6 minute read
APPOINTMENTS
Team expansion to deliver 700 homes
An expanded development team will help social landlord Futures Housing Group in its plans to build 700 homes over the next three years.
It will be led by director of development Anthony Holt, who has worked in the housing sector for more than 27 years. He was previously group development director at the Deeley Group and prior to that regional director for the Midlands region of the Orbit Group.
Operating across the East Midlands, Futures works with a range of partners including local authorities, developers, contractors and consultants to provide affordable housing. The not-for-profit launched its new corporate plan last year that set out its strategy for the next three years, and the new 21-strong development team will be key to identifying projects in order to reach its goal of 700 affordable homes by 2023.
Anthony said: “I’m excited to be leading our new development team. We have a wide range of people from different backgrounds all sharing Futures’ commitment to building high-quality affordable housing for local people.”
Also in the team is head of new business, sales and performance Helen Munslow, who joins Futures from Derwent Living.
Neil Laws is the new head of delivery, while Michael Gregory takes on a new role as clerk of works.
Futures also welcomes new business manager Jacqueline Messenger, performance and compliance officer Trudi Vessey, and maximisation and sustainability project manager James Dial.
Group chief executive Lindsey Williams said: “Our new corporate plan aims to stretch the business to meet our customer needs in an innovative way while growing as an organisation. I’m delighted to welcome all colleagues, new and old, to the team.”
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I am a 24-year-old from Chesterfield and after completing my A-levels at Brookfield Community School, I completed an art foundation, followed by a degree in illustration with animation at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Since graduating two years ago, I tried to immerse myself more in creative work and I did lots of volunteering, such as photography for various organisations. I also dabbled in part-time hospitality roles and some creative freelance work.
What will your new job involve?
My job as graphic designer will involve supporting the marketing team in creating visual assets for various purposes across Chamber products, services and campaigns, while keeping graphics cohesive with the Chamber branding.
How do you feel to have got this job?
I am incredibly excited and humbled to have landed this job and my colleagues at the Chamber are really supportive, which has made settling in very easy. I can’t wait to see where this experience goes and the invaluable knowledge I will gain from it.
Why do you think the Kickstart scheme is important for young people like yourself?
Getting that first foot in the door, on the career path that I want, has been challenging. Since graduating, I have applied to an immense number of jobs without hearing anything back. As if getting a job as a young person isn’t difficult enough at the minute, most employers ask for more than two years’ experience in that work field –even for the junior and entry-level roles.
Anthony Holt
Andy Irvine and Pamela Mathieson
Shorts welcomes Pamela Mathieson
Shorts Chartered Accountants has appointed Pamela Mathieson as business development senior manager.
Pam joins Shorts with more than 23 years’ experience working in business development within “Big 4” firms.
Shorts managing partner Andy Irvine said: “Having worked in professional services for many years, Pam is well-known and highly respected within the local business community.
“She brings a wealth of experience along with an understanding of the importance of trusted relationships and we are confident she will contribute significantly to our future success.”
Pam added: “Shorts has a proven reputation of excellence and I am really excited to be joining such a growing and talented team at this time in the firm’s development. I look forward to developing the role and playing a significant part in the next chapter in Shorts' story.”
Kickstarting a career in marketing
Katie Marshall (pictured), a graphic designer working in the Chamber’s marketing department, has been hired via the Government’s Kickstart scheme – which provides funding for organisations to hire 16 to 24-year olds on a six-month work placement. Katie speaks to Business Network about the opportunities the scheme has opened to her and what her role will involve.
That’s why I’m so grateful to have found this role, and why the Kickstart scheme is invaluable for young people struggling to find work. It is a great way to break into a career path, with a huge amount of support from both the employer and Universal Credit coaches along the way.
James Wallis with Gemma Bailey
First new hire for Aristotle
A Derby financial adviser who recently set up his own business has appointed his first member of staff.
James Wallis, who founded Aristotle Financial Planning in April last year, described the appointment of Gemma Bailey as a significant step in growing his company.
Gemma has joined as client support technician in order to handle much of the day-to-day business administration required for dealing with the firm’s clients, which mainly consist of people approaching retirement age or who run their own business.
James, who had 10 years’ experience as an independent and chartered financial planner before setting up Aristotle, said: “Gemma has many years’ experience in the financial industry and her previous role was as a paraplanner, so she is more than capable of giving me the long overdue assistance that we need with the day-to-day tasks so that I can focus on growing the business.
“Setting up a company during a pandemic was a challenge and I’m very pleased to be able to make my first of what I hope will be many more appointments just before the end of my first year in business.”
Gemma added: “I’m really excited to have joined Aristotle Financial Planning.
“The values of the company, James’ approach to financial planning, along with his vision for the future are what made this role so appealing. I’m looking forward to working for James as he continues to develop his business.” determination and drive – all qualities we value in our staff, and to see it so evident in people at the beginning of their career is something special.”
Apprentices pass qualifications
Georgia Burdell and Tom Sharratt
Two apprentices from IT firm Neuways have overcome disruption from the pandemic to pass their qualifications and take on key roles within the company.
Georgia Burdell and Tom Sharratt recently completed their apprenticeships with Derby-based provider Babington and have since progressed to become business administration assistant and technical support engineer, respectively.
Neuways managing director Martin Roberts said: “We are delighted with the performance from both Georgia and Tom.
“They both overcame the challenges posed by Covid-19 and their success is testament to their tenacity.”
Jonathan Newman and Rachael Cobb
Page Kirk celebrates double promotions
Accountancy practice Page Kirk has promoted two members of staff.
The Nottingham-based firm has appointed Rachael Cobb as manager of accounts and Jonathan Newman as senior manager.
Rachael joined at the start of 2019 as assistant manager. Since then, her diligence and industry-specific knowledge has helped her quickly progress.
She said: “I’m incredibly pleased my work has been recognised by the partners. At Page Kirk, there is plenty of room for driven individuals to make a significant impact. I plan to continue delivering high-quality services to clients, increasing our understanding of their industries and helping them make the best business decisions.”
Jonathan joined Page Kirk back in 2005 on the company’s graduate scheme, after gaining his degree from the University of Bristol. He said: “Having started with the firm as a trainee, it is very rewarding to work with so many fantastic businesses as well as mentor and guide our current trainees. I am delighted to be accepting this promotion.”
