HB&O appoints new HR manager and promotes 11 staff

Independent accountancy firm HB&O has appointed Lauren Sanders as its new human resources manager and promoted 11 staff members as it continues to expand its operations across the Midlands.

Sanders joins with nearly 20 years’ experience in manufacturing, healthcare and professional services, including a previous role as HR director at an accountancy firm in the east of England.

She will support HB&O’s people development programme and oversee initiatives to strengthen team collaboration across its 100-strong workforce.

Meanwhile, Jordan Chamberlain, who joined the firm in 2021, has been promoted to senior client manager. He will continue to oversee HB&O’s Philippines-based operations team.

Promotions have also been made within the firm’s growing Virtual Finance Office (VFO) service. Ben Usher-Shipway and Georgia Mallabone have both stepped up to advanced VFO technician roles following a rise in client demand.

Four members of the audit and accounts team – Joshua Ward, Gurpal Reyat, Lewis George and Jobin Jose – have been promoted across HB&O’s Coventry and Leamington offices. Ward, from Leamington Spa, joined the firm at 16 and has worked across multiple departments over the past five years.

Other promotions include Lisa Saiya to office manager, Shehla Parveen to payroll supervisor, and Ioana Mateias to a management role within the payroll department. Jessica Mason has also advanced her position as head of VAT.

Mark Ashfield, managing director, said: “A strong, skilled and efficient team will be crucial to achieving our ambitious growth targets over the next year. These promotions are recognition of the excellent work being delivered by individuals as part of teams across the business.

“It’s fantastic to be welcoming Lauren to the business and her experience will be invaluable as we continue to expand the firm and ensure that we are delivering the best possible experience and development opportunities for our staff.”