People: Partners appointed at accountants; MD announced at smart buildings solutions firm; New hire at communications provider; and more

Yorkshire and North Derbyshire’s largest independent firm of chartered accountants, BHP, has appointed three partners – who all started their careers at the firm.

Rachelle Rowbottom, who joined BHP in 1998 following her A-Levels and now heads the tax service line to the charity and not-for-profit sector, has been made a tax partner.

Through her charity role, she is a Charity Tax Group Observer Member, meaning she regularly attends meetings with key players in the sector, attends conferences and can input into lobbying activities – placing her at the very forefront of legislative changes. She also acts for a portfolio of owner-managed businesses.

Kevin Davies, who has been with the firm since 2001 following a degree in Maths with Accounting at University of Sheffield, has been promoted to corporate finance partner. Davies, who is based in BHP’s Sheffield office, has worked on some of the region’s highest profile deals including MBOs, disposals and acquisitions.

Paul Winwood, who joined BHP in 2006 after studying Economics at Newcastle University, has been appointed partner and head of audit. Winwood will continue to act for a growing range of SMEs and regulated clients, in addition to ensuring BHP is fully prepared for dealing with the technological and regulatory changes facing the audit profession.

Lisa Leighton, joint managing partner at BHP, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Rachelle, Kevin and Paul to BHP’s 33-strong team of partners and we’re especially proud that they are all homegrown talent.

“We see each individual as a major asset to the firm and this is well deserved recognition for their hard work and commitment.

“Not only do these appointments further strengthen core areas of the business, but they also showcase the growth and career progression opportunities we can offer at BHP.”

Louise Allen, head of HR at BHP, added: “At BHP we understand how important it is to nurture, develop and support employees to reach their full potential. Furthermore, we want to retain talent and skills as much as possible.

“This approach has always been central to our business model and our firm’s success.”

Earlier this year, BHP was recognised by the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For list – now in its 19th year, the hard-fought and nationally-celebrated list recognises the very best in employee engagement around the country. With more than 300 staff, over the last 10 years BHP has increased its turnover from £8m to over £22m.

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Connected home specialist Somfy has appointed its new Managing Director for the UK and Ireland – Steven Montgomery.

Montgomery, who will be based at the company’s UK HQ in Leeds, joins the business after working as director of sales for Aqualisa Products, and is key to the company’s renewed focus on the UK and Irish markets.

He brings a wealth of experience in consumer and home technology from previous roles at Apple, ERA Home Security and Marshalls.

His appointment comes after continued expansion of Somfy’s Protect range, which concentrates on home security, and offers a range of products from sensors to security cameras.

Montgomery said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Somfy family and looking forward to using my experience and skills to help the firm drive profitable growth in the United Kingdom.

“My career has focused heavily on sales strategies and business development, whilst my time at Apple, ERA Home Security and Marshalls ignited a real passion for security technology and Smart Home solutions. Somfy is a hugely exciting and innovative organisation, and the ideal place for me to apply these skills and experiences moving forward.”

Somfy offers smart management solutions for homes and other buildings. Its innovations automate and connect items such as rolling shutters, curtains and blinds, gates and garage doors, lighting and heating, alarms systems and more.

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Clayton West-headquartered integrated communications provider Adare SEC has further boosted its transformation strategy with the appointment of a chief digital and information officer.

Andrew Herd joins the executive team to drive the company’s continued enhancement of its digital services to clients. He will focus on building high quality, secure systems that enable effective integrated communications and solutions.

Adare SEC’s clients include financial services company Allianz, multinational commercial bank Santander and nature conservation charity RSPB. The company has a turnover of £69.7m and employs 440 people.

Prior to joining the company, Herd was chief information officer for three-and-a-half years at mortgage services administration provider, Computershare Loan Services. Before that, he spent three years leading technology at UK Asset Resolution, the Government’s holding company set up in 2010 to administer Bradford Bingley and Northern Rock.

His experience in technology spans a career of more than 30 years. In addition to being responsible for transformation of technology-led businesses, he has held senior positions across the UK and internationally, delivering complex projects and programmes that implement innovative technology-led solutions.

Herd said: “It is an exciting time to join Adare SEC. The company is rapidly transforming and further enhancing its range of digital services to enable clients to provide their customers with integrated communications which deliver excellent customer experiences.

“The business has a clear and sustainable growth strategy. I am looking forward to playing my part in making it happen by evolving our technology capability and developing products and services that help our clients navigate an increasingly complex customer engagement challenge.”

In addition to Clayton West, near Huddersfield, Adare SEC has further facilities in Redditch, Worcestershire, and Nottingham, Nottinghamshire.

Welcoming Herd to the company, Adare SEC chief executive officer, Rachael Nevins, said: “Andrew is an excellent addition to our executive team and the ideal person to appoint for this new role.

“He brings exceptional strategic and tactical technical knowledge and experience to the business. We will use Andrew’s highly sought after skills to strengthen our position as an integrated communication solutions provider, and to deliver competitive advantage for both Adare SEC and our clients.”

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A departing finance director has left a Bradford-based housing association on a high.

Helen Rourke, has left her post as director of finance and company secretary at Manningham Housing Association. (MHA) Last week, she was named Finance Professional of the Year at the Women in Housing Awards at Emirates Old Trafford, in Manchester.

She has now taken up the position of executive director – finance with Mosscare St Vincent’s Housing Group.

She was nominated for her award by MHA chief executive Lee Bloomfield, who said he was thrilled but not surprised by her success.

Bloomfield, who triumphed in the Mentor of the Year category at the Housing Heroes awards in July, said: “Helen has been a wonderful colleague and is a worthy winner at the Women in Housing Awards.

“She began her professional career as a trainee at KPMG and quickly progressed through the housing finance world, serving as assistant director for finance at Parkway Green Housing Trust and finance director at Trafford Housing Trust before joining MHA.

“Helen demonstrated remarkable leadership skills in working with the Executive Team and Board to enable us to significantly improve our governance and financial viability ratings as determined by the Regulator of Social Housing.

“She also acted as a mentor to up-and-coming housing finance professionals. Helen leaves with our sincere good wishes as the newly-crowned Finance Professional of the Year.”

Barrington Billings, chair of the MHA Board, said: “I am really pleased for Helen who has been a first-class ambassador for Manningham Housing Association and a tremendous support to Board members past and present.

“There is no doubt that future accomplishments will be added to her deeply-merited Women in Housing Award.”

Helen Rourke said: “I’m really shocked and humbled to have been given the award. There were some incredible women recognised on the night, and some inspiring stories of what they have achieved across the sector, and I feel honoured to be counted amongst them.

“It has been a real privilege to have been part of Manningham’s journey over the last two years. Everything we have achieved together is testament to the hard work of the Executive, Board and staff, and I wish them every success in the future.”

Interviews for the new position of director of finance and resources at MHA are currently underway, with the successful candidate expected to be confirmed next month.