People: Andrew Jackson Solicitors; SportsShoes.com; and more

Andrew Jackson Solicitors says Edward Allen has joined its private client practice as a partner, as the regional law firm continues to expand and strengthen its specialist team.

With over a decade’s experience advising clients on a wide range of estate planning matters including inheritance tax, business succession, asset protection and wills, Allen regularly acts for high net worth individuals, with a particular focus on business owners including farming families.

He is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

Allen said: – “I am really looking forward to playing a key role in ensuring that we continue to provide clients with an exceptional service and advice that is tailored to their needs, while adding my specialist knowledge and expertise of acting for clients in the agricultural sector.”

Richard Hoare, partner, and head of private client services, said: “I am happy to welcome Edward to Andrew Jackson.

“With his strong track record of advising clients, including business owners and farming families, in complex and sensitive matters, I know his skills and experience will complement those of our existing team whilst further strengthening our existing practice.”

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SportsShoes.com has appointed a head of marketing as the online retailer further implements its ongoing business growth and development strategy.

Dan Cartner has been promoted from senior marketing and e-commerce manager to the newly created position.

Since joining in 2009, he has worked across customer service, marketing and e-commerce positions to gain an in-depth understanding of the company’s service proposition and customer base.

Established in 1982, Shipley-headquartered SportsShoes.com offers customers more than 17,000 products from 150 global running and outdoor brands.

Cartner said: “We’re committed to providing a best-in-class retail experience for our customers so my focus is on ensuring we use marketing as a means to achieve that objective.

“We pride ourselves on moving with speed and agility and are always looking out for what we can do next for the benefit of our customers, brand partners and suppliers.

“As head of marketing, it is my responsibility to ensure all of this happens and I’m looking forward to helping shape the future of the business.”

He is working with the company’s digital teams to continuously improve its marketing and e-commerce operations.

Managing director Brett Bannister said: “Dan thoroughly deserves this promotion. He’s learnt the business from the bottom up over the last 13 years, and has had enormous success in helping transform our marketing and e-commerce operations.

“I look forward to working with Dan on the ongoing development of our marketing and e-commerce strategy to support the company’s growth ambitions.”

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A Yorkshire accountancy firm has welcomed its biggest ever intake of trainee accountants and tax advisors.

The move by Saffery Champness, in Harrogate, has seen the creation of 10 training positions for school leavers and graduates – double last year’s intake – bringing the head count at its Yorkshire headquarters to 65.

Partner Sally Appleton said the investment in people would strengthen the firm’s long-term capabilities and growth potential and was part of a commitment to developing a new wave of finance professionals with a broad range of knowledge and experience.

She said: “Saffery Champness has recognised the value of training people in our unique and relational style of tax and accountancy advisory services, which is why we have invested so heavily in talent this year.

“As well as creating more positions than ever before, we are launching a brand new training programme to coincide with the latest intake, which will give this year’s recruits an opportunity to develop the soft skills that are so important in our approach, alongside their technical learning.”

The 10 new trainees include sixth form leavers, new graduates and graduates who already have experience in other sectors. The posts include four in audit, four in corporate tax and two in personal tax.

Appleton added: “The scale of the intake and diversity of trainees in terms of background and experience creates a dynamic peer group where everyone can support one another and get involved in tax and accountancy work from day one.

“It moves us away from the more traditional approach of training, where there is more of a focus on shadowing colleagues, and offers our new starters an engaging and hands-on experience.

“We hope it will be a rewarding and exciting environment where they can set firm foundations on which to build their career with Saffery Champness and make the most of the opportunities available.”

Saffery Champness is continuing to recruit trainees onto its new style programme.