Shorts Chartered accountants

Four Chesterfield Champions announce new senior appointments and promotions

Four Chesterfield Champions have revealed new appointments and promotions to kickstart 2024.

Find out about the latest successes from Peak Architects, Superior Wellness, Shorts and the University of Derby in our latest roundup:

Trio of promotions for Peak Architects

Peak Architects promotions

After a year of continued growth, Peak Architects has announced a series of promotions. Oliver Glaves is now an Associate, while Alasdair Struthers and Zanthe Wray have been promoted to Senior Architects.

Since joining Peak Architects in 2020, Oliver has proven himself to be an integral member of the Peak Architects team. With a specific focus on the management and technical delivery of its commercial portfolio, his proactive approach and commitment to excellence has contributed to the practice’s growing reputation.

Zanthe joined Peak Architects after working for Ollier Smurthwaite and local practice HCD; whilst Alasdair has previously worked at Peter Barber Architects in London. Zanthe and Alasdair have been instrumental in the development of the practice’s design and quality standards, which has seen the successful delivery of a series of award-winning projects.

Director Paul Holden commented: “These well-deserved promotions are not just a recognition of their work to date, but also an investment in the future of Peak Architects; we are looking forward to their continued development and contribution to the growth of the business. Well done from everyone at Peak Architects”

Shorts promotes Alicia Williams to Director

Alicia Williams Shorts

Shorts has announced the promotion of Alicia Williams to the position of Genus Director with effect from 1st January 2024.

Since joining Shorts in 2016 as an Accounts Senior, Alicia has demonstrated exceptional aptitude and dedication, earning promotions to Client Financial Controller and Finance System/App Integrator in 2017 and then Client FD and Digital Improvement Lead in 2022. Her progression to Director is testament to her exemplary skills and is a reflection of the active role she has played in the development of our Genus, Management Information offering during that time.

On confirming the promotion, Partner Malcolm Pope said: “Alicia is not only recognised as a leader within Shorts, but also the wider UK accounting community, following an appearance at a Xero Talks Event in London (and subsequent Podcast) and her involvement in the recording of numerous videos for reporting software provider Fathom.

“She has long been Shorts’ ‘go-to’ in terms of helping our clients improve efficiencies and opportunities through the introduction of software solutions, but she has also more recently been heavily involved in the development of what comes next for Shorts in all things AI / Data Analytics completion of the Data Analytics qualification from the ICAEW. Alicia’s promotion is very much deserved and she has worked hard to achieve it.”

Alicia said: “I am incredibly proud to have been promoted to Genus Director at Shorts and excited to be taking the next step in my professional journey. Shorts has fostered a culture of learning and development, and my promotion showcases the firm’s genuine commitment to supporting its employees’ career growth through structured paths. I am excited for my new role, working closely with both our existing clients and futures ones and helping to contribute to the continued success of the firm.”

Superior Wellness Appoints New Operations Director

Mat Day Superior Wellness

Superior Wellness has revealed the appointment of Mathew Day as the company’s new Operations Director. With over 15 years’ experience across a broad range of sectors, he brings a wealth of experience to the role.

With an impressive career, Mathew brings exceptional operational expertise and strategic leadership to his new position. Before joining Superior Wellness, Mathew was Head of Operations for Kingfisher Lighting for four and a half years.

Mathew started his journey in the 3PL world working for blue chip companies such as Clipper Logistics, Kuehne + Nagel and Europa Worldwide in which he has held numerous management positions.

As the Operations Director, Mat will play a pivotal role on the operational side of the business driving processes and efficiencies with the Senior Management Team to support the company’s expansion plans and long-term vision.

Rob Carlin, Managing Director said: “We are delighted to welcome Mat Day to the Superior Wellness team. His extensive experience and proven track record as an operational leader make him an excellent addition to the team.

“We are confident that Mat will contribute significantly to our continued success as we continue to grow globally. Mat’s experience will continue to strengthen our existing team and I am looking forward to working closely with him.”

New Operations Director Mathew Day said: “I am very excited to join the team here at Superior Wellness. The business is extremely well placed for further significant growth, building upon the strong foundations in place due to the quality of its partner relationships, product offerings, and its people.”

Based in Chesterfield, Superior Wellness is the world’s fastest growing hot tub manufacturer with a network of global partners, distributing several brands including Platinum Spas, Chill Tubs and Hekla Saunas.

University of Derby appoints new Chief Operating Officer

Stephen Dudderidge University of Derby

The University of Derby has appointed Stephen Dudderidge to the new role of Chief Operating Officer, to drive forward the University’s strategic ambitions and future growth.

