Member Article

This week’s North East appointments

Kate Byers & Lucy Herbert, Irwin Mitchell

Leeds-based law firm Irwin Mitchell has appointed Kate Byers and Lucy Herbert into its Newcastle office.

Kate, who is head of Pension Documents at Irwin Mitchell, has over 30 years of experience in the sector and moves to Irwin Mitchell from DWF.

A Fellow of the Pensions Management Institute, Kate provides legal and regulatory advice to the trustees and sponsoring employers of both defined benefit and defined contribution occupational pension schemes.

Lucy Herbert, who also moves to Irwin Mitchell from DWF, is experienced in both the public and private sectors and advises trustees and organisations on a range of pension issues.

The arrivals of Lucy and Kate follow that of partner Martin Jenkins who moved to Irwin Mitchell last December to take up the role of National Head of Pensions.

At the beginning of 2015, pensions expert Claire Dimmock also joined the firm’s Leeds office as an associate.

Martin Jenkins said: “Irwin Mitchell has some very ambitious plans for growing its national pensions department and these latest hires take the total of new Associates joining the team to three since the turn of the year.

“I am delighted that Kate and Lucy have joined the firm as they are both highly experienced in the sector and have a track record for providing excellent service to clients.”

Andy Brown & Ron Anderson, North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC)

The North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) has expanded once again welcoming two new business advisers to the team.

Ron Anderson and Andy Brown bring with them over 20 years of business support experience to the start-up team. Ron, who joined the company earlier in the year, commented: “Throughout my career as a business adviser I have worked closely with the BIC and always admired the way it was ran and thankfully I was lucky enough to be able to work for them first hand.

“I like supplying clients with information and there is a misconception that starting a business is very complicated but with the right support it can be a smooth process. I enjoy helping people and making them realise that becoming your own boss is not as daunting as they may think. I am really enjoying settling into my role here.”

Strengthening the business support team alongside Ron is Andy who recently joined at the beginning of March. Andy brings with him a wealth of experience with 17 years in banking as well as 12 years offering business support and mentoring, Andy adds: “Like Ron, I have always had strong links with the BIC and thought that they were fantastic for offering business support, when I saw an opportunity to come and work with the team I jumped at the chance.

“I love the variety of people that come through the door; from university graduates to the unemployed. I love helping someone who has a basis for a business, an idea and helping them get to the point of becoming self-employed, that’s a huge sense of achievement for the individual and I love the buzz.

“Everyone has been very welcoming to myself and Ron and it’s a fun, warm organisation to work for.”

Robbie Bentham, Banks Group

North East property and energy firm the Banks Group has recruited an experienced mining industry professional as part of its drive to further improve the efficiency of its vehicle and machinery fleet.

Robbie Bentham has joined the Durham-headquartered firm as its new plant director and now has responsibility for developing enhanced ways of working across its different sites in Scotland and the North of England.

Robbie, who lives in Tudhoe, has moved to Banks Mining after a quarter of a century in regional and national roles with plant and equipment supplier Finning.

The Banks Group employs over 420 people in surface mining, renewable energy and property development, and its plant fleet ranges from Land Rovers through to HGVs and the latest 100 tonne Caterpillar 777G off-highway dump trucks.

Robbie Bentham says: “The substantial plant investments that companies like the Banks Group make have to be matched through the returns they make possible, both in commercial terms and in the better ways in which they enable the workforce to do their jobs.

“The company’s strategic direction comes from the very top and is embraced by the team at every level, and I’ll be working to build on the excellent progress we’re continuing to make on maximising the efficiency with which we all work.”

Gavin Styles, executive director at Banks Mining, adds: “Robbie’s vast industry knowledge and experience adds greatly to the expertise we can call on in managing our ever-growing plant resources, and he will play a central role in how our operations develop in the future.”

John Ward, Gott Technical Services

North East-based garage equipment supplier, Gott Technical Services, is gearing up towards expanding its services further afield with a new addition to the team.

John Ward from Hartlepool has joined the company as an engineer covering a large area up to southern Scotland, and across to Cumbria and the wider North West region.

Prior to joining the team, John had experience as an electro-hydraulic mechanical engineer with the UK’s leading supplier of loading bay solutions, working for the likes of Tesco and Morrisons.

John said: “Having been an engineer for over 25 years, I’ve found the transition into the automotive industry fairly smooth – it has just been a case of learning how to use the sector-specific equipment. When I first started, Gott put me through my Garage Equipment Association certification so I was fully qualified.

