New trainees arrive at Grant Thornton

BUSINESS adviser Grant Thornton has appointed 15 new trainees to its growing Birmingham office.

The intake comprises 13 graduates and two school leavers; all have embarked upon new careers in accountancy studying for ATT, AAT, ACA and CIPFA professional qualifications while working across Grant Thornton’s audit, tax and advisory businesses.

Dave Munton, regional managing partner, said: “Competition to secure training positions is increasingly tough so all these individuals have exhibited outstanding determination to succeed in a career with Grant Thornton. The firm is committed to nurturing new talent from within and from day one they’ll be supported and encouraged to show initiative and take responsibility in their work with our ambitious public and private sector clients.

“People are what make the business world go round and in these new trainees I hope to be looking at some of the firm’s future leaders.”

Gambit opening door to new Corporate Finance Director

GAMBIT Corporate Finance has appointed Gayle Bowen as Corporate Finance Director.  Ms Bowen will be responsible for originating and leading deals across the region.
 
Focused on the SME and private equity market, Ms Bowen has worked in CF for more than 13 years formerly with BDO in both London and Bristol. Working on a range of transactions from management buy outs, mergers & acquisitions to public to privates, her focus will be on helping organisations to define strategic direction when planning for growth through acquisition, or when restructuring or selling.    

A qualified accountant, she started her corporate finance career in London in 2000 and has worked on over 30 deals.

Adrian Jones, partner of Gambit Corporate Finance, said: “We are really pleased to have Gayle on board to help drive the continued growth of the firm.  She brings a significant and proven track record, is commercially astute and committed to adding value to clients.”  

Established in 1992 and with offices in London, Birmingham and Cardiff, Gambit specialises in advising private and public companies on midmarket transactions in the UK and overseas.

Two new Associate Directors at Perkins Slade

PERKINS Slade, one of the UK’s largest independent insurance brokers, has appointed two new Associate Directors to its Executive team.

Bert Ramos has been promoted to Associate Director, Corporate Development and Andy Fielding is now Associate Director, Sport and Recreation.

Nick Tamblyn, Chief Executive, said: “The new appointments follow a number of changes to the senior management team designed to support delivery of our strategic goals and drive new business. I am delighted that we have been able to promote from within the business rather than having to look externally; the talent that exists within our business is testament to our investment in people development.”

Fielding is a Chartered Insurance Broker with more than 30 years broking experience and Ramos has worked in insurance for more than 20 years – 14 years in development roles.

Fielding will be focused on scheme development for National Governing Bodies of Sport as well as looking at affinity products and benefits programmes. Ramos will be focusing on building the corporate new business pipeline and aligning this to the company’s segmentation strategy.