Stephen is currently Registrar & Secretary at the University of Brighton and will join the University of Derby on 8 April.

At Brighton, Stephen is a member of the Executive Board and leads a wide range of central professional services as well as the institution’s corporate and academic governance.

Stephen joined the University of Brighton in October 2016 after a lengthy career at the University of Nottingham. Having lived and worked for many years in the East Midlands, Stephen has a strong affinity with the region and a knowledge of the University of Derby’s important stakeholder community.

Commenting on his appointment, Stephen said: “I am delighted to be joining the University of Derby at such a pivotal time for the institution and the sector.

“I look forward to working with colleagues across the institution with a view to building on an already strong platform of cohesive service delivery.”

In his new role at Derby, Stephen will be responsible for working with the University’s executive team, led by Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University, in shaping and advancing the University’s position as an applied and industry-engaged university, building on its reputation for innovation and recent success of achieving Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL said: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming Stephen to the University.

“He has an excellent track record of leading services, and extensive experience of developing and implementing strategic plans and projects, so he is very well placed to support the University as we continue to deliver our ambitious strategy and strive for future success.”

The businesses featured in this article support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Shorts advises on sale of Staveley-based Hopkinson Waste Group

Chesterfield’s Shorts Chartered Accountants recently teamed up with Actons Solicitors to act as lead advisers and legal representatives to David Hopkinson on the sale of the Hopkinson Waste Group, to Highgate Capital BC Limited for an undisclosed sum.

Established in 1986, Staveley based Hopkinson Waste Management has grown into one of the largest privately owned waste management companies in the area. The firm has a modern fleet of GPS-controlled vehicles and skips in a variety of sizes, suitable for all types of commercial or domestic waste. Its materials recovery facility also produces recycled materials from their waste processing operation.

Andy Ryder, Partner at Shorts commented: “We are delighted to have advised David on the completion of this transaction. We have little doubt the business will continue to be successful and look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength under ambitious new owners.”

Jules Gaylor, representing Highgate Capital said: “We aim to invest in companies with long term sustainable growth potential. The Hopkinson Waste Group, with its strong ethical values and environmental credentials, is a superb fit for us. David has created a magnificent legacy and we are excited to become custodians and deliver the next chapter.”

David Hopkinson added: “I’m delighted to see the new owner’s plans already taking shape. Their long-term vision will see considerable investment in the business, bringing with it local jobs for local people and the wider environment will also benefit from their ‘zero waste to landfill’ initiatives, making for a bright future for everyone connected with The Hopkinson Waste Group.”

Peter Flowerday, Director of Actons added “ It has been a pleasure to work alongside David and Shorts, together with the buyer and their advisors, in order to complete this transaction within the target timescales”

Landon Bowdler Solicitors and BHP Chartered Accountants also advised.

Shorts and BHP support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Shorts expand Corporate Finance team with new appointments

Shorts’ Corporate Finance team are delighted to announce the appointment of Eleanor Heslop as Corporate Finance Executive earlier this month.

Eleanor joins Shorts with several years’ experience working within the local accountancy profession. Her appointment follows that of Connor Marshall, who joined the team last year in response to increasing levels of activity .

Andy Ryder, Corporate Finance Partner commented “I am delighted to welcome both Eleanor and Connor over the last twelve months. Eleanor joins us at an exciting phase as the Shorts’ Corporate Finance team continues to grow, on the back of a record year. The mergers and acquisition and funding markets remain very positive and alongside our Employee Ownership Trust specialism we think it is important to further strengthen our team as an essential part of supporting our clients in 2022 and beyond.”

Eleanor added “Shorts have an outstanding reputation of excellence, and I am really excited to join this growing and talented team at this time in the firm’s continued development. I look forward to playing a part in the next chapter of Shorts’ story.“

The Corporate Finance team can be contacted on corporate@shorts.uk.com or by calling 0114 2671617.

Shorts comprises of a team of specialists all pulling in the same direction. With a long-standing heritage of over 130 years, the company has grown from a local business to a nationally recognised award-winning firm.

It is home to some incredible expertise – specialists have joined Shorts from some of the world’s leading firms, bringing years of experience that they have shared and continue to hone.

Today, Shorts is recognised as an award-winning, leading regional firm, that’s not just delivering, but that innovates; using deep knowledge, technology and expertise to find new ways to make clients’ business better and their personal finances stronger.

