Midland firm Baldwins Accountants has appointed a new associate director in its finance and banking team.

Chris Briggs has joined the practice after specialising in the manufacturing sector for Lloyds Bank for the last six years.

He worked with clients from within the manufacturing supply chain, not only on finance but also on production techniques and processes and this year gained accreditation for the Manufacturing Awareness programme run by Warwick Manufacturing Group.

Previously, Mr Briggs was part of the Business Link team based in the Black Country and was the Midlands' senior manager for succession planning for regional development agency Advantage West Midlands.

He also has experience of dealing with businesses while he was project manager for the Black Country Chamber of Commerce.

In his new role, he will work alongside Martyn Shakespear who heads up the banking and finance team.

Mr Briggs said: "This new role means I will have the opportunity to work in-depth with clients and make a real difference to their business.

"I will be helping businesses who are looking to raise finance and would maybe like a bank review to check whether their current bank is supporting them in the way they should be.

"There are plenty of different finance opportunities available such as grants and by working closely with my colleagues in different departments we will be providing an all-round service for customers whatever sector they are based in."