New financial services leader for PwC

PwC has appointed David Roper as financial services leader of the firm in the Midlands. His appointment will see him head up the firm’s growth plans in the sector.

Based at the firm’s Birmingham office, Roper has moved to the region from PwC’s Manchester office where he set up and ran the financial services practice for 14 years. Prior to that, he worked for nine years at the firm’s London office.

Roper is aiming to double the existing team operating in the Midlands and extend the support the firm offers to banks, building societies, insurers and other businesses offering financial services in the region.

He said: “The financial services sector in the Midlands is well-established and has become increasingly active in response to the recent increase in consumer and business confidence. Growing recognition of the critical role financial institutions play in the regional and wider UK economy is driving activity, and as a result we are seeing more transactions and investments taking place.”

He said regulatory changes affecting the banking sector and consumer lending would force businesses to alter the way they deal with customers.

Mark Smith, regional chairman at PwC in the Midlands, said: “David has a wealth of knowledge and expertise of the financial services sector and I’m pleased to welcome him to the region, where he will add significant value to our team and our clients.”

Clement Keys boosts charities and not-for-profit team

EDGBASTON-based chartered accountants, Clement Keys, has promoted two of its charities and not-for-profit employees amid plans for further growth in the sector.

Louise Taylor, who joined the firm in February, has been promoted to assistant manager and Ranjit Kang is taking on the specialist role of charities manager after five years working more broadly across Clement Keys’ practice teams.

Simon Atkins, partner and charities and not-for-profit specialist at Clement Keys, said: “We have a very active role in this sector and it is one that we are consistently strengthening to meet the needs of our clients. The promotions are evidence of our ongoing investment in our people and both Louise and Ranjit are highly-skilled, with good knowledge of the sector.

“The charities and not-for-profit sector is a particularly dynamic one with specialist and diverse needs. Our breadth and depth of expertise in this area means we are able to fulfil these requirements and add value to their organisations.”

Pictured from left are: Ranjit Kang, Fleur Holden and Simon Atkins, both partners and Louise Taylor.

CIPFA launches new apprenticeship scheme

CIPFA, the world’s only professional accountancy body dedicated to public finance, has chosen the West Midlands to pilot a unique and innovative apprenticeship scheme. The programme was launched at an event hosted by Grant Thornton.

Designed to attract individuals to a career in public finance, the one-year apprenticeship is managed by CIPFA, allowing employers to focus on nurturing new talent within their organisations and apprentices on gaining valuable work experience while studying for a professional accountancy qualification.

Ten apprentices have joined the West Midlands-based pilot scheme; four at Grant Thornton’s Birmingham office, two at Birmingham City Council, two at Coventry City Council, one at Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council and one at Birmingham Women’s NHS Foundation Trust.

Speaking at the launch event Steve Freer, CIPFA Chief Executive, said: “CIPFA is delighted this innovative and exciting apprenticeship training programme for young people has met with such enthusiasm from sponsors and employers across the West Midlands.

“The involvement of major local employers in this scheme means that the apprentices will have the opportunity to gain invaluable work experience alongside their studies in public finance.”
 
James Cook, Public Sector Assurance Associate Director at Grant Thornton in Birmingham, said: “When we learned that West Midlands’ councils and CIPFA were developing this scheme, Grant Thornton was pleased to support them to build further on our position as the largest CIPFA employer and our already close working arrangements with public sector bodies in the region.”