Member Article

This week’s North East appointments

Tim Care, Ward Hadaway

Tim Care joins the Public Sector team at Ward Hadaway as a Partner.

In the North East, Tim has advised on projects including the £300m PFI scheme to redevelop the RVI and Freeman Hospitals in Newcastle, the libraries PFI scheme for Newcastle City Council and the procurement of an operator for the Tyne & Wear Metro.

He has also advised South Tyneside and Gateshead Councils on their joint Building Schools for the Future project as well as local authorities in the North East on innovative heating and energy projects.

Tim said: “Ward Hadaway has a well-deserved national reputation for the quality of its work across the public sector so joining the firm seems like a perfect fit for me in many ways.

“Not only does Ward Hadaway have a distinguished track record for the projects it has advised on over recent years, but it is also at the forefront of new thinking and new developments in the public sector, which is vital at a time when the landscape faced by local authorities, health trusts and other public bodies is changing so rapidly.

“I know a number of the team already from my previous work so I am really looking forward to getting together with them to work on more ways in which we can help public sector organisations and private sector companies who want to work with them deal with the challenges they face.”

Craig Knowles, Southdale

Construction and development specialist Southdale has appointed Craig Knowles as its new North East Operations Director.

With more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Craig joined Southdale in 2012 as commercial manager for the Yorkshire Region, overseeing Southdale’s commercial and operational elements in the region.

In July 2013, Craig was appointed commercial director for the Eastern Region, which covered the Yorkshire and Humber and North East regions.

As operational director for the North East he now undertakes the full operational and commercial management duties based in the North East.

Group managing director Paul Moore said: “Craig has been leading projects for Southdale in the North East for some time now.

“He has a superb track record and a great wealth of experience, which will be vital in helping to drive Southdale forward into a period of growth in the North East.”

Damian Robson, Gordon Brown Law Firm

North East-based Gordon Brown Law Firm has expanded its team with the appointment of Damian Robson, an experienced associate solicitor who has been named in The Legal 500 three times.

Damian, who studied Law at Durham University, works alongside the firm’s head of dispute resolution Jonathon Stokes, specialising in employment law and is training towards becoming a barrister.

On graduating in Law from Durham University in 1999, Damian began his career at Browell Smith & Co as a paralegal while studying his Legal Practice Course (LPC) part-time across two years at Northumbria University.

Damian, from Newcastle, went on to complete his training contract with Ward Hadaway and then took on a role at EEF in 2003, qualifying as a solicitor.

Following this, Damian joined Dickinson Dees prior to its merger, where he was quickly promoted to associate solicitor.

Seeing an opportunity to retrain as a barrister, Damian joined Gordon Brown Law Firm this October from Ward Hadaway, where he had returned for four years.

Damian said: “It’s apparent that Gordon Brown is investing in further establishing itself in the business community and their transparent, people-focussed approach is particularly refreshing”

Natalie Sykes, IoD

Natalie Sykes has been appointed regional director of the North East branch of the Institute of Directors (IoD).

Natalie is also regional director in Yorkshire and the Humber, a role to which she was appointed in May 2014.

The Harrogate-based entrepreneur has business interests across property, supercars, health and wellbeing.

She is chair of sustainable community initiative Groundwork North Yorkshire, board member of YABA and a director of a prestigious estate in North Yorkshire.

Natalie Sykes, regional director for the IoD in the North East, said: “I am passionate about growing businesses and entrepreneurship in the North.

“Through my role with the IoD I want to encourage professionals young and not so young to take advantage of our membership benefits, director development and excellent events. Together we can help each other and drive regional prosperity.”

She will work closely with the IoD’s North East chair Graeme Robb, owner of Darlington-based Recognition PR.

He said: “Natalie has shown in Yorkshire and the Humber that she is passionate about strengthening our position as a business organisation that can help directors grow their business and share best practice.”

Harvey Emms, Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners

North East planning consultancy Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners has recruited Harvey Emms from an executive role with Newcastle City Council.

Harvey joined Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners as a Senior Director having previously been Director of Planning, Housing and Transport and Assistant Director of Development at Newcastle City Council.

As chief planner at the council Mr Emms dealt with some major applications including; the Eldon Square shopping centre expansion and new bus station, the refurbishment of Monument Mall, the Stephenson Quarter and high-profile residential schemes in the Ouseburn.

Most has recently he has been the Director in charge of the development of the Core Strategy and Urban Core Plan setting the planning framework for Newcastle and Gateshead for the next 20 years.

Jonathan Wallace, senior director and Newcastle office leader for NLP said: “We are delighted that Harvey has joined our team.

“Harvey brings with him considerable experience and knowledge of planning and transport issues in Newcastle, Tyne and Wear and the wider region.

“He has extensive experience of working with chief officers across the North East and with senior politicians and MPs which will benefit our clients and their schemes.”

Jodie Maddison, Aspers Casino

Jodie Maddison has recently been promoted to the head of hospitality at Newcastle’s Aspers Casino.

The varied role includes managing a team of 55 employees, organising parties and events, whilst ensuring all customers enjoy the very best experience whilst visiting Aspers.

Jodie joined the hospitality team in 2005 when she was just 19 and spent five years working as a restaurant waitress and valet before becoming a cashier.

Jodie went on to return to a hospitality role becoming a customer service manager before being promoted to head of hospitality.

Jodie said: “Working in a casino means you meet a wide variety of people and I was interested in doing something different to the norm when I first started my career.

“As head of the hospitality department, I am responsible for all the staff and managers in hospitality, as well as looking after the customers who visit our casino.”

Growing the number of events that are staged at Aspers is a key part of Jodie’s job. She said: “There is a large scope to do this because of the facilities we have. We’ve recently hosted wedding receptions, birthday celebrations and now getting back into the Christmas party season.”

Stephen Patterson, Newcastle NE1 Ltd

Newcastle NE1 Ltd, the Business improvement district company for Newcastle city centre has appointed marketing and communications director Stephen Patterson.

Stephen has played a pivotal role in NE1 Ltd since its formation in 2007 and was part of the original team that established the BID, the largest BID district in Europe at the time of its launch.

Chief executive, Sean Bullick said: “Stephen’s appointment to the board is an acknowledgement of the important contribution he has made to NE1 and the projects delivered across a wide range of NE1’s business operations.

Stephen Patterson said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed to NE1’s board – we are entering an exciting period in NE1’s business development having secured a second term.

“The renewal ballot gave us a resounding vote of confidence with a 67% voter turnout and an overwhelming majority of 78% of businesses voting to back the BID.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →