along with its case accounting and finance teams.

In total, 12 colleagues have been promoted in FRP’s London offices, six in Brentwood, three in Sheffield, two in Sunderland and others across Preston, Leeds, Birmingham, Brighton, St Albans, Manchester and Newcastle.

Jeremy French, chief operating officer at FRP, said: “These promotions are a recognition of the skill, talent and commitment of our team, as they continue to go above and beyond in delivering for our clients.

“This is an exciting time for our business as we embark on a new phase of growth, buoyed by new acquisitions that have brought even greater reach and further deepened our pools of experience. As part of this journey, we’ll be continuing to expand our teams and invest in our colleagues and their career development, to support their own ambitions.”