7 senior business appointments in Gloucestershire this July

With the summer holidays in full swing, there's no rest for Gloucestershire's leading businesses this July 2024.

SoGlos rounds up seven noteworthy business appointments spanning everything from private client tax partners and rural property solicitors to new board members at a leading Gloucestershire brewery.

Four new deputy lord lieutenants of Gloucestershire

Four new deputy lieutenants have been appointed to the Gloucestershire Lieutenancy this July 2024, assisting the lord-lieutenant Edward Gillespie OBE with royal visits and other events throughout the county.

The new deputy lieutenants for 2024 — Ingrid Barker, Richard Bradley, Reverend Tim Hastie-Smith and Mickey Morrissey — will assist the lord-lieutenant in looking after members of the royal family and heads of state when they visit Gloucestershire, as well as representing the royals at community and charity events; presenting individuals with their British citizenships at ceremonies; and promoting the voluntary sector.

New head of Tewkesbury-based sustainability not-for-profit Woodsure

Tewkesbury-based not-for-profit Woodsure — which administrates quality and sustainability certification for the wood fuel industry on behalf of the government — has appointed a new head to lead its diversification this July 2024.

Jason Harries, who has a wealth of experience of leading pioneering, sustainability-focused trade supply businesses, will lead the organisation on driving greater collaboration between all parties for the more environmentally responsible usage of wood fuel.

Two new partners at Cheltenham-based accountants Bishop Fleming

Leading south west accountancy firm, Bishop Fleming, has announced the appointment of two new tax partners at its Gloucestershire headquarters in Cheltenham.

Iona Martin, who was previously tax director and head of private banking tax at KPMG; and private client taxation specialist, Zoe Martin, have been appointed by the firm to boost its private client offering and push forward its strategic growth ambitions, both in Cheltenham and beyond.

New department leaders at Cheltenham's Frank Smith & Co Solicitors

Following substantial growth over the past 12 months, Cheltenham-based firm Frank Smith & Co Solicitors has appointed two highly experienced professionals to senior roles this July 2024.

Solicitor Sue Senkbeil and legal executive Michele Bysouth, who together have combined experience of 35 years in private client law, are joining the firm to head up its wills, trust and probate operations in their respective roles.

Cheltenham corporate advisory firm GS Verde Group appoints new associate director

Cardiff-headquartered corporate advisory firm GS Verde Group, which has recently expanded into Cheltenham, has announced the appointment of a new associate director, as part of wider plans to expand its accounting services.

The appointment of Linzi Lumbley as associate director puts a focus on the team's delivery of high-quality financial management and advice to entrepreneurs and management teams that are looking to scale, acquire or lead towards an exit across the UK and Ireland.

New marketing director at Gloucester-based insurer Ecclesiastical

Gloucester-based insurance giant Ecclesiastical has appointed Lara Bealing as its new marketing director. 

Lara, who was previously the UK marketing director for Canada Life, brings 30 years of experience to the role, where she'll be heading up the UK marketing team with a focus on fulfilling the specialist insurer's ambitious growth plans to double its business over the next few years.

Gloucester Brewery appoints new chair and finance director

Gloucester's Earth-conscious brewery has appointed a new chairman and finance director to its board to help propel the company 'to new heights'.

Former Gloucester Rugby CEO Lance Bradley, who is now CEO of Ospreys Rugby, takes on the mantle of chairman to guide Gloucester Brewery on its journey of growth and expansion; while Naomi Smith steps into her new role as finance director having held the position of finance manager with the company since August 2023.