Member Article

This week’s North East appointments

Twenty-year-old Mellisa Armstrong from Ashington is one of the first to take up a role as manufacturing support operator at AkzoNobel’s £100 million Ashington plant.

Mellisa gained the job after successfully completing a two-week Pre Employment Training Course delivered by Northumberland College in conjunction with AkzoNobel.

Mellisa said: “I feel really passionate about encouraging other young women like myself to consider a career with AkzoNobel. I want them to see that a career in engineering is a world away from what they might expect. Before I joined AkzoNobel, I thought engineering involved being in a dirty work place.

“This couldn’t be further from the truth. The plant is fitted with the most advanced technology in the world and is immaculately clean. If there was one thing that I really want to get across to other women looking at applying for a job at AkzoNobel, it’s that you will not regret it – I’m proud to say that I work here and I hope that if I have children, they will work here as it really is a fantastic place to be.”

L-R: Helen Griffiths, Megan McColgan, Anna Stephenson and Chris Ross

Durham-based law firm Swinburne Maddison LLP has announced two new appointments.

Both Chris Ross and Anna Stephenson have joined the firm as assistant solicitors. Chris, who has so far spent most of his career in commercial property, has also gained valuable experience of the residential property market, having spent some time as an in-house adviser to a major house builder.

The firm have also made a number of promotions, including Megan McColgan, Helen Griffiths and Roland Fairlamb.

Partner, Victoria Walton, said: “I am delighted to announce these recent promotions and arrival of two new members of the team. We continue to see an increase in demand across all aspects of our client base, which is particularly noticeable within the teams recently expanded.”

Gemma Leighton has taken the latest step forward in her career with the Newcastle Building Society after being appointed to run its Darlington branch.

The Newcastle has given Gemma the responsibility for leading her own team and developing its operations across the Skinnergate branch’s geographical territory.

Heather Perry, branch divisional manager at Newcastle Building Society said: “Gemma already has an impressive track record of leading a branch team in doing this, and we’re sure she’ll be able to do even more in her new role.”

L-R Rebecca Harbron-Gray, head of wealth management at Gordon Brown Law Firm and new recruit Leah Duffield

Gordon Brown Law Firm, which has offices in Newcastle and Chester-le-Street, has brought on board Leah Duffield who has over three years’ industry experience within wealth management advising individuals and businesses across the region.

Leah is a welcome addition to Gordon Brown’s growing wealth management department, which now sits at seven employees, supporting her colleagues between the two offices advising clients on a number of matters such as health and welfare, estate and tax planning and will drafting.

Leah, 28, from Yarm said: “I’m thrilled to join Gordon Brown Law Firm and be a part of its expanding wealth management team advising clients across the region.

“It’s an exciting time to join the company and specifically the wealth management department, which is already proving to be a busy and thriving environment to learn new skills from and further develop my legal career.

Carl Wright, left, with Neville Baldry

A new chartered accountant has been appointed to help meet growing demand in grant and state advisory work at Clive Owen & Co LLP.

Carl Wright, of Darlington, has joined accountants and business advisers Clive Owen, as part of its business planning and grants advisory team.

Carl, who qualified as a chartered accountant last year, graduated from Durham University, with a first in BA accounting and finance. He has a wealth of experience working with a wide variety of SMEs in business planning, management accounts, forecasting and specialist assurance engagements.

Sunderland law firm Sweeney Miller has bolstered its property team as it reports life returning to the housing market.

Experienced property solicitor Michael Storey has joined Sweeney Miller from Tyneside firm Samuel Phillips as house sale completions continue to rise.

Michael said: “The market remains a little fragile and unpredictable in the North East but there is no doubt that 2013 turned out to be a lot better than many in our sector expected.

“Judging by the amount of conveyancing work coming through the door at Sweeney Miller the signs are that 2014 is going to be a good year. We are not going to see the sort of action experienced in London but the market is moving at last which is great news.”

A Newcastle catering and events company has strengthened its team with a new appointment.

Sodexo Prestige, which manages conference and banqueting facilities for Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, has appointed Sandria Charalambous as senior events co-ordinator.

The 26-year-old will be tasked with promoting venues such as Newcastle’s Discovery Museum, Laing Art Gallery and Great North Museum: Hancock to corporate clients and event organisers looking for a unique venue.

Newcastle-based Sandria, originally from Cyprus, said: “We’re so lucky here in the North East to have such inspirational museums.

“As well as being great tourist attractions The Laing, Discovery Museum and the Great North Museum:Hancock are also spectacular venues for all manner of events, such as weddings, conferences and parties.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .