Western Mail, 6th April 2011

CARDIFF Business Club has appointed four new directors, as the organisation nears its centenary year.

The club, which has just completed its latest season, in which speakers included the Archbishop of Canterbury and Sir Stuart Rose, former chairman of M&S, has appointed new members from the fields of accountancy, law and executive search.

The four new directors are law firm partner Melanie Hamer, accountancy practice director Peter Umbleja, executive search firm regional managing partner Jemma Terry and David Lermon, Wales director of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.

Chairman of the club Mr Gerald Davies said:“The club continues to thrive and play a very important role in the South Wales business community; I am certain our four new directors will make a significant contribution to our ongoing success.

“With Melanie and Jemma on the board it’s good that we’re increasing the numbers of our female directors and we believe that our new directors will help us appeal to a wider group of new members as well as our existing members.”

Ms Hamer is a senior partner and co-founder of niche family law firm Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice which was established in 1996.

Jemma Terry is managing partner, Wales Practice for Odgers Berndtson Executive Search covering all functions within the private and public sectors and is based in Cardiff. She was born and raised in Pembrokeshire.

Mr Umbleja is a director of BPU Chartered Accountants, with more than 20 years experience at partner level in the provision of accounting services to a significant variety of SME clients.

Mr Lermon qualified as chartered accountant with the predecessor firm to KPMG in Cardiff. From 1976 to 1993 he worked as finance director and managing director of businesses in construction and financial services sectors. From 1993 to 2001 he was a consultant in the financial services industry.