Businesses in the West of England are continuing to recruit and promote staff amid the difficult economic trading conditions. Companies across a wide range of sectors, including retail, professional services, cyber security, tech and finance, have all made appointments in recent weeks.
In our latest round-up, BusinessLive takes a look at just some of the people in the region who have taken on new roles recently.
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C3IA Solutions
The Poole-headquartered cyber security company has appointed a new technical services coordinator.
Clare Davison has joined the firm and will help with the delivery of some of its services to private and public sector clients. These include Cyber Essentials, the government-backed scheme that helps protect businesses, and penetration-testing that checks how robust an organisation’s IT systems’ defences are.
Ms Davison, originally from Glasgow, previously worked as a test manager for IBM and spent time with EDS, now owned by HP. She said: “I am very much enjoying the work at C3IA Solutions helping keep businesses safe.”
Jim Hawkins, delivery and security director at C3IA Solutions, added: “The new technical co-ordinator role was created due to our continued growth. Our clients are increasing in number and we are expanding our services to support them.”
Centre for Modelling and Simulation (CFMS)
The Centre for Modelling and Simulation (CFMS), an independent digital engineering consultancy, has appointed Dr Mark Woods as its new chief strategy officer. He will oversee the organisation’s direction and support the development of new robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.
With over 20 years’ experience in technical engineering across the space, aerospace and robotics industries, Dr Woods joins the CFMS board with an array of accolades including the first-of-a-kind development of autonomous robotic and AI elements for the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Mars exploration programme including its first robotic mission to Mars - called ExoMars.
The newly created role will see him working with chief executive Sam Paice and the organisation’s senior leadership team to develop a strategy to support the next stage of growth for the company. He will also lead on the development of a new robotics and AI offering and will also help to drive forward the organisation’s existing digital engineering and data science capabilities to support the UK’s net zero agenda.
Ms Paice said: “Mark is a leader in autonomy and robotics, with experience in a range of high-profile projects that will prove vital in developing our robotic capabilities. His extensive and expert knowledge will play a crucial role in driving CFMS forward.”
Rovco
Rovco, a global provider of subsea robotics and hydrographic survey solutions to the marine renewable and wider energy sectors, has appointed a new Americas director.
Mitchell Johnson began his career as a marine surveyor before moving to San Diego where, as lead surveyor, he worked on new construction ship building for the US Navy. Having lived and worked in Dubai, Singapore and West Africa and with a strong focus on subsea robotic vehicles and entrepreneurship, his previous role saw him head up Oceaneering’s global subsea inspection business
Based in New York, Mr Johnson will be responsible for expanding Rovco’s global footprint and seeding and growing the business, establishing operations in the US and supporting the country’s transition to renewable energy sources.
He said: “I am looking forward to working with such a talented team and to leading the next phase of growth for Rovco. As a company with a strong reputation as a leader in technology-focused subsea solutions, now is the time to expand our global offering.”
Rumwell Farm Shop
Sophie Cridland has been appointed as the new events manager of the award-winning farm shop in Somerset. She will oversee the company’s events programme and its new extension.
The 34-year-old is currently forward planning for the new café extension at Rumwell Farm Shop, located just off the M5 on the A38 between Taunton and Wellington.
She said: “I am thrilled to have joined the team at Rumwell Farm Shop as its new events manager and I have already got thoroughly stuck into my new role. Alongside event planning, I am also working in the café helping serve, meeting customers and getting to know the rest of the Rumwell team, who have all been extremely friendly and welcoming.”
Rumwell is hoping to have the new building open in early 2023 and is already taking bookings for meetings, activities and special occasions.
Anne Mitchell, joint owner of the farm shop, added: “We are thrilled that Sophie has joined the team, she has a wealth of experience in catering and events and is the perfect person to help us take our new extension forward and create a space for everyone to enjoy.”
Luminous Energy
The Wiltshire-based solar energy and battery storage developer has appointed Guy Lavarack as its chief investment officer. Mr Lavarack, who is the former head of energy at Gloucestershire investment firm Blackfinch, has more than a decade in the renewable energy industry.
In the new role, created as Luminous Energy approaches its 10th anniversary, he will be responsible for raising finance for Luminous’ solar energy and battery storage projects to enable the company to build out, own and operate them in the long term.
Jolyon Orchard, chief executive of Luminous Energy, said: “We are delighted that Guy has agreed to join us in this pivotal position.”
Mr Lavarack added: “Luminous is in an excellent position for future growth, and we are open to discussions with institutional investors and funders who are keen to partner with us. Now, more than ever, solar energy has a vital role to play at a local, national, and international level in the fight against climate change and contributing positively to the economy.”
Evelyn Partners
Wealth management and professional services firm Evelyn Partners has appointed Paul Morris to its financial services team in Bristol.
Mr Morris, who joins as director of financial planning, is a chartered wealth manager with 25 years’ experience in the industry, both internationally and in the UK. His career has involved a period as a client director at wealth management firm Brown Shipley, as well as spells with HSBC Private Bank and Barclays Wealth in Jersey.
Amanda Browning, head of financial services at Evelyn Partners in Bristol, said: “Paul has significant experience advising both UK and international clients.
“His appointment comes at an important time for us and is part of our plan to grow our business across the region. Recruiting a proven adviser of Paul’s calibre is a huge boost for the team.”
Mr Morris added: “I couldn’t be happier to have joined Evelyn Partners at such an exciting time, as we move forward with our new brand.”
Truespeed
The Bath-based full-fibre broadband provider has appointed Lisa Harrington as a non-executive director. She is a tech executive and diversity advocate with 25 years’ experience growing and transforming businesses in the telecoms, professional services and education sectors.
