Having been challenged recently to justify ‘return on investment’ for management development courses and programmes, I gathered together some ideas… and hope the following helps/interests you…

SHW has announced the appointment of its new Regional Heads commencing 1st April 2024 for a period of five years.

Birketts has elected a new Senior Partner, with the firm’s UK Head of Property, Chris Schwer, to succeed James Austin. Chris will take up the Senior Partner position on 1 April 2024.

West Sussex business to retain name and traditional values as Simon Pilbeam retires

Nick Downton, Audit Senior at Sussex and South East accountancy firm Carpenter Box, is celebrating a remarkable achievement in his accountancy career, recently passing all 15 ICAEW ACA exams at the first attempt.

Join us on a mammoth 30k challenge in March.

SHW has announced that Alex Gale will take over the role of Senior Partner for the firm as of 1st April 2024, replacing fellow Partner Adam Godfrey who has held the role for eight years.

Welcome to our January 2024 update. 2023 was once again our busy year to date, just look at what we achieved.

Are you a large, established business looking for a new space for you and your team? A growing startup on the hunt for a space that can scale with you? A freelancer looking for a new community? Look no further than Plus X Innovation. Enjoy a free week of full membership access to innovation hubs in Brighton or Slough.

Leading Sussex law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter has appointed specialist partner Marwa Hadi-Barnes to its family team.

Wit. Cunning. Strategy. Competitive. Dramatic. Are we talking about Squid Game, here, or Marketing? The parallels are uncanny.

A recent UK survey by Shelter has reported over 300,000 people as homeless. Bristol-based charity called BillyChip has been formed to support the homeless nationally.

Creative Pod, an award-winning, full-service marketing agency renowned for its innovative approach and numerous industry accolades in the Southeast, is thrilled to announce its recent acquisition of 2UpFront, a 15-year-old, highly-regarded local design agency in Hove.

As part of their growth strategy, Storm12 has recently expanded their team by welcoming two new members. Ellie Murray joined in October as the new Digital Content Assistant, and shortly after, Sarah White as Storm12’s Office Manager.

Does the cost-of-living crisis heighten the risk of fraud for charities?

Birketts has announced the arrival of Vanda James as Partner and Head of Family in its Sevenoaks office.   Joining Birketts from fellow Kent law firm Cripps, Vanda has nearly 30 years’ experience and is an expert across all aspects of family law. Vanda specialises in complex financial cases and has notable experience in international child relocation and other highly sensitive matters.   Vanda, who is the former President of the Kent Law Society, is a highly respected lawyer within the South East region, having recently been ranked in band 1 by Chambers [UK 2024], and in Tier 1 of the Legal 500. Vanda has also been ranked in the Citywealth Leaders List and recognised as one of the top 10 pioneering family lawyers transforming matrimonial law in Kent 2023 by Business Today.   On joining the firm, Vanda said: “I am thrilled and delighted to join the Birketts team and to play an important role in growing our practice in the South East. I am looking forward to bringing my knowledge and experience to help support the team and deliver next level service for our clients.”   Katie Beaven, Partner in the Family Team said: “We are all very excited that Vanda is joining Birketts and our Family Team in Sevenoaks. Vanda’s reputation is formidable, she is driven to achieving the very best outcomes, providing clear and valuable advice, and we are certain that she will be instrumental to achieving the desired outcomes for our clients.”

Sussex and South East accountancy firm, Carpenter Box, has recruited 15 new trainees onto its premium training programme.   Every year, the firm supports school and college leavers, as well as career changers, on a structured pathway towards either the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) or ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant) qualification, mixing professional study with on-the-job experience.   Carpenter Box Managing Partner, Alan Edwards, who started his own career as a trainee at the firm, commented: “Training the next generation of accountants, tax and business advisers is a responsibility we take very seriously, and for many years we have invested heavily in emerging talent.   “Our training provision has earned ‘Approved Employer’ and ‘Platinum’ status, underlining our commitment to give our apprentices the best possible start to their careers.”   Most of the current intake have joined the Assurance & Advisory team, with some joining the Business Services Group and StarBox, which provides new media companies and digital platform content creators with expert finance and tax advice.     Included in the latest cohort is Johnny Lancaster, who swapped a sales role to embark on a new accountancy career. He said: “I’ve always been a detail person and enjoy numbers, data, problem solving and fundamentally understanding the way different businesses operate.  Therefore, Audit felt like a really good fit and an exciting opportunity to use some of my existing skills. “As a forward-thinking, growing company, Carpenter Box really appealed, and the team has been supportive, welcoming and happy to share their knowledge.” Hai Phan joined the firm from university where his degree allowed him nine exemptions from the 14 papers that make up the ACCA qualification. He commented: “The mix of studying and working was difficult at the beginning given that there was a mountain of knowledge that I had to process. However, as the months progressed, I have now eased into the process and I’m enjoying the mix of studying and working.   “I feel comfortable in the office environment - the support I have received from my colleagues has been phenomenal and has also enabled me to assist newer trainees.”   Carpenter Box, celebrating its centenary this year, earned ‘Approved Employer’ and ‘Platinum’ status for the quality of its continual professional support, which includes progress monitoring, evaluation and staff development.     www.carpenterbox.com   Photo caption: Carpenter Box welcomes some of its latest students (l-r):  Johnny Lancaster, Niamh McLaughlin, Hai Phan, Charlie Smile, James Tuohy, Jack Woods & Jose Puno.