AFH named PLUS Newcomer of the Year

BROMSGROVE-based wealth manager AFH has been awarded the title PLUS Newcomer of the Year at The PLUS Awards 2012.

The awards, held at The Mayfair Hotel in London, acknowledge all PLUS companies and their advisers. They recognise achievements in management, growth and advisory services.  The judging panel comprises advisers, industry heads and journalists.

AFH, which was also nominated in the PLUS Fundraising of the Year category, was admitted to PLUS in June 2011, following a successful subscription raising £1,757,000. Since June, the company has completed a number of successful transactions and in February 2012 agreed a lease on new premises of approximately 15,000 sq ft.

Alan Hudson, chairman and CEO of AFH, said: “We are delighted to have received the award for PLUS Newcomer of the Year. This accolade highlights our significant achievements since admission last year. It is also great recognition from our peers, supporters and affiliates within the industry.”

WH Ireland strengthens for growth

WEALTH manager WH Ireland has significantly strengthened its team across its research, sales and corporate finance operations.

The firm has won seven new clients this year and followed the appointments of Adrian Hadden, Jasper Berry, Raymond Greaves and John Cummins, with the recruitment of Andrew Kitchingman as a director in Corporate Finance. Analysts Nick Spoliar and Angus McPhail have also joined the company, with Tim Feather and Paul Smith due to join in the near future.

Andrew Kitchingman and Nick Spoliar have both joined from Arbuthnot Securities, while Angus McPhail has moved to WH Ireland from Investec. Together, the three men have more than 50 years of small and mid cap experience and have worked on numerous flotations, fundraisings, takeovers, acquisitions and other corporate transactions.

Paul Compton, CEO of WH Ireland, said: “We are delighted to welcome these key hires to WH Ireland. All three individuals are extremely well regarded in their respective fields and will provide us with the infrastructure we require to improve on the 20 wins we made last year.

“All of our recent hires will help us offer greater levels of support and service to current and prospective clients. In addition to this I look forward to welcoming Tim Feather and Paul Smith who I am confident will become fantastic additions to WH Ireland.”

New recruits at Richards Sandy Partnership

THE Richards Sandy Partnership has recruited two new members of staff to support its ongoing growth. The Worcester firm has also seen an existing member if staff qualify as a Chartered Certified Accountant.

Helen Fletcher, far left, has been recruited to provide bookkeeping and payroll bureau services, while Richie Sills, centre, has joined the partnership as a Senior Tax Manager. He is a qualified Chartered Tax Adviser with over 20 years’ experience and will head the tax team.

Richard Dunkley, right, who joined the firm as a trainee three years ago, has now qualified as a CCA.

Partner Rob Richards, director of the firm and chairman of the Worcestershire Group of Chartered Accountants, said: “We are always looking at ways that we can improve the business support we provide our clients, whilst maintaining good value.  We are delighted to welcome Helen who has a wealth of experience in providing value for money bookkeeping service to businesses.

“As a firm of chartered tax advisers we were also keen to strengthen our tax team and are delighted to welcome Richie Sills to the firm.  Richie joins us from a mid- tier firm of chartered accountants having gained many years’ experience working for owner managed businesses and private individuals.  

“Richard Dunkley, who has been with us for a few years, has recently qualified. It is particularly satisfying seeing a member of staff progress – Richard fully deserves his success.”