Deloitte has appointed Vijay Thakrar as tax partner to its entrepreneurial business team. Making the move from Big Four firm Ernst & Young, Thakrar will be advising mid-market companies. 'I am delighted to be joining such a dynamic firm at a very interesting time in the market, and look forward to helping clients address the economic challenges and optimise the opportunities that a recession creates,' Thakrar said. Alastair Jeffcott has been appointed as a partner at McLintocks accountancy firm in Chester. Formerly chair and treasurer of the Chester & North Wales branch of the ICAEW, he qualified in 1985 and became a manager at Deloitte in London before moving to the North. Two accountants at Lincolnshire-based accountancy firm Nicholsons are celebrating 40 years with the firm. Barrie Sowden joined the firm in 1969, and Alan Taylor the following month. Sowden works in accounts production, specialising in preparing pension scheme accounts for clients, while Taylor joined as a trainee and has been with the firm ever since. Ernst & Young and the South London Gallery have scooped the Arts & Business Young People Award in recognition of their educational arts collaboration with young people in the local community. The firm and gallery partnered with students from Bacons' College and St Saviour's and St Olave's school to help the students hold their own art exhibitions at their schools.