ON THE MOVE

Cornwall VSF has appointed Emma Rowse as its new chief executive. The move will see interim CEO Kate Perkin become deputy CEO in addition to director of partnerships and innovation.

Rowse was selected by the board of trustees following an extensive and highly competitive search including stakeholder and staff panels.

Rowse, current chair of trustees at Volunteer Cornwall, has previously held the position of trustee on the board at Cornwall VSF and brings with her significant experience within the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VSCE) sector as well as the public sector.

Having worked for national charities, local clinical commissioning groups, public health and NHS England, she has over a decade of experience in integration of health and care services locally, regionally, and nationally.

She said: “I am really excited to be joining Cornwall VSF at a time when the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector is needed more than ever. The wealth of experience and expertise in the sector is an inspiration and by working in partnership with each other and our public sector colleagues, we can deliver more for people and communities in Cornwall.”

RUTHERFORD’S RETURN

Law firm Hine Downing has welcomed the return of solicitor John Rutherford back into its property team.

Rutherford has been dealing with real estate transactions for more than 25 years and handles all aspects of residential property.

“It’s great to be back with Hine Downing after a decade working with other property departments,” he said.

Hine Downing partner, Diana Standen, added: “The Cornish housing market continues to flourish with Falmouth a particular hot spot where demand remains very strong.

“We are delighted to welcome John back to the firm, particularly in this climate. As a colleague he is very experienced in all aspects of residential property work and is a popular and valued addition to our busy property team.”

NEW CEO AT CORNWALL VSF LAURA TAKES THE CHAIR

Cornwall Chamber of Commerce has welcomed a new chair of the board.

Laura Whyte is the MD of Whyfield, an independent accountancy practice in Truro, and has been the financial director of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce for nearly three years. She has now stepped up and taken over as chair from Jacky Swain, who remains on the board.

Swain remains on the board and has been proffered huge thanks by the chamber team for her leadership and decision making over many years, as well as for mentoring Whyte into the role.

Chamber CEO Kim Conchie said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Laura Whyte is stepping into the chair role at Cornwall Chamber so ably filled by Jacky for many years.

“Laura will bring real energy, problem-solving and business connections to the role in addition to her financial acumen which she has been providing in the FD role and which she will continue to fulfil. This is an exciting moment for the chamber.”

RECORD APPRENTICESHIP COHORT

For a second year running, a record number of accountancy and tax apprentices are embarking on their careers with PKF Francis Clark.

The latest cohort of 58 new starters – including 12 from Truro – came together for a welcome day at Sandy Park in Exeter, where they enjoyed a chance to network over lunch as well as learning more about the firm’s values, specialisms and history, as well as a session on how to be your best self at work. It brings the number of trainees to join the south west’s largest independent accountancy firm in 2022 to 67, based across eight offices from Bristol to Truro. The new intake is 59% female, ranging in age from 18 to 40.

Managing partner, Andrew Richards, said: “The arrival of new trainees who are eager to learn is always an exciting time for us, and it was great to welcome our latest recruits as they start their careers with the firm.”