Experienced insolvency practitioner Michaela Daly is stepping up to lead the Begbies Traynor operation in Staffordshire alongside partner Diane Dunion.
Since the acquisition of Dunion and Co in March 2019, Begbies Traynor has gone from strength to strength and is now a six-strong specialist team with dedicated offices in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Michaela brings more than two decades of experience to her new role as director, during which time she was involved in high-profile administrations for Port Vale Football Club and Wedgwood Museums Trust.
Michaela said: “I was so pleased to return to Begbies Traynor in 2019 and focus on building the practice with Diane.
“As a team we are committed to delivering our services with professionalism and approachability. We understand the challenges that businesses are facing at a time of distress and want them to feel comfortable to seek support at the earliest possible point to ensure they have as many options open to them. Too often businesses wait and struggle with issues such as poor cash flow, when there are ways in which we can help.”
Partner Diane Dunion, added: “Michaela is a highly skilled and personable practitioner, known for her ability to put clients at ease. In this leadership role, I know our practice will continue to go from strength to strength.”
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The residential property team at Beswicks Legal has been boosted by the addition of solicitor Hannah Killer.
Hannah deals with freehold, leasehold and shared ownership sales and purchases, and is passionate about delivering a five-star service to clients.
Beswicks’ commercial director Ryan Yates said: “Hannah is a great addition to the team. The residential property market has been particularly buoyant this year. Our team has an outstanding reputation and has been very much in demand. To be able to grow the team with the addition of Hannah is absolutely fantastic.”
Hannah added: “I’ve aspired to be part of the Beswicks’ team for years and the reality has not disappointed. Everyone has been so welcoming and made joining a new firm a great experience.”
Hannah studied law at the University of Manchester prior to completing the Legal Practice Management course at The University of Law. On completion of her training contract, she qualified as a solicitor in 2020.
Meanwhile, lettings agency Westwood Lettings has added a new member to the team following its ‘busiest ever period.’
Enya Davie-Wood has joined the Leek-based agency bringing a wealth of experience from her previous roles in retail management and property lettings.
Westwood Lettings director Maxine Hughes said: “I’m really fortunate to have found Enya when I did. The summer months have been incredibly testing and busy with a waiting list of tenants, and properties being snapped up as soon as they became available.
“Enya has a great attitude and I have already had some superb customer feedback from both landlords and tenants.
“If Westwood Lettings is to grow, we need the right team in place and Enya fits the bill in terms of ability, personality and ambition.
“I’ve got some exciting plans for Westwood Lettings and being able to fully trust Enya to get on with the lettings will allow me a little more time to plan and develop the business.”
Former Westwood College student Enya said: “I’m determined to give 100 per cent to Westwood Lettings.”
Chartered accountancy firm Thompson Wright has promoted Catherine Hancock to associate director.
The firm, which has offices in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Leek, first welcomed Catherine in 2016.
She trained as a taxation technican and later qualified as a Chartered tax advisor.
Catherine said: “I am very excited to be taking on my new role within the firm as our latest associate director.
“The firm has always been very supportive of my ambitions and helped me every step of the way.
“I hope that I can continue to support our clients with a variety of tax matters and further develop our excellent tax team.”
Catherine has a deserved reputation as a specialist in property tax advice but she also works with sole traders, high net worth clients and owner-managed businesses on all areas of taxation.
Thompson Wright’s tax director Sarah Bowen said: “Catherine is extremely dedicated to achieving successful outcomes for our clients and has always gone above and beyond to deliver an incredible service.
“I would like to join everyone in congratulating her.”
Elsewhere, the Institute of Directors (IoD) has appointed Paul Wood to lead its Black Country and Staffordshire branch.
Paul will work alongside a team of branch ambassadors to provide connections, professional development opportunities and an influential lobbying voice in the area.
Paul has amassed more 40 years of experience in manufacturing, distribution and investment businesses. He is founder and board member of three businesses that specialise in tax allowances.
Working alongside his son, he manages a team of 10 and works with top 10 accountants and quoted companies.
Paul said: “I feel privileged to take on the role of branch chair for this diverse and exciting business community.
“I want to pass on my experience to help other individuals and I can’t think of a better place to do this than within the IoD.
“It’s not been the easiest time for anyone leading an organisation but I look forward to the challenges ahead and believe that we are stronger together.”
Inez Brown, chair of IoD West Midlands, added: “We are delighted that Paul has agreed to chair our active Black Country and Staffordshire branch. He will be the standard bearer for local directors, providing support and inspiration as we provide members with the tools to not just recover and rebuild but prosper.”
The Black Country and Staffordshire branch was created in 2020 as part of a geographical restructure of IoD West Midlands, designed to remove outdated boundaries.
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Insurance company boss Ian Donaldson has been appointed to a new position within The Ardonagh Group.
Ian Donaldson – who founded Burslem-based Autonet – has been promoted to the role of CEO, Ardonagh Retail.
In his new role, Ian will provide oversight and guidance for the Atlanta Group – whose trading brands include Swinton, Carole Nash and Autonet. He will also lead on cross-group retail initiatives.
At the same time, Emma Rawlinson has been appointed as CEO of the Atlanta Group. She will report to Ian Donaldson.
Ian said: “Emma’s commitment to customers, colleagues and communities combined with her focussed determination makes her the right person to lead Atlanta across the delivery of its three strategic objectives – organic growth, operational and M&A excellence.
“She leads a phenomenal team of individuals and a business which has emerged even stronger from the way we have had to pull together to support each other and our customers over the last 18 months. I could not be prouder to see her stepping into the CEO role.”
“There is a world of opportunity within Ardonagh and I’m delighted to be leading the continued evolution and expansion of the Group’s retail business.”
Emma said: “It is a privilege to become the leader of Atlanta. The strength of its brands, relationships, expertise, involvement in local communities and strong culture makes it an incredible business with a bright future.”
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