People: Switalskis; Fresh Thinking Advisory; and more

Law firm Switalskis has promoted head of IT, Nigel Stott, to chief technology officer (CTO).

Nigel, who joined the firm in 2022, will continue to lead Switalskis’ 16-strong team of experienced IT professionals. He will work closely with directors and department heads to deliver strategic improvements that support colleagues and enhance client service.

Nigel said: “Switalskis is different to many law firms. It’s non-traditional structure and agile approach allow us to be bold and decisive, enabling us to deliver meaningful, lasting improvements. There are exciting developments ahead in legal technology, including the role of AI. The key is to harness these tools in a secure and ethical way to enhance what we do, while preserving the personal, human approach that defines how we work.”

John Durkan, Switalskis managing director, says: “Nigel brings clarity, pace and a strategic mindset to everything he does. He’s helped us make real progress in how we use technology to support our people and our clients. His well-deserved promotion is recognition of the impact he’s already made, and the pivotal role he’ll play as we continue to grow, adapt and invest in our future.”

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Fresh Thinking Advisory is strengthening its growth strategy with the appointment of Nikki Foster as a director.

Bringing extensive experience from senior roles in financial services, banking, entrepreneurship and marketing, Nikki will work closely with the existing team to support businesses in navigating the evolving funding landscape.

Nikki said: “I was drawn to the role because of the fantastic team in place, and the ability to help shape and grow an exciting company. Many SMEs don’t know where to turn when seeking funding; I am looking forward to distilling the jargon and helping more businesses succeed in raising finance via the complex array of options out there.”

Founder, Mel Hird added: “Nikki’s breadth of experience is invaluable in understanding the challenges businesses face in today’s funding market. Accessing finance is becoming increasingly complex, and ensuring we have a breadth of talent in our team is essential.”

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SPG Resourcing is expanding its specialist team of technology recruiters with the appointment of Kevin Burke and Louis Taylor.

Kevin joins as principal recruitment consultant and brings a wealth of experience in the sector from senior roles at an international recruitment group.

Louis joins the company with three years of experience as an IT specialist recruiter.  With offices in Leeds and Newcastle and a recently launched US division, SPG Resourcing is building on a period of sustained expansion.

The new hires follow a series of strategic appointments to strengthen the Leeds-based company’s capabilities in cybersecurity and digital transformation.

Sam Hameed, founder of SPG Resourcing, said: “Kevin and Louis bring a passion for the technology sector to their new roles. We look forward to them joining the team at an exciting period for the company, as we continue to grow our presence in the UK and internationally.”

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RSM has announced 11 new partners across its audit, tax and consulting teams, including two in Yorkshire.

Both promotions in RSM’s Leeds office are within the consulting practice with fraud risk expert Andrea Deegan in the forensic team and Mark Leyland in the deal services team both reaching partner level.

Andrea has worked in fraud prevention and investigation for over 20 years, working with a wide range of not for profit and corporate organisations.

Mark has almost 20 years’ experience across professional services and industry. He joined RSM’s financial due diligence team in 2017, advising private equity and corporate clients on both buy-side and sell-side transactions.

Mike Thornton, regional managing partner for RSM UK in Yorkshire and the North East, said: “I’m very proud to welcome Andrea and Mark to the partnership. It is always rewarding to see members of our talented team shape their careers to become experts in their field and support our clients in the middle market.

“Their promotions reflect their dedication and expertise, our commitment to developing and investing in our people, and highlight the career opportunities available at RSM, whatever path you choose.”