People: Ballards; Lodders; A1 ADAS Group

Accountancy and advisory firm Ballards has announced the promotion of Helen Sutherland to partner.

Previously serving as group finance and operations director, Sutherland has been instrumental in shaping the financial strategy and internal operations of the firm.

As a partner, she will continue to play a key role in driving forward Ballards’ strategic vision, leading cross-functional initiatives, and mentoring future leaders within the firm.

James Syree, CEO of Ballards said: “Helen has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, commercial insight, and a deep commitment to our values. Her progression to Partner is a natural step and a testament to her impact across the business. We’re excited to have her at the leadership table as we continue to grow and evolve.”

Sutherland brings with her a strong foundation in finance, having started her career at two of the Big Four accounting firms.

She trained as an auditor with KPMG before moving on to Deloitte as a Financial Accountant.

Her combined experience in global firms and at Ballard’s provides her with a unique perspective that benefits both clients and colleagues.

Sutherland said: “I’m honoured to be joining the partnership at Ballard’s during such a dynamic period for the firm. Over the past five years, I’ve seen first-hand the dedication, innovation, and collaboration that defines our culture. I look forward to contributing to the next phase of our journey and helping to shape a sustainable future for our clients and teams.”

Midlands and South West law firm Lodders has announced the appointment of Warwickshire corporate law specialist Steve Halkett as an equity partner.

Halkett joins Lodders following a tenure of more than 18 years at Wright Hassall, where he was a partner and head of the corporate team, advising business owners and SMEs on all types of transactions.

He rebuilt the firm’s corporate team during the pandemic, leading it towards strong growth.

Bradley Quin, Steve Halkett, and Graham Spalding

At Lodders, he will further build the Business Services group’s corporate and restructuring offering alongside the firm’s Graham Spalding and Bradley Quin.

Halkett will also work closely with Lodders’ existing partners to help the firm realise its ambitious growth plans.

He said: “I was drawn to the strength and breadth of the team at Lodders and the way in which it moves as one, as well as the overall buzz of the firm – I really wanted to be a part of that! In my new role, I am looking forward to working with my fellow partners and the experienced and successful corporate team to cultivate further growth. I will be identifying opportunities for working with the private client and property teams at the firm, ensuring Lodders’ upward growth trajectory is maintained in the long term.

“It is exciting to begin this second chapter of my career and play a key role in Lodders’ continued success in the Midlands and South West regions and beyond.”

Graham Spalding, partner and head of Lodders’ Business Services group said: “We are thrilled to welcome Steve to the team. His energy, ambition, and strong regional and national connections make him a perfect fit as we target continued growth. With a wealth of experience working with entrepreneurial decision-makers of privately-owned businesses, including those in the tech and gaming industries, Steve adds great strength and specialist expertise to the team. Demand for Lodders’ corporate law services shows no sign of slowing down. Steve will help fuel our growth ambitions and deal volume as we seek to expand our offering in the West Midlands, the M40 corridor towards London, Cheltenham, and our original heartland in Warwickshire.”

A1 ADAS Group has appointed Ant Yates as equipment sales specialist.

Yates brings years of automotive aftermarket experience with him and joins from ISN Garage Assist where he specialised in garage and tyre equipment.

Ant Yates

Whilst Yates will cover the North of England, his initial remit will be to support the Group’s Autocalibration customers in the West Midlands.

Matt Hume, A1 ADAS Group’s UK sales manager said: “I’m over the moon that Ant has joined the A1 ADAS Group. His vast knowledge of workshop equipment will be of huge benefit to our garage customers in the West Midlands and throughout the UK. For the last four years, I’ve worked with him on a supplier-to-distributor basis and experienced his professionalism and integrity first-hand. He’s a perfect fit for us.”

Yates said: “I loved my work but wanted to expand my knowledge even further. I had other offers, but the pull was towards A1. Not just because of its incredible reputation, but because ADAS and diagnostics will play such a large part in the future aftermarket. Here, I can add real value to A1’s customers whilst learning from the best in the ADAS arena.

“The main draw for me is the company’s approach to ‘doing it right’, and its ethos of selling the right solution, or selling nothing at all. It’s a company that truly puts its customers’ success over its own turnover – and that’s a breath of fresh air.”