Yorkshire Bank appoints new international trade partner

YORKSHIRE Bank has strengthened its West Region team with the appointment of a new international trade partner. Simon Hayden brings 25 years of international and domestic experience to the role and will be based at Yorkshire Bank’s Financial Solutions Centre in Temple Row, Birmingham.

Mr Hayden, 43, has developed his international skills and detailed trade knowledge from holding similar roles in international trade at other banks over the last 15 years, latterly at HBOS, where he built up a wealth of knowledge in his specialist field.

He said: “British companies are seeking new international markets in which to sell their goods or start to import into the UK. During these times of diversification, it is critically important they receive bespoke trade advice to help ensure the greater risks of trade associated with overseas markets are mitigated.

“My job will involve structuring trade resolutions and advising commercial and corporate companies which are operating internationally so that they feel confident when entering into overseas transactions.”

Wolves FD named as One to Watch in 2012

Wolverhampton Wanderer’s financial director, Rita Purewal, has been named as a rising star within her profession. Ms Purewal has been awarded the ‘Ones to Watch’ accolade following independent research carried out by Financial Director Magazine.

The Ones to Watch initiative identifies the top 20 highest achieving FDs in the UK and the range of skills they bring to the table, including leadership, sound financial planning, innovation, decisiveness,  communication skills and clear operational improvement.

Ms Purewal has presided over the club’s unstable existence since 1994, and since 2003 has seen them relegated and promoted back to the Premier League.

She was selected for the accolade due to her success in managing the finances for what is ultimately a notoriously unpredictable business, as well as her efforts in building the club’s current solid financial foundation.

Robert Allison, managing director of Expense Reduction Analysts, said:  “Football is the very epitome of an unpredictable business. Millions are lost or gained on the kick of a ball every year and those outside the business must marvel at how football FDs do it. The unpredictability of the beautiful game and the financial challenges this brings, especially at a club such as Wolves, makes Purewal a FD to watch.”

PwC strengthens Risk Assurance practice

PwC has appointed Helen Nixseaman as the new head of its Risk Assurance practice in the Midlands. A risk assurance expert with over 20 years experience, Ms Nixseaman has been promoted after joining the Midlands team just over a year ago, following a move from the firm’s London office.

She said: “The firm’s risk assurance practice in the Midlands has grown significantly in recent years and now employs over 100 people.

Mark Smith, regional chairman of PwC in the Midlands, said: “This is a strategic appointment that will further strengthen our risk assurance services in the region. Helen has already demonstrated her drive and commitment in growing the firm’s risk assurance practice over the past year and she is continuing to strengthen her links with the Midlands business community.”