Today’s news in brief – 6/9/2024

FTS Recovery has acquired Beacon LIP Ltd, a leading insolvency provider on the South Coast, marking its second acquisition in 2024. This deal expands FTS Recovery’s geographic footprint across England, including Essex, Basingstoke, Poole, and other areas. It also introduces personal insolvency services to FTS for the first time. Beacon’s partners, Matthew Fox and Cheryl Brown, join FTS along with their team, bringing valuable expertise in corporate and personal insolvency. FTS Director Marco Piacquadio praised the acquisition, citing Beacon’s client-focused approach and the new opportunities it will offer both clients and employees. Craig Maxwell has been appointed as the first office managing partner for Forvis Mazars’ Glasgow branch. With over 25 years of experience, Maxwell has been with the firm since 2016 and will now lead its business strategy and oversee a local team of 96 professionals. He will focus on growing the firm’s services in the region, which range from financial planning to wealth management and audit. Maxwell aims to build on Forvis Mazars' recent success, including double-digit growth and an expanded service offering. His predecessor, Laura Clarkson, will continue as OMP in Edinburgh. Larking Gowen, an East Anglia-based firm, has onboarded 29 new graduates, including school leavers, university graduates, and placement undergraduates. The new recruits will pursue qualifications in accountancy, taxation, and other specialisations, supported by the firm’s comprehensive training and mentorship programs. Managing Partner Julie Grimmer, celebrating her 40th anniversary at the firm, expressed pride in the firm’s long-standing commitment to developing new talent. Larking Gowen has over 350 team members across six offices and offers a career-long development path for its employees, ensuring continuous growth and support throughout their professional journeys. Claritas Tax has recruited four graduate tax associates—Florence Ho, Joss Chippendale, Jairaj Kooner, and Zohaib Munawar—under its rotational seat program. Based in Birmingham, they will initially work across various departments, including share schemes, valuations, and corporate M&A, while studying for ICAEW and Chartered Institute of Taxation qualifications. Founding partner Iain Wright emphasised the importance of young talent for future success, noting Claritas' ongoing expansion amid a competitive recruitment landscape. Matt Hodgson, head of the Manchester office, praised the graduates’ diverse skills, which will enhance the firm's ability to provide high-quality client service.