Kettering-headquartered architecture practice, GSSArchitecture, has appointed Jonathan Hunter as senior partner, following the retirement of Tom Lyons in June. Jonathan has been part of GSS for over 23 years, having first joined in 2001 as a graduate architectural technologist. He soon progressed through the company, gaining promotion to associate in 2007 and then partner in 2010. Jonathan has been central to the growth of the practice over recent years. Building on established relationships in the Midlands, Jonathan has built and nurtured strategically important long-term relationships with key clients across Yorkshire and the Northeast. In 2009 Jonathan had the vision to establish an office in Yorkshire to provide a stronger, locally focussed service to clients in the region. Continuing to enhance the practice’s reputation, he then went on grow the business in the Northeast, opening a Newcastle studio in 2016. Both studios have gone from strength to strength under Jonathan’s direction. The Yorkshire team has recently moved into central Leeds while the Newcastle team has moved into larger premises, to accommodate their sustained growth and strengthen their offering in both regions. Jonathan has also been directly responsible for delivering many large-scale developments throughout his career to date. Across a range of sectors, projects include the Catalyst at Newcastle Helix and more recently the £500m masterplanning of the UK’s first Health Innovation Neighbourhood in partnership with Newcastle University and Genr8/Kajima JV. As senior partner, Jonathan will maintain his focus on continued growth at a national level. He will utilise his extensive technical knowledge and cross-sector experience to set the strategic direction for the practice at all six of its office locations and will build on the foundations laid by previous partners delivering high-quality, sustainable architecture for  clients. Throughout his time at GSS, Jonathan has worked side-by-side with Ian Bray, and this relationship will continue with Ian Bray remaining as the practice’s managing partner. Ian Bray said: “We have been planning for Tom’s retirement for the past few years to ensure we have a robust succession plan and management structure in place to deliver a seamless transition for our clients and teams. I have every confidence in Jonathan as he continues to drive the practice forward in his new role.” Jonathan said: “I’m really excited about the future! We have a fantastic team at GSS, full of dedicated and creative people who are at the heart of what we do. There are many exciting opportunities for us to grow the business together, building on our history, substantial experience and by driving innovation. “Stepping into this new role as senior partner is an honour. I have a duty to do my best for this practice and to represent every member of our extensive team in the best possible way. It is a responsibility that I take very seriously, and I hope to do the team proud during my time in post.”

Rowleys, a Leicester-based accountancy firm, has appointed Clare Clifford as its new Tax Partner. Clare, a respected Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser, brings a wealth of experience to the firm. Clare Clifford joins Rowleys from Azets, where she was a Partner and Head of Tax for the Midlands. With a career that began in accountancy and evolved to specialise in tax, Clare’s expertise spans a wide range of sectors including manufacturing, farming, and healthcare. She has a proven track record of working with owner-managed businesses, family companies, individuals, and large international organisations, advising on both personal and corporate tax matters. “I am excited to join Rowleys, a firm that truly values building strong, personal relationships with its clients,” says Clare. “I look forward to working with the team to provide tailored tax solutions that help our clients achieve their financial goals. It’s great being back in the East Midlands, where I live and have long-standing professional relationships.” Clare is particularly passionate about working with owner-managed businesses and developing lasting relationships with families to help them achieve tax efficiency. Tom Copson, Managing Partner at Rowleys, says: “We are delighted to welcome Clare to our team. Her extensive experience and client-focused approach are invaluable assets as we continue to grow and enhance the services we offer. Clare’s approach aligns perfectly with Rowleys’ commitment to providing a personable and bespoke service to its clients.”

Blueprint Interiors, a workplace consultancy and commercial interior design firm, has appointed award-winning designer Jed Salmon as a project designer. With a BA in Interior Architecture & Design and recognition as Mix Interiors’ 30 under 30 Interior Designer in 2023, Jed brings expertise in designing hospitality-inspired workspaces to enhance employee experience. Having recently supported a project that achieved the SKA Gold Rating, Jed will support Blueprint Interiors’ increased focus on sustainability in workplace design. This appointment underscores Blueprint’s commitment to fostering innovative and inspiring workspaces that cater to the evolving needs of modern businesses. Jed’s experience in designing office spaces with a hospitality-inspired twist aligns with Blueprint’s mission to create functional and inviting human-centric workplaces that boost employee engagement, company culture, and overall wellbeing. Commenting on his appointment, Jed said: “As soon as I met the team, I knew this was the perfect place for me. Blueprint’s company value of ‘love what you do’ and their dedication to creative office design really sets them apart from the competition. I’m excited to contribute my skills to design sustainable workspaces that inspire and empower people.” Chloe Sproston, creative director at Blueprint Interiors, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Jed to the team. His design talent, combined with his experience and passion for creating human-centric workspaces, aligns perfectly with our core values. We’re confident he will play a key role in delivering exceptional design solutions for our people-focused clients.”