CLA Global, a network of independent accounting and advisory firms, has appointed Paul English as CEO, succeeding co-CEOs Sancho Simmonds and Joseph Kask. English, with over 20 years of professional services experience, previously held global leadership roles at Grant Thornton and RSM. He will oversee the strategic direction and membership development of CLA Global, which includes 12 Network and 12 Alliance members worldwide. English aims to enhance the network’s value and growth, focusing on the mid-market sector. CLA Global board chair Scott Engelbrecht praised English’s strategic expertise and anticipated continued momentum and expansion under his leadership.
Evelyn Partners has appointed George Uglow as a financial planner to support the expansion of its Exeter office. Uglow, who has over 15 years of experience in financial services, joins from Cavendish Medical, where he was a chartered financial planner. He specialises in NHS pension planning and personal injury settlement advice. Based in Sterling Court, Exeter, Uglow will provide personal financial planning and investment management services to clients in the West Country. Mark Wilkins, managing partner, praised Uglow’s expertise, while Uglow expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to deliver outstanding service and collaborate with professionals at Evelyn Partners.
Newcastle-based accountancy firm UNW has appointed Ian Kelsall as partner and head of audit and assurance. Kelsall, formerly a partner and head of audit at Deloitte in Belfast, brings over 20 years of experience serving FTSE 250, AIM-listed entities, and multinational subsidiaries. His appointment follows a period of growth for UNW and the recent arrival of Nicola Coleman as audit and assurance partner. Kelsall expressed excitement about returning to Newcastle and joining UNW, highlighting the firm’s team, client base, and entrepreneurial culture. Andrew Wilson, UNW managing partner, welcomed Kelsall’s experience and commitment to supporting local businesses.
Price Bailey predicts a wealth transfer worth over £850bn to millennials in the next 20 years, driven by trade sales, MBOs, and EOTs. Strategic corporate finance partner Chand Chudasama noted that many business owners plan to sell before a potential tax increase following the upcoming election. The firm emphasises the benefits of MBOs and EOTs, which help retain knowledge and expertise within the UK. Chudasama highlighted the meritocratic nature of these processes, predicting substantial financial gains for millennials who lead businesses successfully. This generational transfer could generate over £150bn in tax revenue for the UK over two decades.
