OXFORD: Steve Clarke is to be managing partner at accountants and business advisers, James Cowper. He succeeds Adrian Rann, who steps down after eight years to focus on client-facing work. Mr Clarke joined James Cowper in 1990 and was made a partner in 1995. Previously with Oxford Scientific Films, he played a key role in opening the firm's Oxford office and has been instrumental in growing James Cowper's specialist services to the technology sector.