Manufacturing partnership for Baker Tilly

WOLVERHAMPTON-based Made in the Midlands has tied up a strategic partnership with Baker Tilly to support its members with business solutions and financial advice.

The membership group said it agreed with the business advisor that the manufacturing sector was growing and with this came a need for an industry expert to help companies with their expansion and innovation strategies.

MITM Chief Operations Officer Charles Addison said: “It became clear that there was a significant opportunity for Made in the Midlands to link up with a strong brand name giving its members the platform to tap into government initiatives and an international network.

“We’re delighted to welcome Baker Tilly on board. They will be able to advise our members, supporting them with things like financial forecasting, cash management and Tax and VAT planning. Their expertise will help to save time and money but most importantly relieve some of the stresses that financial forecasting can bring.”

Mark Evans, Partner at Baker Tilly’s Telford office added: “Baker Tilly is pleased to support Midlands manufacturing by helping these businesses with their financial and strategic planning to allow them to concentrate on innovation and growth with the confidence that having a robust financial plan provides.”

New MD at Platform Black

ALTERNATIVE finance provider Platform Black has appointed Caroline Langron as its new Managing Director.
 
The platform, which allows businesses to auction their outstanding invoices online to raise funds, has advanced more than £80m to British SMEs since its launch in 2012.
 
Ms Langron, who was a Managing Director at Bibby Financial Services for 10 years and has three decades of experience in invoice finance, has been brought in to lead the consolidation of Platform Black’s extraordinary early growth.
 
She said: “Platform Black’s invoice trading model has made it hugely popular both with businesses seeking flexible finance and investors seeking strong returns.”
 
Ms Langron takes over from Colin Levins, who has stepped down as CEO but remains a shareholder in the company. His co-founder Louise Beaumont has also taken a step back, to join GLI Finance – the AIM-listed finance provider that is a major shareholder in Platform Black.

Virtual services offer prime growth opportunities for accountancy firm

 
A MIDLANDS accountancy firm is expanding after seeing an increase in demand for its virtual accountancy service.
 
Prime Accountants, which has offices in Solihull and Coventry, has taken on 12 new staff members this year, with a particular focus on its outsourced accountancy service.
 
The recruitment drive follows more than 80 new client wins since the beginning of the year, and comes with the aim of achieving further growth as virtual accountancy gains ground as a cost-effective option for SMEs.
 
Laurence Moore, Chairman at Prime, said: “This is a really exciting time for Prime, as we experience steady business growth, enabling us to take on more staff as a result.
 
“By investing in cloud-based technologies, we are better placed to help support clients who want to spend more time running their business than chasing invoices.”

Pictured from left, are: Kathy Moss (Marketing Administrator), James Goodwin (Accounts Trainee), Arvin Sud (Accounts Trainee), Kevin Johns (Director), Jessica Henrick (Accounts Trainee), Jennifer Sweeting (Accounts Trainee).