Appointments: Deloitte, Close Brothers Group, Persimmon

BUSINESS advisory firm Deloitte has promoted Scott Bayne to partner in its Yorkshire and North East Corporate Audit practice.

Mr Bayne spent 10 years working in the North West.

Mr Bayne, a partner in Corporate Audit, said: “I am delighted to have joined Deloitte’s North East practice.
“Yorkshire and the North East consistently differentiates itself from other regions for its tenacity, dynamism and entrepreneurial spirit and I am truly excited to be part of the local Deloitte team and to support them in driving growth.”

His appointment as a partner comes at a time when Deloitte expects the region to see an increase in business confidence and activity.

Martin Jenkins, practice senior partner for Yorkshire and the North East, explained: “With access to existing and new sources of capital improving, and confidence levels on the rise, we expect that 2015 will offer significant new opportunities in the North East.

“Specifically we expect to see an increase in activity in sectors such as manufacturing and Scott’s background will prove to be invaluable to clients and Deloitte as the year develops.”

Simon Manning, partner and head of Corporate Audit for Yorkshire and the North East, added: “The extensive experience that Scott has brought to Yorkshire and North East has made a huge impact.
“His drive and energy, coupled with his advisory skills are significant assets to the firm in the region and his client track record shows how highly his advice is valued and sought after.”

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DONCASTER-headquartered firm Close Brothers Motor Finance, part of Close Brothers Group plc, has announced the appointment of Liam Quegan as chief operating officer.

Liam brings to the role over 15 years of experience in the finance industry, having previously worked at Capital One.

A candidate on their graduate scheme in 2000, he quickly rose through the ranks to become Director of Customer Service and most recently, Director of Collections and Recoveries.

In his new position at Close Brothers Motor Finance, he will manage the company’s branch network, developing the firm’s IT infrastructure and overseeing core project management teams.

James Broadhead, chief executive of Close Brothers Motor Finance”We are delighted to have Liam on board as our new chief operating officer.

“This is a strategic appointment that will help us to further improve our business operations and one that ultimately underpins our ambition for growth.

“Liam has hugely relevant experience and a proven track record of leading large teams, coupled with a deep understanding of the financial services industry and customer service which will bring a new outlook to our business. With his fresh approach, I have no doubt that he will be a valuable asset to our team.”

Close Brothers Motor Finance employs over 400 staff across 15 sites located throughout the UK and Ireland. It provides finance for new and used cars, motorbikes and light commercial vehicles in partnership with over 8,000 dealerships across the UK.

A FORMER Army corporal has swapped camouflage for shirt and tie, as York housebuilder Persimmon Homes continues its recruitment drive.

David Verity, has joined the Persimmon Homes Yorkshire team as a trainee buyer and is based at its regional office in Fulford.

Persimmon Homes has announced plans to employ up to 500 former Armed Forces staff to capitalise on their vast range of transferable skills.

David has become one of the first to make the switch from battlefield to housebuilder.

The ex-Infantry Section Commander dedicated 12 years to the British Army. During this time, he completed five operational tours and three overseas exercises, mostly on the frontline. He is now looking forward to channelling his energies into forging a new career.

David said: “This is a big change for me as I’ve never done anything like it before. It will be a big learning curve but I wanted a new career that would challenge me.

“I am very proud to have been in the Army and feel I learned many important skills, but after 12 years of travelling around I wanted to settle in one place, and with getting married later this year, now seemed the right time to make the change.

“I’m delighted that Persimmon Homes has taken this positive stance towards ex-servicemen and women. We have a unique background with many skills which can be utilised in other fields.”

Persimmon Homes Yorkshire, which has developments in Hull, Malton, Hornsea, Withernsea, Selby, Fulford, Scunthorpe and Doncaster is working with Nordic Focus Training, to retrain people from the Army, Royal Navy and RAF into various construction roles.

Group chief executive, Jeff Fairburn, said: “We worked hard over the course of 2014 to develop this programme to help us meet a shortage of much-needed skilled tradesmen across the UK.

“Last year we appointed a dedicated ex-military resettlement specialist, Tommy Watson, to spearhead the programme and we began welcoming the first of our new employees in October. We are already on course to bring 500 new people into the business in 2015 and if our growth continues, we will repeat this in 2016.”