New role of head of finance at fast-growing Oldham-based business services group

A new role of head of finance has been created at a fast-growing business services group.

Oliver Varnam has joined WeDo Business Services in the post and has been appointed to the board of the Oldham-headquartered group.

He has moved from chartered accountancy practice Hewson and Howson, based in Sheffield.

WeDo is a client of the firm.

Oliver has worked with WeDo since its inception in 2019, providing year-end and management accounts in his role as a senior accountant at Hewson and Howson.

In addition to its Oldham HQ, the WeDo group has offices at MediaCityUK in Salford, Sheffield, Swindon and Colchester.

Founded in 2019 by Mark Lindsay and Chris Robinson with just four staff, the group has grown organically and through acquisitions and now employs nearly 100 people.

Its range of services to SMEs includes invoice and trade finance, start-up funding, HR support, back office, digital and IT services.

Mark said: “The business is expanding across each division and, due to this growth, it has been necessary to recruit a full-time head of finance.

“Oliver has worked with us since the start and has impressed us with his energy and ideas.

"He has all the technical knowledge required for the role, and his customer-centric approach fits so well with how we operate that we see Oliver adding huge value not just to WeDo but also to our clients.”

Further recruitment to the WeDo group’s finance team is planned during the course of 2023.

Oliver said: “Having been involved with WeDo from the very start of its journey, it’s been fantastic to see it flourish and it’s an exciting time to become involved with the business on a full-time basis as head of finance.

“I really love the company – it’s a great environment to be in, it has fantastic offices and there is a very friendly and family feel to the business.

"Everyone has a smile on their face and it’s a lovely place to work.

“I’ve gained great accounting experience at Hewson and Howson on the practice side and it is the perfect time to move into industry, and at a company I know well.

“I’m thrilled about my new role - it’s a fantastic time to jump on board at WeDo.”

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.