Ken Thomson has stepped down as the chair of ICAS’s Regulation Board after just a month, citing “personal reasons”, according to the Times. The move follows his involvement in advising Scottish government members to delete WhatsApp messages during UK Covid inquiry sessions. ICAS will begin the process of appointing a new chair responsible for regulation policy, complaint investigations, and monitoring professional standards. Thomson denies any culture of message deletion among government figures. His departure is amid controversy, leaving ICAS to manage the aftermath and maintain regulatory responsibilities.
BK Plus acquires Abrams Ashton, a St. Helens-based accountancy practice, to bolster its presence in the North West. Abrams Ashton, known for tax planning and business development for SMEs, will continue operating independently. The acquisition allows BK Plus to expand services, offering corporate finance and banking alongside existing expertise. The local partners express enthusiasm for joining BK Plus, anticipating opportunities for growth, improved client services, and enhanced support through shared values. The strategic move aligns with BK Plus’s commitment to providing top-tier services to the SME sector in the region.
Evelyn Partners appoints Edward Park as Chief Asset Management Officer, effective April 2024. Park, former CIO at Brooks Macdonald, joins the senior leadership team and will oversee the group’s centrally managed investment propositions, including pooled funds and Managed Portfolio Service. With £9.9bn in assets managed as of December 2023, Park’s role involves leadership in investment processes, committee participation, and management of the Investment Strategy team. Evelyn Partners aims to leverage Park’s experience to strengthen its investment approach and continue delivering positive outcomes for clients.
Business advisory firm Quantuma has advised on the sale of Challenge Packaging Limited, a Sussex-based packaging manufacturer, to the Logson Group. The acquisition enhances Logson Group’s market position in the South East. Challenge Packaging, established in 2002, offers end-to-end packaging solutions for various industries. Quantuma’s Managing Director Mark Lucas and Associate Director George Jackson led the sales process, providing strategic advice, undertaking a dual-track marketing process, and facilitating the identification of Logson Group as the preferred bidder. The deal ensures continuity for Challenge Packaging within the Logson Group’s growth platform.
