People: Promotion to partner at financial firm; Trio of hires at accountants; high profile new role for senior lawyer; and more

Audit director Simon Turner has been promoted to the role of partner at the accountants, business and financial advisers Armstrong Watson.

Based at Armstrong Watson’s Northallerton office, Turner has played a key role in the development of the firm’s audit practice across North Yorkshire and the North East.

He has over 14 years’ experience and has worked with a range of clients, from FTSE 250 to AIM, privately owned enterprises to not-for-profit organisations.

He joined Armstrong Watson from ‘the Big 4’ in Summer 2018 with a distinct focus on working closely with business owners to maximise the benefits an audit can achieve. This approach has resonated well with Yorkshire/Tees businesses and led to significant growth for the firm across the region.

Turner said: “It is an honour to become a partner within the firm and particularly as a representative for the North Yorkshire region.

“I have a fantastic team working hard alongside me and I am extremely proud that CEO and Managing Partner Paul Dickson, and the Armstrong Watson board, believe in me to grow and develop our practice in Northallerton and the surrounding areas.

“I look forward to continuing to work with my exciting clients, helping them manage their challenges and make the most of the opportunities that these uncertain times present.”

Paul Dickson, Armstrong Watson’s Chief Executive & Managing Partner, added:  “This is a well-deserved promotion in recognition of Simon’s leadership, development and growth of the team and our market offering in Northallerton and the surrounding areas.

“He is an integral part of our leadership team and his ambitious and progressive thinking complement our focus and commitment to increasing and innovating client services, and our continued business growth.”

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Yorkshire-based accountants Thomas Coombs has taken on three new staff members, including a tax senior, as it continues with its plan for expansion.

Ben Thornley, Olivia Riley and Paul Massey have joined the firm and are now working with its diverse range of clients to assist them with accountancy, audit and tax advice.

Riley is the most senior appointment. She joins the tax team as a tax senior having previously worked for four years at another accountancy firm.

She assists with personal and Capital Gains Tax planning, as well as corporate tax planning related to business structures and the extraction of profits from a company.

She is currently looking to complete her CTA (Chartered Tax Advisor) qualification with the firm – one of the most prestigious accreditations in the industry.

Meanwhile Thornley joins the firm’s audit team, where he is currently involved in the analysis of accounting records and preparation of year-end accounts for a range of small businesses. He will be studying towards the AAT (Association of Accounting Technician) qualification.

The firm’s other recent recruit, Massey, will also be joining the accountants’ growing audit team. He began his career in 2018 working for a small accountancy firm in Wakefield.

He works on accounts management, bank reconciliation and prepayments. He will also be looking to complete the AAT qualification with the firm.

Peter Sawrij, director at Thomas Coombs, said: “In the last year we have seen a significant increase in demand for our services, which is why we are looking to grow and develop our team further.

“The appointment of Olivia, Ben and Paul is a real win for us and will help us to deliver our services to a wider audience. Olivia’s appointment in particular means we can provide additional support to our growing number of tax clients.”

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David Scott the head of employment law at York-based Hethertons Solicitors has gained an appointment as a Recorder in the North Eastern Circuit.

As a Recorder, he will start in the Family Division, drawing upon his vast experience in the legal profession, which stretches back almost 30 years. Scott will be required to manage cases actively and determine disputes at hearing.

He has been appointed to the role by the Queen on the recommendation of the Lord Chancellor, following a year-long selection process and he will sit for 30 days each year.

Scott will hold the position of Recorder for a minimum of four years but could be offered the opportunity to extend his position beyond this date.

As this is a part-time position, he will continue to lead the Employment Team at Hethertons and play an active part in the firm.

He said: “It is a real honour to be appointed as a Recorder for our local courts. This is a prestigious position and I hope to serve the justice system well in my new role.

“This appointment reflects my ongoing commitment to the legal profession and the people that it serves. Many thanks have to go to my colleagues at Hethertons, who continue to support me in all that I do.”

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Growing East Yorkshire-based alternative funding specialist for SMEs, One Stop Business Finance, has strengthened its operations and finance brokering team with the appointment of Collette Munson.

Joining as operations manager and finance broker, she brings a wealth of experience in sales, service and operational processes to One Stop Business Finance to support its expanding client base across the UK.

She was previously call centre manager for conveyancing solutions specialist The Live Organisation, prior to which she worked for several years in the personal finance sector underwriting deals and engaging with customers.

The newly created post in the operations team will help ensure clients have access to the widest range of backers in instances where funding from One Stop Business Finance’s own resources is not the chosen solution.

Munson will work closely with the business development management team to identify the most appropriate funders to approach, and then liaise with the chosen funder through to completion.

In addition, she will manage processes within the One Stop Business Finance operations team, with responsibility for a range of back office procedures to assist with the smooth running of the business and ensure clients receive the most efficient service.

Munson said: “I am delighted to be joining the team and to be a part of the continued growth and development of One Stop Business Finance. It is exciting to be joining a company with an innovative ethos to ‘do the deals that the traditional banks won’t do’ as it allows us all to fully utilise our expertise and creativity to find the right solutions for clients and help them achieve whatever goals they have.”

Andrew Mackenzie, One Stop Business Finance managing director, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Collette to the team and value the expertise and experience she will bring to OSBF as we grow.

“Collette will strengthen our focus on operational excellence and the processes required to find the right funding sources for clients, ensuring they can get the most out of the services we provide with the greatest flexibility and the best range of solutions.”