People: BHP; ALCMY; Shorts; and more

Independent accountancy firm, BHP, has made promotions across the business and created heads of service positions to reflect ongoing growth.

The new roles recognise outstanding individual contributions to the firm.

The appointments include Paul Winwood and Chris Neale as heads of audit, Andy Haigh as head of corporate finance, Ellie Dignam as head of digital finance, and Fletcher Adamowicz as head of tax.

BHP has also made 34 promotions across its office network in Sheffield, Chesterfield, Leeds, York and Cleckheaton.

Felix Lee has been appointed audit director, while Oliver Watson and Patrick Simpson have been promoted to audit manager positions.

Other manager promotions include Emily Jones (Audit – Not for Profit), Joseph Briggs, William Sykes, Luke Harrower (all Corporate Finance), and Jack Moore (Digital Finance).

More promotions have been made across accountancy and management positions, which follow a further 79 made by BHP last autumn.

BHP chief people officer, Karen Arch, said: “Congratulations to everyone who has deservedly received recognition for their continued commitment and success. 

“As a firm and a certified Great Place to Work, we’re passionate about developing our people and nurturing great talent, and these promotions reflect this.”

Lisa Leighton, joint CEO, said: “We have enjoyed a positive start to 2024 and these promotions evidence not only this but also our leading approach of being a supportive workplace that places the development and future success of our people at the forefront of everything we do.

“It is especially pleasing to have created brand new ‘heads of’ roles for some of our main service line areas, which each have exciting plans and are central to our ongoing growth ambitions.”

:::

Leeds-based retail commerce agency, ALCMY, which opened its doors in late 2023, has made two new high profile appointments as the firm’s client portfolio expands.

New e-commerce manager Gemma Bell, formerly of SHIFT Commerce, Nicole Farhi, James Lakeland and Seaspray, brings over 10 years experience in improving brand identities and delivering successful digital retail marketing strategies.

In her new role, she will work across the firm’s entire client base to drive commercial success.

Steve Wills, who has been delivering world class brand campaigns for over 20 years, working for firms such as ATTIK and Thompson before founding his own creative businesses, has stepped into the position of ALCMY’s creative director.

ALCMY, which is headed by Rich Terry and Pete Gould, has secured significant contracts this year.

These will see it managing the sites, marketing and trading for Los Angeles-based fashion retailer, American Rag, and British men’s clothing brand, Wolsey, for which ALCMY has recently designed, built and launched a new ecommerce site.

Terry, founder and director, said: “We’re pleased to welcome big hitters, Gemma and Steve, to our team as we go from strength-to-strength.

“Our business strategy has always been about quality over quantity, and our new team members have the pedigree and experience to add value on many levels to the companies we partner with.

“As a small, specialised team, it’s important for us – and our clients – that our colleagues are easy to work with and possess great work ethics and attitude, along with strong experience and expertise.

“Having had the pleasure of working with Gemma and Steve in the past, I know they have all of these qualities in abundance.”

Gould, co-founder and director, added: “We always said that we wanted to partner with brands that have three key characteristics; enjoyable to work with, financially viable, and still to realise their full potential.

“Our latest raft of wins tick all the boxes for us, and we’re excited to develop their businesses alongside our own – with Gemma and Steve playing an integral part in this journey.”

:::

Accountancy firm, Shorts, has confirmed the double promotions of Ryan Wilkes and Liam Buttery to the positions of directors within the Owner Managed Business team.

This news was revealed within a raft of promotions which saw nine other members of the team progressing into new roles at the firm.

Partner Malcolm Pope said: “Over the last couple of years, Liam and Ryan have both taken on the role of engagement leader for our ever increasing portfolio of clients looked after by the Owner Managed Business team.

“They have played a pivotal role in the implementation of advancements to improve our clients’ experience’, and have both successfully completed our Management Development training program.

“Jointly, they continue to represent Shorts within the Owner Managed Business working group, as part of our membership of the Praxity Alliance, and more locally through our involvement with the Chesterfield Champions.

“Their promotions now to director are extremely well deserved and reflect their dedication and commitment to continued growth within Shorts.”

Wilkes said: “I am very excited to start the next step in my Shorts career as OMB director. It was such a proud moment when found out I would be promoted, probably the proudest of my career so far.

“The road to get here has been challenging – as you would expect – however, it has allowed me to foster new skills and really expand my capabilities as an accountant, leader, and person.

“I can’t wait to get started on growing the department, working with current and future clients, while offering support to the team to help them achieve their careers goals.”

Buttery said: “Being promoted to director marks a significant milestone in my career, and is one that I am incredibly proud to achieve.

“The 15-year journey, from being a school leaving apprentice, becoming ACCA qualified in 2016, various management roles, and now director level, has been rewarding.

“As director, I’m excited to continue working with both new and existing clients, while also investing in the development of individuals on their own career paths. I look forward to leading the owner-managed business team and continuing to build on its success.”

Wilkes and Buttery are both Chartered Certified Accountants, proficient in many cloud-based accounting systems, such as Xero and Sage, and have experience working with both incorporated and unincorporated businesses.

:::

A social care group in Yorkshire has appointed a new manager at one of its care homes in the region.

Ed Robinson joins Prospect House in Goole, which is owned and managed by HICA Group.

He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role and his extensive background in social care and positive behaviour support will enhance the home’s person-centred approach to care.

Prospect House provides care and support to adults with a learning disability with services tailored to the individual needs of its residents.

Terry Peel, HICA Group’s CEO, said: “Bringing Ed on board is a fantastic development for the team at Prospect House and the HICA family.

“His proven track record in delivering exceptional care aligns perfectly with our mission to provide outstanding and innovative support services.

“We’re excited for the future of Prospect House under his leadership.”

Robinson previously worked at Moorview Care in Hull. He said: “Joining the Prospect House team as manager is a privilege and a great responsibility.

“I’m eager to bring my passion for social care and positive behaviour support to enhance our residents’ lives.

“Together with the dedicated staff here, I look forward to building on the excellent standards of care and making a positive impact in the community.”