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ACCOUNTANCY firm Campbell Dallas has appointed Shaun Young as director of employer solutions in a move to its range of services for clients.

Mr Young will develop a new employer solutions service line within the firm's tax consultancy group, offering existing and potential clients expertise in areas such as employment taxation, performance reward and design, share schemes, PAYE audits and tax efficient rewards.

He joins with more than 30 years' experience in tax and employer solutions advisory services, having worked for Begbies Traynor, Schroders PLC, and most recently at Grant Thornton.

Aileen Gates, head of tax at Campbell Dallas, said: "Shaun's specialist knowledge of employer solutions significantly strengthens our tax group offering, broadening our expertise and enabling Campbell Dallas to offer specialist advice on all areas relating to employment matters.

"As one of a handful of Scotland based professionals with this expertise, Shaun's advice will help our clients become more competitive and profitable."

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LUKE Skipper, a former chief of staff for the SNP group at Westminster, has joined the public affairs team at public relations firm Weber Shandwick.

Mr Skipper worked closely with SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson MP and was heavily involved in the strategic planning behind the party's Scottish landslide in the general election.

He had held the chief of staff role since 2007.

Mr Skipper's appointment by Weber Shandwick means the firm now has senior consultants from background working with the four biggest political parties in Scotland.

Moray Macdonald, managing director of Weber Shandwick, said: "Luke's appointment sees us build our cross-party public affairs consultancy at an exciting time for Scottish politics.

"Scotland and the SNP look set to be at the centre of UK politics for the next five years and in less than a year's time we go back to the polls to elect a new parliament at Holyrood.

"As more powers are devolved to Scotland the need for business to engage with the Parliament and Scottish Government will increase, Luke's insight and experience will be crucial as we guide clients through our new political landscape."

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BORDER Biscuits has hired Donna O'Neill as national account manager.

Ms O'Neill, who has joined from Taypack, will handle the biscuit maker's accounts with Asda and Morrisons at a regional and national level. She will also work on the export side of the Lanark-based company.

Ms O'Neill previously managed the UK retail business for the Mackie's Crisp brand, as well as senior sales roles at Finsbury Food Group.

She said: "Border Biscuits is a business I've always had an interest in; I think it's quite rare that you find a company that is willing to invest money into their community and has such a focus on quality and innovation.

"Everyone in the team takes a real interest in the products and the quality of them and I'm delighted to join a company with such a strong family background and ethos."

Sales and marketing director Mark Bruce said: "I am delighted to welcome Donna to the team and believe that she will make a valuable contribution to the company going forward.

"Our ambition is to significantly grow the company over the next few years and I am confident that we have the correct resource and structure in place to realise these aspirations."