In Reference Appointments & Updates
However, the impact of COVID-19 is
still very much being felt, with figures 13.1% down on pre-pandemic volumes in February. This is largely due to the enforced closures of most stores, with high streets up and down the country having seen only a fraction of their usual footfall. “These past couple of months have been
some of the toughest the retail sector has ever had to endure, with thousands of jobs lost as even leading-name chains are forced to restructure. Even with the reopening of the high street this week, we are unlikely to see a dramatic change in the immediate future, given the impact of the pandemic on consumer finances. According to our research, of those who have been negatively financially impacted, seven in 10 are struggling to pay bills, so it is no surprise that only essential items are seen as a priority purchase. “Social distancing has fundamentally
changed the retail sector and consumer attitudes to shopping. Online shopping has been adopted out of necessity, even by the digitally-reluctant, leading to a boom – with the proportion spent online hitting a record high of 33.4% in May. This rise in online spending presents a huge opportunity for cybercriminals, however, so retailers and consumers alike must be vigilant and take all steps possible to prevent fraud.”
Reward Finance Group, is enjoying a double celebration this month. As well as marking the first anniversary of the opening of its new Manchester office, it has also completed its 100th deal, bringing the total lending to SMEs in the region to £30m. Although the 11-strong team moved
into The Lexicon on Mount Street in Manchester twelve months ago, the last few months have seen them working from home, where they have continued to provide working capital to help companies countrywide. The milestones have been reached a couple of months after leading industry
Steve Noble and Nick Smith
figure, Steve Noble, was appointed as managing director of the North West. He said: “Although we are a relatively new name in the area, the team has
worked incredibly hard to build up an excellent reputation, which has led to the completion of so many deals. “We have always operated very much on a hands-on basis, rather than a
‘box-ticking’ exercise. We therefore visit the business to get to know the directors, see how the business operates, and check out the business plans. Naturally, we must now do all of this virtually.” Group managing director of Reward Finance Group, Nick Smith added: “As
we have built our presence in the region over the last few years we have attracted highly experienced and well-connected finance professionals who have quickly raised awareness of the company, which has led us to hit the 100- deal mark, which was for Warrington-based Care At Home Group.”
Neil Jinks has joined Court Enforcement Services as marketing and communications lead. In this senior role he will report directly
The Sigma Financial Group plans to double its 1,500 workforce by 2025 after cementing its position as a major provider to the utilities and energy industries – with the energy sector remaining a key focus for Sigma as it expands its expertise. The business is forecasting a gradual increase in new jobs
over the next five years at its West Midlands offices, and also in Cape Town where Sigma opened its third and fourth call centres two years ago. It is also closely studying acquisition opportunities in mainland Europe, eastern Europe, the United States and Australia. The news comes as Sigma reported earnings of £4m in the past year – a
Gary Gilburd
record 12 months for the firm which was acquired by the South African-based Digicall Group in 2016. Chief executive of the Sigma Financial Group, Gary Gilburd said: “We
have gone through massive change over the past five years – going from 200 employees to 1,500 and building our reputation as a trusted and versatile provider to a host of sectors. “We are excited about our growth plans and our aspiration to double in size.
It will always be challenging in such a competitive market but we have been backed every step of the way by our parent company.”
July 2020
www.CCRMagazine.com
into managing director Daren Simcox. His responsibilities will be to enhance and develop all marketing collateral. He said: “I am very excited to be joining
such a dynamic company that has already achieved so much but has even more ambitious plans for growth. Working with such a well-respected company, I am thrilled to work with many people who I already know well to take on the responsibility for this new position.” “I am pleased to welcome Neil on board,”
said Mr Simcox. “I have worked in partnership with Neil both as a colleague and a supplier for many years across a variety of different organisations. I was both surprised and delighted to become aware of Neil’s availability. Given his experience within the marketplace, Neil is well placed to lead on enhancing our marketing and communications strategy. He will ensure that it continues to match
our position as a market leader. I have no doubt his considerable experience will be beneficial to both the company and our wider group companies.”
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