Hat-trick of promotions for HB&O

HARRISON Beale & Owen, which has offices in Leamington and Coventry, has celebrated its 10th anniversary with a hat-trick of promotions.

Associate directors Helen Coombes, Wayne Gutteridge and Sarah Wilson have all been appointed full directors as part of the firm’s plan for continued growth.

Ms Coombes joined HB&O as associate tax director in 2012 and has since worked to expand the firm’s tax department, bringing in new areas of expertise as well as taking an active role in the recruitment of a specialist VAT consultant.

Gutteridge has been with HB&O for over 18 years, most recently as associate director at the firm’s Coventry office. His field of expertise covers accounting, management information systems and cloud-based solutions.

Ms Wilson joined in 2012 to work as a specialist in audit and accountancy at the firm’s Leamington office. Her specialisms include working with large corporate sectors and small businesses to help them secure growth.

Rob Kendall, director at HB&O, said: “It is fantastic that we have been able to accommodate three major promotions as we celebrate our tenth anniversary.

“Helen, Wayne and Sarah are highly-skilled professionals who have not only helped to shape HB&O’s growth over the last few years but have also ensured that the company continues to deliver a high-quality service to clients across Coventry and Warwickshire.

“The promotions are a key element of our succession strategy as we bring in a new wave of directors who will continue to develop the practice moving forward.”

New group FD for BHSF

IAN Galer is to become Group Finance Director of health insurance and employee benefits group BHSF.

Galer, pictured, will succeed Nick Wright, who is retiring after nine years in the position.

Galer was educated at King Edwards School, Birmingham, and after obtaining his BA in Accountancy in 1978 he qualified as a chartered accountant while at BDO Binder Hamlyn.  

In his time there he served in the Birmingham, Dubai and Leamington offices.  He joined Wesleyan Assurance in 1990 and held a number of important roles culminating in becoming Finance Manager in 2011.  He then joined BHSF in the spring of 2013 as Head of Finance.

Peter Maskell, BHSF’s Group Chief Executive, said: “Throughout his time at BHSF Nick has displayed high standards of skill and great wisdom. The robust state of our finances and the success of our investment strategy are in no small measure down to him.

“Ian will have a hard job following in Nick’s footsteps, but we are sure he will be a major asset to the company in the coming challenging times”.

Tax appointment for CB

CB, Chartered Accountants, which has offices in Worcester and Tewkesbury, has appointed a new personal tax manager.

Colin Storey, left, joins the firm from Baker Tilly in Hereford where he was based for nearly 20 years as a personal tax manager. Storey trained whilst employed by HMRC where he spent 17 years, latterly as an Inspector of Taxes in Hereford and Shrewsbury.

In addition to his experience in dealing with individual tax affairs, Storey also has a specialist interest in partnerships, including LLP’s and dealing with solicitors, estate agents, GP’s and medical consultants.

John Painter, Managing Partner at CB, Chartered Accountants said: “Colin joins the practice at a time when tax compliance has never been so newsworthy, from celebrity tax avoidance schemes to changes in HMRC’s debt collection powers, never has having a trusted advisor been so important.”