Accountant KPMG is stepping up its investment in the region with a further seven senior appointments taking effect on October 1, including five new partners.

It is a boost to the 60-strong Midlands partnership team.

Phil Charles and Greg Watts become audit partners and Anthony Hambleton is named an audit director. Richard Philpott is made a corporate recovery partner while Mike Rowley?s partner-ship sees him continue his focus on the education sector. Alan Kennedy is appointed a tax director.

In addition, Karl Edge will become a dedicated business development partner responsible for creating and developing relationships with key businesses in the Midlands.

Mark Hopton, senior partner of KPMG in the Midlands, said: ?The continuous development of innovative solutions to the problems facing our clients remains the foundation of our sparkling performance.

?It is therefore great to be able to recognise the contribution made by individuals from around KPMG in the Midlands. We are also pleased to welcome back Mel Egglenton, former senior partner of the Nottingham office, who has spent time in London growing the firms middle market presence in the South-east and has recently joined the UK board. Mel returns to join our top team in the Midlands, where he will look after a portfolio of key client relationships.?