People: JLL; Love Finance; HB&O

JLL has bolstered its Midlands presence with key additions to its planning, lease advisory and rating teams.

Nick Harrison joins the global real estate services firm as Head of Planning for the Midlands, building on his 25 years of experience as a chartered town planner. He has previously held senior positions at GVA and Lambert Smith Hampton where he led major projects including Ballymore’s Snowhill development and the Library of Birmingham.

In his new role, he will lead the Midlands planning team, support clients with strategic advice and drive development opportunities across the region.

Millie Evans

Nick Harrison, Midlands Head of Planning at JLL said: “This is an exciting time to join a business playing a leading role in shaping the region’s real estate offering. I’m looking forward to working with Stuart and the wider team to shape our planning services and help clients navigate the Midlands’ growing development potential.”

Millie Evans strengthens the business’ Lease Advisory team, building on the appointment of Tom Boden earlier this year.

A chartered surveyor with over six years of experience, Millie has previously held positions with HRH Retail and Gerald Eve. She will be assisting the team in providing key insights to investors and occupiers across the Midlands.

Jack Reid

Millie Evans, Associate Director at JLL said: “JLL is a firm I have respected for many years now, and I’m excited to take the next step in my career here. I look forward to contributing to the impactful work the team is already delivering across the Midlands.”

Jack Reid also joins the Midlands rating team as Rate Liability Manager, managing business rates payment for several key clients across the country.

These appointments reflect JLL’s continued investment in its Midlands operations, complementing a team of over 100 experts who advise clients at every stage of the property cycle, from acquisition and development to occupation and investment.

Stuart Smith, Head of the Midlands at JLL said: “The Midlands is a vital and dynamic market for JLL. Strengthening our team with experienced professionals like Nick Millie, and Jack ensures we continue to deliver unparalleled expertise and support to our clients across the region.”

Kai Hunter, Non-Executive Director; Jenny Sadler, Finance Director; Sally West DipAF, Sales and Operations Director & Alex O’Malley, Managing Director

Love Finance, an FCA-authorised credit broker and lender dedicated to simplifying business loans for SMEs across the UK, has announced the formation of a new Board of Directors. This strategic move will support the company’s continued growth and its commitment to delivering flexible and accessible loans to businesses nationwide.

The newly appointed Board members have each contributed significantly to company’s growth to date, Jenny Sadler previously as Head of Finance now takes a role as Finance Director focusing on providing structure and governance, ensuring that robust financial plans are in place to support the company’s ambitious goals.

Alex O’Malley, who has been with the company since its inception, formerly served as Head of Sales, now steps into the position as Managing Director who will work across all areas of the business to help deliver Founder Jack Smith’s vision, diving into the details to ensure successful execution.

Sally West formerly Head of Operations transitions into Sales and Operations Director who will continue driving operational excellence and delivering customer-centric solutions. And Kai Hunter joining as Non-Executive Director, will offer strategic guidance and industry expertise to support sustained growth and innovation.

Since its inception in 2016, Love Finance has facilitated over £150 million in loans to more than 4,000 businesses across the UK, earning recognition as one of Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies in 2024 and ranking among the Top 15 Fastest Growing Finance Companies in the UK

Jack Smith, Founder and CEO at Love Finance comments: “We’re incredibly proud of the leadership team we’ve built at Love Finance, and the new Board appointments reflect the strength and depth of our team’s expertise. As we continue to scale, we are committed to fostering innovation and providing a seamless, customer-first experience. These changes are just the beginning, and we look forward to the next chapter in our journey.”

Back row – from left to right, Joe Johnson, Molly Savage, James Trotman,
Sophie Butteriss and Nathanael Hodges. Front row – Liam Bullimore, Helen Coombes and
Jack Berry

Independent accountancy firm HB&O has made 10 promotions across its accounts, audit, marketing and Virtual Finance Office (VFO) teams.

The promotions come in a milestone year for the firm which is celebrating 20 years since a merger brought together DA Owen and Harrison Beale to form HB&O in 2004.

The firm offers a wide range of services to businesses and individuals, including audit, tax, transaction tax services, payroll, business advisory services and Virtual Finance Office.

Promotions have seen staff rise through the ranks from trainee to senior positions, with individuals given support with training, qualifications and professional development to aid advancement.

In the firm’s Coventry office, Nathanael Hodges has been promoted from Trainee Accountant to Audit Senior after three years with the firm. He has experience in audit and accounts but will now work full-time in the audit team.

Sophie Butteriss, from Leicestershire, joined the business in August 2023 and is currently studying for her ACCA qualification. She has moved up to Semi-Senior Level 1.

VAT specialist Thomas Callis has been promoted to VAT Manager. Thomas, an ACA qualified accountant from Atherstone, provides advice and support to clients on all aspects of compliance and planning.

Karlie Pearson has also been promoted to Senior Accountant after five years with HB&O.

HB&O’s Leamington office has seen four promotions, including James Trotman from Stratford-upon-Avon who has continued to progress after seven years with the firm. James has been promoted from Senior Accountant to Accounts Supervisor, and previously had been supported with training for his ACA qualification through HB&O.

Liam Bullimore, from Leamington, who works in the accounts team, has been promoted to Accounts Senior after three years with the business.

Anu Muthulingham, from Coventry, works across the accounts and audit teams and is working towards her ACCA qualification. In recognition of her development, she has progressed to Semi-Senior Level 1.

Marketing specialist Molly Savage, from Coventry, has been promoted to Marketing Executive and is set to play an integral role in the development of the firm’s marketing activity.

The series of promotions have included two in HB&O’s growing VFO team, which offers tailored support and utilises innovative technology to provide real-time insights into business performance.

Joe Johnson, from Rugby has advanced to VFO Senior after three years with the firm. He is joined by Jack Berry, from Warwick, who has stepped up to VFO Technician Level 3.

Helen Coombes, Staff Partner at HB&O, said: “We are committed to investing in the skills of our team and providing development opportunities at all levels of the business.

“Our team are the foundation of our success and while we continue to grow the business it is essential that we have the right people in place that reflect the core values of HB&O.

“We have a track record of staff development, with many of our senior team having been with the firm for many years. These promotions are well-deserved and in recognition of the hard work of each individual over the last year.”