Member Article

This week’s North East appointments

Karl Wintrell, GrowthCapitalVentures

County Durham-based operator and developer of online capital-introduction platforms, GrowthCapitalVentures, has appointed Karl Wintrell as technology advisor.

Wintrell brings with him a wealth of tech-focused experience and expertise which GCV hopes will support the execution of their growth plan.

Craig Peterson, Chief Operating Officer of GrowthCapitalVentures, said: “Having someone of Karl’s expertise join GrowthCapitalVentures at this early stage of our journey is fantastic and we’re delighted to have him as a key member of the advisory board.”

Karl Wintrell said, “I’m very excited to join the GrowthCapitalVentures advisory board and offer my skills as their Technology Advisor. “Globally, the FinTech sector is huge and alternative finance solutions, such as equity crowdfunding and peer to peer lending platforms like the ones GCV are developing, have the potential to become very important indeed. “I’m looking forward to helping the team achieve their goals and taking GrowthCapitalVentures to the top.”

Abu Ali & Andrew Wordsworth, Ryecroft Glenton

Newcastle accountants Ryecroft Glenton has promoted two of its experienced executives to managerial roles within the firm.

Abu Ali is now corporate finance manager and works within Ryecroft Glenton’s corporate finance service line. Andrew Wordsworth has been promoted to VAT manager within the well-established accountancy and business advisory practice.

Abu Ali is an experienced chartered accountant who joined Ryecroft Glenton in 2012 as a corporate finance senior.

Chris Robson, managing partner of Ryecroft Glenton said: “We are delighted to announce Abu and Andrew’s promotions. They have both worked with us well for some years and have actively contributed to the development of our firm. “They are a testimony to the firm’s commitment to developing and nurturing talent from within, and the promotions reinforce the active approach clients can expect from Ryecroft Glenton.”

Andrew said: “It’s great news to be promoted to VAT manager, and it means I’ll be seeing more of clients to advise them of VAT issues as they affect their businesses. Ryecroft Glenton has an exceptionally strong tax team and we work really well together to provide best results for clients.”

Helen Forsythe, Henderson Insurance Broking Group

Teesside’s Henderson Insurance Brokers has appointed Helen Forsythe as business manager.

Helen, who has extensive operational and administrative support experience, has joined Henderson Insurance Brokers Teesside, based at George Stephenson Court, Westland Way, Preston Farm Business Park, Stockton

Helen was previously PA/Business Manager at a Teesside business coaching consultancy where she was responsible for the day-to-day business management and accounts as well as event management and liaising with businesses of all sizes.

Helen’s appointment takes the number of staff employed at Henderson Insurance Brokers Teesside to 40.

Jonathan Willett, a director at Henderson Insurance Brokers Teesside, said: “Helen is a motivated and committed individual, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new role.

“She will be a major asset to the company as we press ahead with further plans for growth and expansion.”

Helen said: “Henderson Insurance Brokers has built an excellent reputation for its customer service and quality of its advice and insurance support since it opened on Teesside in 2009. I am looking forward to being part of such a go-ahead, focused firm.”

Kevin Fraser & Matt Sharman-Hayles, xsite architecture

North East architectural practice, xsite architecture, has recently appointed two new members to its team.

Kevin Fraser comes to xsite after spending eight years at Hodder + Partners of Manchester as a project architect on many substantial builds with values as high as £28 million.

A recent BA Hons graduate in architectural studies from Newcastle University, Matt Sharman-Hayles has been appointed in a graduate role at xsite as he moves towards his Part 2 Architectural studies.

He is looking forward to being involved in the creative and energetic design approach for which xsite is renowned.

Partner at xsite, Tim Bailey, said: “As we continue to win new work, Kevin brings with him a wealth of experience which complements the talents of our existing team.

“Looking forward, we are pleased to be nurturing the next generation of architects by investing in graduate appointments such as Matt, who shows great promise.”

Alistair Westwood, Nigel Wright

Alistair Westwood is to take on the role of leading Nigel Wright’s Accountancy Practice recruitment within the Finance and Accountancy division.

A former auditor at PwC, Alistair joined Nigel Wright in 2002 and has been instrumental in developing Nigel Wright’s service offering and reputation in the north east.

Alistair’s remit will see him recruiting across all Accountancy Practice service lines, including Audit and Accounting, Risk Assurance, Corporate Finance, Corporate Recovery and Taxation.

Alistair said: “Now that the market has well and truly turned, we’re approaching the accountancy sector with a renewed vigour. “I’m looking forward to re-establishing a specific focus within the Accountancy Practice market and partnering with our clients. “Undoubtedly, succession planning is a key theme across all our markets and I anticipate assisting our clients in identifying their future leaders.”

Karen Ingham & Richard Bottomley, Newcastle Building Society

Karen Ingham and Richard Bottomley have joined the Newcastle Building Society as non-executive directors. Ms Ingham has extensive customer services experience and is currently the Director for Customer Services within Virgin Media, responsible for all front line operations. Richard Bottomley, OBE, has also been appointed as a Non-Executive Director. Mr Bottomley is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, he was senior partner in KPMG’s Newcastle office for a number of years and has more than 25 years experience in corporate finance and strategy. Phil Moorhouse, NBS’ chairman, said: “Both the reputations and expertise of our new Non-Executive Directors make the appointments significant ones for the Society and without doubt complement the experience we already have on the Board.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .