New head of tax for Saint & Co
Carlisle-based accountancy firm Saint & Co has appointed a new head of tax to further develop the specialist services it provides to its clients.
Alex Dent, who has been a partner at the firm since last year, has helped expand the tax department since starting with the company in 2015 and aims to lead further growth in her new role.
Alex said: “I’m proud of what I’ve achieved in my career to date and of developing the tax department at Saint & Co along with the recently retired tax partner Pauline Jackson. I’m excited to build on what we’ve already put in place.
“Saint & Co is recognised as a company providing expert tax advice to complement our other financial services, and one of the most satisfying parts of the job is being able to assess a client’s targets and goals and provide a holistic approach to find the solutions perfect for them.
“The company promotes a strong work life balance while always encouraging me to progress my knowledge of tax and accountancy, and I couldn’t have achieved all I have so far without the endless support from the company, my family and my husband.”
Pauline Jackson, who retired at the end of March after 25 years at Saint & Co, worked closely with Alex as a fellow tax partner at the firm.
Pauline said: “I will miss working with Alex but I’m really happy that she has been promoted to the new role which will see her continue to flourish and develop both professionally and personally, and this will be a huge benefit to the ongoing success of Saint & Co’s tax department.”
Lake District hotel welcomes Gordon Ramsay-trained head chef
The Borrowdale Hotel has announced the appointment of new head chef Tristan Prudden.
Tristan’s culinary journey began at the age of 13 when he began working part-time in professional kitchens alongside his school studies.
He earned a scholarship at Tante Marie Cookery Academy in Woking, where he graduated as student of the year in 2010 with a Cordon Bleu Diploma in Professional Culinary Arts. Under the guidance of Gordon Ramsay, Tristan honed his skills and developed a commitment to perfection.
He has worked at renowned establishments such as The Devonshire Arms, Bolton Abbey, and The Garden Rooms at Tennants, Leyburn. In 2017, he transitioned to the role of private chef at Constable Burton Hall, where he gained acclaim for his expertise in game cookery, earning prestigious titles such as ‘Champion of Champions’ at the 2018 Eat Game Awards.
Tristan said: “Working under Gordon Ramsay was an unparalleled experience.
“His passion for food was contagious and his commitment to perfection was evident in every dish he prepared. It laid the foundation for my culinary ideology, which revolves around using the finest local ingredients to create exceptional dining experiences.
“I’m thrilled to join the Borrowdale Hotel and have the opportunity to share my passion for food with our guests.
“I’m excited to add my own stamp to the menu, incorporating game specials and showcasing the rich offerings of Cumbria. My goal is to make a mark within the local culinary scene and become as well-known here as I am in Yorkshire.”
Lake District Calvert Trust’s new chief instructor
A new chief instructor has been welcomed to The Lake District Calvert Trust’s residential centre above Bassenthwaite.
Kendal-based Andy Thompson will lead Calvert’s team of specialist instructors who help make the Lake District accessible to over 3,000 guests every year.
Andy joins the Lake District Calvert Trust after four years with Lancashire County Council where he was senior instructor at Borwick Hall and Tower Wood, welcoming primary school age children on residential courses.
He also spent nine years working for the Outward Bound Trust in the Ullswater valley and for the Brathay Trust on Lake Windermere as well as Underley Gardens School near Kirby Lonsdale, teaching outdoor education to students with complex needs.
Andy said: “I’ve always admired the work of specialist residential centres like Calvert Lakes. I’m looking forward to meeting and supporting the thousands of participants who visit every year, but I was also drawn to the opportunity of helping shape and develop the amazing individuals who work in the instructing team.”
Over the past few weeks, Andy has been working closely with outgoing chief instructor Phil Blair.
Phil joined the Trust in 2012 at the age of 20 as a trainee instructor. Over the last 12 years, he worked his way through the ranks and has been chief instructor since January 2022.
Andy said: “This time with Phil has been absolutely invaluable. He’s generously shared with me his depth and breadth of technical knowledge particularly around wheelchair users and the exceptional activities such as wheelchair abseils that centres including Calvert Lakes are able to offer.”
The Lake District Calvert Trust’s chief executive Sean Day said: “We’re blessed on two fronts here: firstly, to have had Phil’s services, expertise and company over the last 12 years and secondly, to have been able to secure such an experienced and capable replacement in the form of Andy. I look forward to following how each of them progress in their new roles and wish them both the very best of luck.”
Manager appointed for Land and Nature Skills Service
Tracey Jackson has been appointed as manager for the Land and Nature Skills Service, a new service connecting people with learning and training opportunities in Cumbria’s land and nature-based sector.
The new organisation will also facilitate the development of skills provision to meet learner and employer needs and promote land and nature-based jobs in Cumbria.
Tracey lives in West Cumbria with her husband on a beef and sheep farm, and having grown up in Cumbria is passionate about raising the profile of career and employment prospects in the rural sector throughout the region.
Tracey said: “I am delighted to join LANSS and encouraged by the fantastic support from across the rural sector, the support and collaboration from education, business, non-profit organisations and the public sector is outstanding.”
Managing director of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, the accountable body for LANSS, Suzanne Caldwell, said: “It’s great to see the project coming to fruition, it has been three years in the planning, and we are thrilled that Tracey has joined us.”
