People Moves: George Hay, RSM UK, Menzies and more

George Hay promote long-time staff to partner

George Hay Chartered Accountants has promoted Claire Morgan to partner, making her the practice’s eighth partner.

Over Morgan’s past 32 years with George Hay, she worked across the firm’s three offices, advising SMEs and individual clients on accounting and taxation.

As a partner, she will be moving from her previous role with the firm’s accounting and records system back into a client advisory position.

Nick Willis, senior partner at George Hay, said: “We are pleased to be able to welcome Claire as a partner. She has been with us for many years and, in that time, has gained a valuable understanding of the working of the practice, our client base and the needs of those businesses and individuals we work with.”

Morgan is currently based in the firm’s Biggleswade branch.

Brown Butler adds finance director

Leeds-based firm Brown Butler has appointed Lyndsey Shaw as its corporate finance director, capitalising on her previous experience in the Yorkshire deals market.

Previously a partner at Sterling Corporate Finance, Shaw brings with her experience as a lead advisor, with a focus on disposals, MBOs, joint ventures and acquisition.

“We are thrilled to add someone of Lyndsey’s calibre and reputation to our growing team,” said James White, director at Brown Butler. “It’s been a busy centenary year for the practice, and this appointment takes our total number of Directors to 17.”

Menzies LLP appoints new tax director

Menzies LLP’s London office has appointed Sehjal Gupta as an experienced tax director.

Based in the firm’s London office, Gupta will work with private client partners David Truman and Craig Hughes, focusing in part on divorce and advisory functions.

“As well as having a wealth of experience of advising individuals on a wide range of private client matters, it’s clear that Sehjal is a valued and trusted adviser,” Truman said.

Gupta has 15 years of experience in high-net-worth advising, compliance and planning, joining the firm after spending time at both RSM UK and Lancaster Knox LLP.

BHP adds record number of new starters

Mid-tier firm BHP has added 31 new starters to their team across their Sheffield, Cleckheaton, Chesterfield, Leeds and York offices.

Consisting of 16 graduates, 12 trainees and three year-long placements, the firm’s departments will see a boost in support across the board. Beginning in September, the starters will work across audit, tax, corporate finance, prosper and financial planning areas.

Louise Allen, head of human resources at BHP, said: “At BHP we offer our new starters the opportunity to thrive as professionals, and by welcoming new faces we give every individual the chance to study, work, train and develop.”

This year’s intake is the largest in BHP’s history, up from its 2018 total of 21 new starters.

RSM UK recruits new director

Rowan Porter has joined RSM UK as a director, focusing on growing the firm’s financial due diligence’ practice.

Previously an entrepreneurial advisory manager at Grant Thornton, Porter brings his experience in private equity, debt finance and within advisory roles for the technology and manufacturing sectors to RSM.

Stephen Green, co-leader of RSM’s financial due diligence team, said: “As a prominent professional in the market, Rowan has a wealth of experience, specialist technical and commercial expertise that will continue to enhance our due diligence offering in the North.”

Porter will be based in the firm’s Liverpool office and work alongside Green and co-leader Stephen Green.

Thompson Wright expands departments

Mid-tier firm Thompson Wright has recruited three new staff members into their force, creating skillset diversity amongst its departments.

Trainee accountant Joanna Lukasik will work with sole traders, small limited companies and partnerships as she works towards her ACCA qualification.

With a background in HMRC work, Tracey Stanyer joins the team from Walletts Chartered Certified Accountants. Operating as a tax adviser, she will assist with personal tax, returns and calculations, as well as helping new trainees with their studies.

Finally, ACCA fellow Adrian Jones has been appointed as client manager, bringing over 30 years of experience into the firm’s audit team.

David Wright, director at Thompson Wright, said: “We are delighted that Joanna, Tracey and Adrian are joining our team. They each bring with them their own unique set of skills, which will aid us in our work with clients.”

Goodwin tax practice adds financial-focused partner

Chartered tax adviser and lawyer Robert Young has joined Goodwin’s tax practice as a partner.

Previously a partner at Taylor Wessing, Young has established himself across a range of subjects, including private equity, international corporate tax and transactions, and real estate tax.

Samantha Lake Coghlan, co-chair of Goodwin’s London office, said: “With Robert joining, we are continuing to build out our full-service infrastructure to accommodate the growing client demand across these industries in Europe.

“A deeply experienced and collaborative tax lawyer, Robert is an ideal fit for both our businesses and our culture. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Goodwin partnership.”

Young will be based in the practice’s London office.