Today’s news in brief – 3/7/2024

Real estate investment trust NewRiver has appointed Forvis Mazars as its new auditor, replacing PwC after a competitive tender process. PwC will step down at the 2024 Annual General Meeting, with NewRiver expressing appreciation for PwC’s services. There are no issues to report related to PwC's departure. NewRiver's portfolio includes 24 community shopping centres and 12 retail parks, valued at £540m and covering 6.1 million sq ft. Additionally, NewRiver manages 18 retail parks and 5 shopping centres for Capital Partners, totaling £1.3bn in Assets Under Management. Forvis Mazars recently appointed Tatham Crawford-Lennox to enhance its people and culture division. PKF Francis Clark has promoted nine directors across various departments, including audit and assurance, business advisory, corporate finance, and private client tax. Notably, Rachael Pepler, Ben Slater, and Tracy Lewis specialise in audit and assurance. Phil Ball and Toby Lott have advanced in the people team. The promotions span multiple locations: Exeter, Torquay, Salisbury, and Truro. Three of the new directors started as graduate trainees at PKF Francis Clark. CEO Paul Crocker emphasised the importance of developing internal talent, highlighting the firm's commitment to training, development, and maintaining a supportive and inclusive culture for their expanding team. Evelyn Partners has appointed Emma Queen as a business tax partner to support the growth of its Cambridge office. Previously a director of private business at PwC, Queen specialised in helping business owners and entrepreneurs achieve their goals. She will join the firm’s Cambridge team, which provides a wide range of services, including assurance, corporate finance, and business and personal tax services. Queen expressed excitement about working with family businesses and entrepreneurs in the thriving Cambridge and East Anglia mid-market. Regional managing partner Stephen Drew welcomed Queen, emphasising her extensive experience and the anticipated positive impact on the firm's success. Cowgills’ business recovery team facilitated the sale of The Fairhursts Design Group Limited to Bond Bryan, saving 39 jobs across Manchester, Cambridge, and Southampton. The Fairhursts Design Group, an architectural practice since 1986, faced challenging trading conditions and was sold to ensure business continuity and preserve employment. The existing management team will continue under Bond Bryan, expanding its presence with six new studios in Sheffield, Bristol, London, and Kent. Cowgills partner Craig Johns highlighted the importance of the transaction in securing the future of the established Fairhursts brand and ensuring job security for its entire workforce amid economic uncertainties.