Jerroms takes on new marketing executive

SOLIHULL-based accountants and business advisers Jerroms has recruited a marketing executive to support its business development strategy. Kathryn Davis, a first class honours graduate of The University of Sheffield, has joined the firm as it implements a plan to develop its business. Jerroms partner Lucas Markou said: “Our business plan and marketing strategy required additional resources and we are delighted that Kathryn has joined us. Kathryn will be working in the key areas of the profile of the firm and our brand recognition as we have a clear aim of increasing market share as well as meeting more of the needs of our clients”. Ms Davis, who lives in Knowle, is a fluent linguist, speaking French and Spanish.

HSBC backs BAME mentoring programme

HSBC Birmingham has provided a senior member of its management team as a mentor and has also made a financial contribution to a student employability programme in the city. The Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Programme, established by Cultiv8 Solutions entrepreneur Joel Graham-Blake, is designed to readdress the balance of employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for diverse graduates. The programme, run in conjunction with the University of Birmingham, matches second and third year diverse students to diverse professionals from Birmingham. The business owners then act as a mentor, providing insight into how to overcome barriers to employment in the city, as well as passing on essential business networking and commercial awareness skills. Sarfaraz Akram, HSBC Area Banking Manager (Midlands) is the mentor on this year’s innovative programme. After overcoming his own career challenges, he has risen up the ranks to his current role, where he oversees the support of over 7,000 of the bank’s business customers. Other professional mentors include Alex Tross, from Colliers (Birmingham), former Sky News presenter Marverine Cole and local entrepreneur Daniella Genas, from Aspire4U CIC.

Aldermore turns to GE for new Operations Director

ALDERMORE has appointed Jeremy Baber as new Operations Director of its Asset Finance business. Mr Baber, who brings with him more than 24 years’ experience in operations, quality and finance within General Electric, will have responsibility for ensuring the bank delivers a reliable asset finance service to customers based across the UK. George Ashworth, managing director of Asset Finance at Aldermore, said: “It’s great to have Jeremy onboard and I would like to welcome him to the team. He brings with him extensive experience gained from around the world and I have no doubt he will be able to put it to good use during the months ahead.”