Muckett takes catering role at GH

EAST Lothian-based GH Event Catering has appointed Ian Muckett to the new role of planning director.

Mr Muckett has held senior roles in the hospitality industry, including general manager of Signet Library and Carlowrie Castle in Edinburgh, and senior hospitality manager at Heritage Portfolio.

He has been tasked with driving sales, planning and account management in its new role, and will report to managing director Brian Galbraith.

He will also be responsible for managing and developing wedding and corporate hospitality venue Dunglass Estate in East Lothian, which GH Event Catering assumed sole management of last year.

Mr Muckett said: "I am truly excited about my role and supporting the GH team in their ambitious plans for continued growth. They're a highly talented and fully committed team which deliver first-class catering, event and venue management. I have a proven track record for increasing revenue and profitability and this is what I am progressing at GH with my extensive skills and experience."

Scott joins Close planning team

CLOSE Brothers Asset management has added David Scott to its financial planning team in Edinburgh.

Mr Scott joins as a financial planner from Alan Steel Asset Management, an independent financial advice firm where he spent 14 years. He brings with him a wealth of experience in working with clients on investment and pension solutions in particular.

Mr Scott will report to practice director Andrew Knight in his new role.

Mr Knight said: "We are very pleased to welcome David to Close Brothers. His expertise and years of experience mean he will be a huge support to the Edinburgh team as we continue to grow our work in the financial planning space."

"Obtaining financial advice is more important than ever before in light of the Budget's reforms. In this context, David's appointment will further support our commitment to deliver the highest quality of financial planning and advice to our clients."

Bearsden boost for Rettie

ESTATE agent Rettie & Co has hired James Durward to its team in his home town of Bearsden.

Mr Durward, who has spent the bulk of his career in the town, joins with 28 years' experience of the property business. He began his career with a major corporate agent before going on to become a founding partner in a leading independent firm in 2003.

Over the course of his career he was sold around £1 billion worth of property and acted for more than 3000 clients.

Jonathan Riley, managing partner of Rettie & Co, said: "His experience and knowledge of markets various will be a significant asset as we look to further enhance the service offering of our increasingly successful business in the north of Glasgow."

Marks adds Coetzee to Edinburgh team

MARKS & Clerk, the patent and trade mark attorneys, has boosted its team in Edinburgh with the recruitment of Kirsten Coetzee.

Mr Coetzee, who joins as a trade mark practitioner, will advise clients in a range of sectors, including food and drink, fashion, retail, sport and leisure.

Campbell Newell, managing partner of Marks & Clerk in Edinburgh, said: "With demand for IP (intellectual property) services continuing to grow across Scotland, expanding the Edinburgh team has been a real priority.

"Kirsten will be a valuable addition to Marks & Clerk as we look to build on our existing strengths and continue to grow our offering to clients."

After graduating from the University of Dundee, Kirsten worked in the financial services industry in London for Bank, Merrill Lynch and Barclays. He then undertook a law degree at the University of Glasgow.

Mr Coetzee said: "I'm excited to join Marks & Clerk, which has an enviable reputation among IP professionals. I look forward to working with clients across a range of sectors to strengthen their IP portfolio, building upon Marks & Clerk's status as a leading and trusted advisor to businesses."