Lloyds builds mid-markets team following increase in lending

LLOYDS Bank has expanded its Birmingham mid-markets team following uplift in lending to West Midlands corporate.

Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, the division which supports business of all sizes, from SMEs, to mid-market businesses and large corporates, has been boosted with two new appointments.

Richard Southgate joins the team as Senior Area Manager, alongside new Relationship Manager Olivia Hines.

The duo join a 28-strong mid-markets team, based at the bank’s flagship office on Colmore Row. The division supports a network of businesses in the wider West Midlands’ region with annual turnover in excess of £25m.

As part of their new roles, the new appointees will assist companies looking to maximise growth opportunities both at home and in overseas markets.

The new appointments follow a sustained period of lending growth by Lloyds Bank, with the Birmingham-based team increasing its net lending facilities to mid-sized companies and large corporates in the West Midlands by 15% in the 10 months to October 2013.

The year also saw 28 mid-market businesses in the region switch their accounts to Lloyds Bank, including the iconic hotel, golf and leisure resort The Belfry and renowned automotive research and development organisation MIRA.

Commenting on the West Midlands’ team expansion, Andrew Connors, Area Director for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking in the region, said: “Richard and Olivia each bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our growing team. These senior appointments add additional strength to our offering in the West Midlands at a time when we are looking to further increase our lending to mid-sized companies and large corporates across the region.”

David Richardson, Regional Managing Director, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking in the Midlands, East and South West added: “Across the piece, it’s the teams’ focus on long-term relationships and delivery of real expertise that’s making the difference to our customers, which is helping us grow our business in the region. As we continue to increase our market share, we’re also committed to expanding our team in-line with the uplift in demand for lending from West Midlands’ corporates.”

New VAT Director for Mazars

JAMES Hurst, left, has become the latest recruit to join international accountancy firm Mazars’ Midlands team.

He has joined the Birmingham office as a director responsible for VAT and indirect taxes throughout Mazars’ central region, which includes the Birmingham, Nottingham, Milton Keynes and Leicester, offices.

He was formerly with Grant Thornton in Birmingham and brings 20 years’ experience in VAT and indirect taxes, initially with HMRC and latterly in senior roles at major accountancy firms.

Midlands managing partner David Chapman said: “James is another high quality recruit that has joined our ranks. We are currently recruiting a number of key individuals and support staff and will continue to grow our teams where our clients are particularly requiring our services.”

Grant Thornton raids KPMG to boost forensics team

GRANT Thornton has boosted its Birmingham-based forensic and investigation services team with the appointment of Steve Thompson as director.

Thompson joins Grant Thornton following nearly 30 years at KPMG, the last 20 of which specialising in forensic accounting, working on the full range of assignments such as contractual disagreements, transactional related disputes, fraud cases and professional negligence claims. His new role will involve working across the range of forensic services as well as spearheading the growth of Grant Thornton’s national insurance claims related assignments.

Harshad Bharakhada, head of Grant Thornton’s forensic and investigation services team in the Midlands, said: “Steve is a great addition to the Grant Thornton forensic and investigations team. The combination of the credit crunch, globalisation and greater regulation has led to an increase in the size and complexity of financial disputes and investigations and Steve’s breadth and depth of experience will be of great benefit to both national and international clients.”

Geoff Davies, head of Grant Thornton’s advisory business in the Midlands, added: “Steve is a well-known forensic practitioner in the region and we are very pleased that he has joined our Birmingham office. His appointment is a further demonstration of Grant Thornton investing in the very best people to join our existing advisory team to take the business forward into the future.”

Pictured from left are Geoff Davies, Steve Thompson and Harshad Bharakhada.