Shorts Chartered Accountants supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Local Energy firm transitions to Employee Ownership

Shorts Chartered Accountants recently teamed up with Knights plc to act as corporate finance, tax advisors and legal representatives as Cost Advice Energy Specialists (Cost Advice) transitioned to an Employee Ownership model.

Established in 1995, and previously owned by brothers Christopher and Stephen Ball, the Company strives to set the benchmark for providing quality advice for commercial energy customers on the best ways for them to purchase and manage their electricity and gas.

Over its history, the business has expanded into a team of professionals who assist businesses across Britain, ranging from small independent retailers to large multi-site organisations.

On completing the transition, Stephen Ball commented: “Chris and I are extremely proud of the company and how it has grown and evolved over the last 26 years, and it is important to us that we protect its legacy and ensure it remains independent.

“Employee ownership provided a way for us to do this; it’s progressive and forward-thinking and provides a way to give back to our loyal and talented workforce who have helped to make Cost Advice what it is today. The company is going from strength-to-strength and now is the perfect time to start our exciting new chapter.”

Speaking about the transition to employee ownership, Shorts Corporate Finance Partner, Andy Ryder said: “We would like to extend our congratulations to Cost Advice and its new employee owners.

“Having discussed various succession planning options with Stephen and Chris, it was clear that the EOT route would best meet their overall objectives.

“Businesses that choose the EOT route build trust and shared responsibility. and we are confident that this will result in a very positive future for the business. We look forward to seeing Cost Advice’s continuing success under their new ownership model.”

Shorts supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Shorts hires Lynne Gill as senior VAT manager

Chesterfield Champion, Shorts Chartered Accountants, are delighted to announce the appointment of Lynne Gill as Senior VAT Manager.

An indirect tax specialist with over 35 years’ experience, Lynne joined the Shorts Tax Planning Team at the start of October 2021.

Lynne’s previous roles have included 27 years at HMRC, where she worked as a VAT inspector dealing primarily with small and medium enterprises, before later moving on to large national businesses.

Following her time at HMRC, Lynne worked for a large, independent regional accountancy firm, before working for a company providing specialist VAT advice and VAT compliance services to the healthcare sector.

Scott Burkinshaw, Tax Partner at Shorts, said: “We’re delighted to welcome a highly experienced specialist such as Lynne on board. VAT is a tax that pops up everywhere, often without people realising, so bolstering our VAT advisory capacity is very important to enable us to continue to offer our clients high quality, comprehensive tax advice.”

Speaking about her appointment, Lynne said: “I am delighted to be joining one of the most reputable and ambitious Chartered Accountancy firms in the region, and very excited to be working with such a talented and dedicated team. I’m looking forward to bringing my experience and knowledge of VAT to a tax team which has proved to be highly effective in helping regional businesses reach their goals.”

Shorts is recognised as an award-winning, leading regional firm, using deep knowledge, technology, and expertise to find new ways to make clients’ business better and their personal finances stronger.

This appointment will further strengthen Shorts’ reputation for excellence in tax planning and advice, and will solidify the firm’s position as a regional leader in all things VAT.

Shorts Chartered Accountants supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Shorts Chartered Accountants promote Gary Moorhouse to Genus Director role

Shorts Chartered Accountants are delighted to announce the promotion of Gary Moorhouse to Genus Director, with immediate effect.  Gary joined Shorts in 2013 and has played an active role in the growth and development of the Genus service; providing business with meaningful management accounts upon which to make better informed business decisions.

Malcolm Pope, Partner at Shorts and Head of Genus said:  “We are delighted to promote Gary to the position of Director. His performance has been consistently excellent, helping us to develop and further enhance our management accounts offering for local businesses. He will play an important role in the ongoing growth and development of the department.”

On his promotion, Gary said:  “It is great to be asked to take this position, I have been with Shorts 8 years and it has been such an interesting journey. We have developed our support for clients to enable us to be the leading firm in the region and the Genus team is an integral part of this.”

Gary will now spearhead the ambitious growth plans for Genus, while the team continues to excel in aiding clients with strategy from top to bottom.  He can be contacted on 0114 2671617 or by emailing gary.moorhouse@shorts.uk.com.

Genus provides clients with detailed management reporting and projects. These projects include reviewing existing systems and processes, from simple accounting software changes to full process reviews and integration of cutting-edge accounting software.

With a long-standing heritage of over 130 years, Shorts Chartered Accountants has grown from a local business to a nationally recognised award-winning firm.

The company is home to some incredible expertise – specialists have joined the company from some of the world’s leading firms, bringing years of experience that they have shared and continue to hone.

Shorts Chartered Accountants supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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