Ms Harrington has held a number of non-executive director roles in the past and previous experience includes 10 years at BT in a range of senior positions including chief customer officer of BT Group; interim managing director of infrastructure for Hyperoptic; and, most recently, managing director of UK tech and cyber skills provider QA.
She said: “I was drawn to Truespeed’s mission of ensuring whole communities can benefit from ultrafast broadband, and I am pleased to have joined the energetic and ambitious company at such a pivotal time.”
James Lowther, Truespeed chief executive, added: “Lisa is a great addition to the Truespeed board, whose knowledge and expertise will prove indispensable as we rapidly expand our network.”
Exeter Science Park
Exeter Science Park has bolstered its senior team with the appointment of Carrie Piper as head of finance and support services.
With responsibility for the overall management of the park’s financial operations, she will work closely with the chief executive and senior leadership team, and collaborate with board, shareholders, partners and other stakeholders to support the organisation and its tenants.
A Chartered Management Accountant, Ms Piper's senior-level, finance business partnering experience has supported growth in the public and private sectors, including at South Devon College, the Met Office and the Environment Agency, as well as the Duo Group and the Wrigley Company.
She said: “It is an exciting time to be joining the team as Exeter Science Park starts on its next phase of growth. My focus is on developing financial strategies, systems and processes to enhance our ability to facilitate growth, promote sustainability and make Exeter Science Park the region’s destination for ambitious, science-based organisations.”
Boyer
Planning consultancy Boyer (part of Leaders Romans Group) has appointed Olivia Davis as a senior planner in the Cardiff and Bristol team.
Ms Davis has an MSc in Spatial Planning and Development from Cardiff University and previously worked for a Cardiff-based planning consultancy for four years.
Boyer’s Cardiff and Bristol team has also recently welcomed Danielle Halford as a graduate planner. Ms Halford recently graduated from Cardiff University with a BSc in Urban Planning and Development.
Old Mill
Somerset financial firm Old Mill has promoted three of its wealth management team as part of plans to double in size, it has announced.
The company has promoted Becca Pullman, Suzy May and Lewis Dyer from client manager to trainee financial planners.
Paula Hodge, head of wealth management at Old Mill, said she hoped the promotions would encourage more people to come into the business - from a financial services background or different sector.
She said: “When we announced the restructure, we talked about how it would enable quicker career progression for staff, so we are delighted to now be able to put this into practice, demonstrating how much we value Suzy, Lewis and Becca, and showcasing the fantastic career opportunities we have at Old Mill."
Allison Homes South West
The housebuilder has appointed Michele Jones as head of sales alongside two key hires in the sales team as part of the company’s two-year growth strategy.
Ms Jones will head up sales and marketing at Allison Homes South West. She joins with 20 years of experience in the property industry, holding previous positions at Baker Estates and Redrow. Her role will see her manage and drive sales across the region.
Also joining the team is field sales manager Trisha Birch-Hawkins, who previously worked at Baker Estates and Redrow. New sales consultant Paul Howard will be the first new hire to be based at Allison Homes’ Winkleigh Highmoor View development ahead of the planned show home launch this month.
Allison Homes South West managing director Matt Bennett, who joined the company earlier in the year, said: “I am delighted to welcome Michele and her new team to the team. Their track records and collective experience will prove invaluable to support our ambitious plans to build 15 new sites across the region in the next two years.”
ALS Mechatronic
Gloucestershire-based automation engineering company ALS Mechatronic has made two new appointments to its board of directors.
Chris Fitzsimmons has been promoted to services director and Daniel L’estrange to engineering director. They join founder and managing director Andrew Steward and executive director Laura Steward in leading the company in the next phase of its growth.
The appointments follow on from several successes in recent years for the firm including a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for outstanding short-term growth in international markets and the opening of the company’s first overseas office in the US.
Mr Steward said: “It’s an exciting time to be part of this business, but to remain successful, as we transition to a larger organisation and ensure we deliver consistent engineering excellence for our customers, we recognise the need to have a strong and robust senior leadership team in place. Both Chris and Dan are consummate engineers who bring their own unique skills and qualities to the table.”
University of Plymouth
A world-leading expert on the control and elimination of infectious diseases has been appointed as the University of Plymouth’s new deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation.
Professor Archie Clements joined the university this month from Curtin University in Western Australia, where he was pro vice-chancellor in the faculty of health sciences.
He has held senior academic leadership positions in higher education and health service settings for more than 15 years, having previously been director of the Research School of Population Health and Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra.
During his career, he has been awarded more than £18m in research funding and has published almost 300 peer-reviewed publications in leading medical research journals.
He said: "I am excited to learn more about the University of Plymouth’s diverse and important research contributions, and to help it improve in its research performance, while all the time enabling academics across the institution to reach their full potential as successful researchers.”
Core to Cloud
The cyber security company has appointed a new finance director. Matt White will help drive the Gloucestershire-headquartered firm’s UK and global growth.
Mr White, who has 10 years’ experience in services businesses, particularly those with a high-growth trajectory, will support the board in streamlining the company’s current product and service portfolio and driving Core to Cloud’s expansion plans.
He will also be responsible for the refurbishment and expansion of its workspaces at The Castle, in Cirencester.
Previously employed as head of finance at UCAS, part of his role will be to ensure that Core to Cloud’s systems and processes are set up to allow the business to grow and to ensure that products and services remain correctly priced and competitive.
He said, “I am thrilled to be joining the team at Core to Cloud to help support the business with its exciting growth plans. It’s an exciting time for the company, we have an industry leading reputation for providing bespoke security solutions for a diverse customer base.”
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