7 major Gloucestershire business hires in September 2024

As the summer reached its end and everyday routine resumed, Gloucestershire wasted no time getting back to work in September 2024, with a host of high profile appointments at some of the county's leading firms.

From driving growth at local businesses through sales and marketing to inspiring future generations of professionals, SoGlos rounds up seven of the most noteworthy.

Former Gloucester and England rugby star joins Cheltenham IT firm Emerge Digital

Leading Cheltenham-based IT services firm Emerge Digital has appointed former professional rugby player Mark Atkinson as a company director.

Former Gloucester and England centre Mark — who also holds a business role at the Cherry and Whites, for whom he made 168 appearances as a player — joins Emerge as business development director, with a remit of helping to unlock opportunities for the firm in new markets.

His appointment is part of a two-year plan from the firm — which provides tech and digital solutions to help SMEs to grow — to continue its upward trajectory and double its revenue by 2026.

Hewer FM hires first ever marketing manager in strategy shake-up

Gloucester-based gas engineering firm Hewer FM is adding to its senior team with the addition of its first marketing and business development manager.

Putting focus on company growth and brand awareness, new manager Tabitha Penny — who has extensive experience from previous roles with Sky Media and Global Radio — takes responsibility for all of Hewer's marketing campaigns and communications, whilst continuously looking to identify new business opportunities.

The appointment follows a senior shake-up at the regional heating, electrical and renewables specialist, following a management buyout and appointment of a new MD and CEO in August 2024.

Future Advanced Manufacture appoints new sales and marketing director

Future Advanced Manufacture, a Cheltenham-based firm specialising in the development of complex next-generation engineering, has announced the appointment of a new sales and marketing director.

Samuel Wood brings more than 15 years' experience to the business, with past positions including general manager and director roles for a range of organisations with up to £1 billion turnovers.

With his new role at Future Advanced Manufacture, Samuel will be working closely with both prospective and current clients, using his technical skills to sell concepts, deliver results and ensure customer satisfaction and retention.

New associate director at KBW Chartered Surveyors

Leading Cheltenham-based chartered surveyors, KBW, has appointed a new associate director to its senior team this September 2024.

Laura Hatten has been promoted to the role after six years with the firm — which has advised some of the county's biggest companies including the likes of SuperDry Plc, Hazlewoods and Robert Hitchens — building on her experience of providing strategic advice in commercial agency, lease advisory and valuation services as a senior surveyor.

The firm says that in her new role, Laura will use her expertise to drive growth and success for the company, while serving as 'a role model and mentor' for other women in the industry.

New general manager at The Greenway Hotel & Spa

Following its recent £1.4 million renovation, The Greenway Hotel & Spa has appointed a new general manager with an extensive career in the luxury hospitality sector.

Luke Millikin, who has nearly 25 years of experience having started as a bartender and worked his way up through the ranks to general manager, has been appointed to oversee the 60-strong team at the hotel in Shurdington, along with its award-winning spa and 3 AA rosette fine dining restaurant.

Luke, who grew up in Qatar and has wanted to be a hotel manager since he was seven, hopes to inspire the next generation of hospitality workers in his new role, with the sector facing a constant challenge to recruit and retain new talent.

New executive director appointed at The Barn Theatre

The senior team at award-winning Cotswolds theatre and production house, The Barn Theatre, has announced the appointment of new executive director Liam McMullen.

Having forged a career as an independent commercial producer and general manager with some of the UK's best known theatre companies, Liam is now charged with driving forward commercial opportunities in his new role at the Barn.

Liam, who has previously worked with the likes of National Theatre Productions, Riverdance, Festival Republic and GBL Productions, praised the potential of Cirencester's boutique theatre following his appointment, saying the team there 'have the opportunity to shape the future' of theatre in the UK.

Cheltenham MP appointed parliament spokesperson for culture, media and sport

Newly-elected Liberal Democrat MP for Cheltenham, Max Wilkinson, has been appointed as his party's frontbench spokesperson for culture, media and sport.

Max, who was elected as an MP for the first time in July 2024, becomes part of the new 33-member frontbench team unveiled by Lib Dem leader, Sir Ed Davey, following the party's election gains.

The prominent appointment positions the MP — a former journalist and lifelong sports fan — next to Labour secretary of state Lisa Nandy and Conservative shadow secretary Julia Lopez as one of the leading voices for culture, media and sport in parliament.