New Investment Director for LDC

PRIVATE equity firm LDC has further strengthened its Midlands operation with the appointment of Richard Whitwell as Investment Director at its Birmingham office.

An experienced business professional, with a 19 year career in private equity, Whitwell brings a wealth of knowledge to the role. A graduate of Cambridge University, he started his career in 1988 at Ernst & Young where he qualified as a chartered accountant. In 1994 he moved on to join the corporate finance team at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he spent two years advising on a diverse range of private equity transactions.

Following periods at both Aberdeen Murray Johnstone and Gresham Private Equity in Birmingham, Whitwell went on to initiate, lead and invest in the £21m management buy-out of C6 Solutions, backed by Dunedin Private Equity.

Most recently, he was Finance Director at Derbyshire-headquartered Forest Holidays where he played a key role in developing the group’s finance and accounting function to support the rapid growth of the business. He also worked closely with LDC’s Midlands’ team in the successful sale of the business to LDC in September 2012.

Commenting on the appointment, Martin Draper, LDC’s Regional Managing Director said: “Richard has considerable private equity experience, developed both as an investor and through operational roles within institutionally backed businesses and his recruitment is further testament of our commitment to a regionally based approach.

“His skill set will complement LDC’s existing team of eleven investment professionals operating across the Midlands region, as we continue to drive deal flow and secure opportunities to back excellent management teams in the UK SME sector.”

Layla shows no fear as she rocks into Coutts

COUTTS in Birmingham has appointed Layla Fear as a Wealth Manager. In her new role she will support director Miles Plumb and be responsible for developing new business in the Midlands.
 
She joins Coutts from JM Finn & Co where she was an Investment Manager.  Ms Fear has more than 12 years’ experience within financial services, having held investment management and analyst positions at a number of companies including: WH Ireland Group plc, Alliance Trust plc and Standard Life plc.  

She also acts as an Investment Advisor on the Finance Committee for the Community Foundation in Wales.

Commenting on the appointment, Plumb said: “We are pleased to have someone with Layla’s investment expertise joining our strong team in Birmingham. Her understanding of investments and working with private clients will further enable us to meet the increasing demand for expert and tailored wealth management services in the region.”

New Client Service Manager for Murphy Salisbury

WARWICKSHIRE-based chartered accountancy firm Murphy Salisbury has appointed a new client service manager to its expanding team.

Giles Garratt, left, joins the Stratford-upon-Avon firm from an established local practice, having lived and worked in the local area for a number of years.

Having qualified as a chartered accountant in 2006, and as a chartered tax adviser in 2008, Garratt has experience in a wide range of matters relating to general practice accountancy, audit and taxation, with a particular specialism in advising high net worth individuals, trusts, companies and partnerships on topics such as VAT compliance to inheritance tax planning.

Senior partner Steve Smith said: “I am delighted to welcome Giles to the firm. He brings with him a great deal of experience in a wide range of matters, as well as having an excellent reputation in the local area.”