Corporation tax specialist Ellen Feetum has become a partner at HURST in the latest round of promotions at the accounting and business advisory firm.
Ellen joined HURST from KPMG last year as an associate partner to lead its new corporation tax compliance offering.
Meanwhile Sarah Haley, who began her career at HURST in 2006 as a graduate trainee, has been promoted to the new role of associate director in the tax team. She moved to KPMG in 2015 and rejoined HURST as a manager in 2021.
Five members of HURST’s business services team who joined as trainees have also gained promotion. Ewan Lawson, Miles Redgrave, Jasmine Ali, Jake Holt and Todd Thompstone have become associate managers.
The business services team carries out audit, compliance, strategic advisory, outsourcing and business planning work for a growing national client base. It is the largest team at HURST, with more than 70 staff.
HURST specialises in advising three core client segments – owner-managed businesses, private equity-backed enterprises and UK subsidiaries of overseas parent companies.
Clients include SJM Concerts, Kinaxia Logistics, M&I Materials, Beechfield Brands, Duerr’s, Oliver Valves, Lancashire County Cricket Club, Krones UK, Creamline Dairies, Scapa Group and Hyde Group.
The Stockport-headquartered practice recently became part of the Dains Group, a national accountancy and business advisory firm which operates from 30 locations across the UK and Ireland, further strengthening the resources and expertise available to support clients across the UK and internationally.
HURST partner and director of practice development Simon Brownbill said: “These are the first promotions since we partnered with Dains, and there will be many more to follow in line with our continued growth and our strategy to strengthen the team for the next phase of our journey.”
HURST’s head of tax Liz Gallagher said: “Ellen’s promotion to partner is thoroughly deserved and marks a significant milestone for both her and the firm. It reflects the continued growth of our tax team and the increasingly sophisticated work we are doing for clients.
“Since joining HURST to lead our corporation tax compliance function, Ellen has made an immediate and lasting impact.
“She has brought exceptional technical expertise and experience from her years at KPMG, helping us strengthen and evolve the service we provide to our audit and tax-only clients. Just as importantly, she has quickly become a go-to person for colleagues across the firm.
“Sarah’s promotion is also a fantastic achievement and a well-earned recognition of her contribution to the firm and her technical skills.
“As a new role within HURST, the position of associate director also reflects the wider opportunities now available as a result of the firm joining Dains.
“Sarah is a highly-valued member of our tax advisory team, supporting clients on a broad range of complex matters including mergers and acquisitions, due diligence and succession planning.
“Having started her career with HURST, qualifying here, broadening her experience at a Big Four practice and then returning to us, Sarah has shown real commitment, capability and strong client relationship skills throughout her journey. We are delighted to see her take this next step.”
Mike Jackson, head of HURST’s business services team, said: “Ewan, Miles, Jasmine, Jake and Todd thoroughly deserve their promotion to associate manager, which reflects the journey each of them has taken since joining the firm as trainees.
“They have all developed into highly-valued members of our audit team, consistently delivering high-quality work for clients and showing they are ready to take on greater responsibility in leading and developing others.
“Their success is a strong reflection of their individual commitment and the supportive, high-performing culture we are proud of.
“As our audit team continues to demonstrate strong growth, they will each play an important role going forward.”
