PKF Francis Clark promotes talent from within

Accountancy firm PKF Francis Clark has promoted 12 rising stars to partner or director roles as it continues to develop the next generation of leaders.

Corporate tax specialist Adam Kefford becomes a Partner, having joined the firm in 2005 as a graduate trainee.

The firm has also promoted 11 members of staff from across a range of specialist services to the role of Director.

They include Poole-based Aaron Lawes, who specialises in advising family and owner managed businesses.

He joined the firm as an Audit and Accounts Trainee in 2006.

Andrew Richards, Managing Partner, pictured left, said: “While our priority in recent months has been supporting clients – and our own people – through the upheaval of the current pandemic, it’s important that we continue to develop our workforce to meet their needs in the longer term.

“It’s fantastic to see talented staff progress within the firm as they develop their skills and gain experience.

“It’s something we actively encourage, and we always look to promote talent from within.

“I’m very proud of the work everyone has done to get to this milestone and wish them every success in the next chapter of their careers with PKF Francis Clark.

“It’s a challenging time for all businesses, but it’s great to be able to take a moment to celebrate this positive news.”

PKF Francis Clark has 56 partners and over 750 staff across the firm’s network of eight offices in Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth, Poole, Taunton, Torquay, Truro and Salisbury.

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Bright future beckons for new graduates at b4b

b4b, the Poole-based digital marketing agency, has strengthened its software development team with the appointment of two new graduate project managers.

Alma Yan and Jed Murray will help with planning and delivering bespoke client projects.

They will be mentored by b4b’s experienced team of developers in the UK and Poland.

Alma, pictured left, joins the team as a recent graduate from Bournemouth University, having studied media production.

An avid film fan, she also enjoys yoga and travelling.

Jed, pictured right, studied at the University of Plymouth, graduating with a BSc in Chemistry.

He realised by the end of the degree course that he wanted to do something more fast paced and is relishing the potential to work on numerous projects with multiple deadlines.

Jed enjoys kayaking and qualified to be an instructor for small groups.

He’s interested in cars, having been to Goodwood Festival of Speed several times.

Alistair Paton, Technical Director, pictured left, said: “It’s great to see young talent joining our team at b4b.

“We have a number of large-scale projects that Alma and Jed will be involved with, alongside our regular website development work.

“I am confident that they will become real assets as the business continues to grow.”

Established more than 12 years ago, b4b, based on the Albany Business Park in Poole, has a team of 25 Dorset-based staff and a further 20 based near Katowice in Poland.

The team has developed strength in delivering software projects.

With more in the pipeline, there was a need to strengthen the team further to cope with increased client demand.

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Chloe named Science Learner of the Year at 2020 BTEC Awards

Chloe Shaw, who is studying a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Biomedical Science at Bournemouth & Poole College, has been awarded the Bronze BTEC Award for Science Learner of the Year.

After an outstanding year at the College, Chloe was recognised by her lecturers and peers for being a hard-working and exceptional student.

Having spent a phenomenal amount of time carrying out independent research and wider reading, Chloe has continuously gone above and beyond in her studies.

Her efforts and dedication were celebrated at the tenth anniversary of Pearson’s annual BTEC Awards hosted online.

Chloe, pictured left, said: “To get bronze in the BTEC award for Science is one of the biggest achievements I’ve reached, not only physically but mentally.

“Although I’ve had to struggle with many situations throughout my learning on my course, this award has shown that I still did the best I could and overcame obstacles which could have had a big impact on my education.

“As a result, I achieved the best grades I could and I was able to do this through the support my college offered me.

“They allowed me to achieve the best I could and helped me focus on my education to aid me in my future career.”

The 2020 BTEC Awards comprised of 17 categories.

They were hosted by presenter of the United Stand, YouTube influencer and BTEC Ambassador, Flex, with awards presented by Double Olympic Gold medallist Max Whitlock as well as actress and former BTEC Drama student at The BRIT School, Kellie Shirley.

The expert panel of judges, made up of Pearson’s senior leadership team, journalists and external experts, carefully considered the nominees before deciding on the winners.

Hilary Gallagher, Learning Manager for Science, Access and Counselling at Bournemouth & Poole College, said: “We’re extremely proud of everything that Chloe has achieved at the College and delighted that her hard work has been recognised at the BTEC Awards.

“We truly believe that Chloe is deserving of the award as not only is she an exceptional student with a positive attitude but she has overcome many barriers and maintains other responsibilities in addition to her studies.”

Cindy Rampersaud, Senior Vice President, BTEC and Apprenticeship, said: “This year I’ve been overwhelmed by the quality of BTEC Award nominations we received and I am delighted to celebrate this year’s winners and the achievements of all learners who will be awarded a BTEC this year.

“Over the past few weeks and months, we’ve seen how the current pandemic has highlighted the critical role of key workers and individuals who are likely to have followed a vocational educational pathway such as BTEC.”

Pearson has overseen BTEC qualifications for over 30 years and during this time the qualifications have equipped millions of learners with the knowledge and practical skills that employers need.