“I am based out of the office which I’m used to. I like the independence of the role and no day or week are ever the same. I also get to work indoors unlike my last job so don’t have to worry about always getting wet!”

Gott Technical Services director Ian Gott said: “There has been a shift in technology in the industry over recent years whereby computerised machines demand a new skillset, beginning to replace hydraulic, mechanical and pneumatic engineering disciplines.

“John will primarily enhance our services in taking on the traditional route, including installation, maintenance, repairs and breakdowns – however he also has computer skills which will prove invaluable.”

Gott Technical Services now employs four engineers and a senior engineer, amongst its 18 staff members and is looking to take on further engineers to strengthen its presence the North West area.

Barry McDonald, Fastflow

Barry McDonald, Fastflow’s first employee 24 years ago, has been appointed managing director of Fastflow Pipeline Services Limited.

The promotion comes after the business secured a water network improvement, repair, reinstatement and meter installation contract worth £270m.

Barry was a key player in Fastflow retaining all of its current North East work with Northumbrian Water (NW) in the asset managament plan (AMP6 ) framework agreement. In addition, it will now also carry out work for Essex & Suffolk Water – also part of the NW Group.

He says: “I am delighted to have been offered the post at the end of an extremely busy and successful year for the business. The contracts were won in the face of stiff opposition from major players in the construction and infrastructure sector.

“I believe this is because of the value and quality of services we offer. This is not just in terms of price but the way we harness technology and innovation in our processes, our commitment to corporate responsibility but above all, the customer.”

In the North East Fastflow Pipeline Services - part of the rapidly expanding Fastflow Group - will provide services to almost 2.7 million people, while in Essex - where there are approximately 1.5 million customers – a recruitment drive is now underway to engage 40-50 new employees.

Fastflow was created by North East Water in 1990. Recalling the early days, when his office was little more than a cupboard in the former Newcastle and Gateshead Water Company building, Barry added: “There was me, a telephone and a business plan and that was about it.

“If you had asked me then if I would still be here almost a quarter of a century later I would have said ‘no way.’ But being part of something which has grown and changed so much has been both exciting and challenging and I’m delighted to be taking on this new role at a time when the group is so well placed.”

Lisa Newman, Henderson Insurance Brokers

Henderson Insurance Brokers on Teesside has appointed a specialist in rural and farm insurance to meet the needs of its increasing customer base in this sector.

Lisa Newman, who has 15 years’ experience in the insurance industry, has joined the firm, based at Preston Farm Business Park, Stockton, as an account executive specialising in rural matters.

Jonathan Willett, a director of Henderson Insurance Brokers on Teesside, said: “Lisa is well-known and respected in the rural and farming community in the area and has an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of farm, rural and business insurances.

“Henderson Insurance Brokers is pleased to have secured Lisa for this role as her energy, knowledge, enthusiasm and top-class communications skills will make her a great addition to our farming and rural insurance team.”

Joan Evans, Finest Properties

Corbridge-based Finest Properties, an independent Estate Agency based in Corbridge, has appointed Joan Evans as sales and lettings manager.

Specialising in heritage and lifestyle properties, and with offices in Northumberland and Cumbria, Finest Properties are a relative “newcomer” to the industry.

Having worked in the property industry for the past 27 years, most recently in a similar role within the Corbridge area, Joan brings with her a wealth of a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Joan first became interested in the property industry whilst selling her family home a number of years ago and took up her first position shortly afterward.

Joan said, “I am delighted to be joining Finest Properties. This is a very prestigious company within an exciting and rewarding industry and I am looking forward to working with and supporting the entire team to further develop both the lettings and residential side of the business.”

Erika Marshall, Nifco

Automotive manufacturer Nifco is moving its marketing up a gear with the appointment of a new communications manager.

The Eaglescliffe based business has added experienced marketing professional Erika Marshall to its team, as it looks to build on its growing reputation as one of the region’s most successful businesses.

The company appointed Erika, 33, this month and hopes that she will set a template for marketing that can be replicated by Nifco around the world.

She joins the company from Reef Subsea, where she held a fixed term contract as their marketing manager for nine months. Prior to that, Erika worked as marketing manager at ThyssenKrupp Access for more than four years.

She said: “I had followed Nifco’s progress over the years in the press, and it was always clear that it was a company that had real ambition and one that was going places. I was really keen to be part of that.

“I’m really excited to get stuck in, and to help shape Nifco’s communications both internally and externally. It is clear already that it will be a great company to be part of.”

Tim Carter (front), with Andrew Wilkinson (left) and Jonathan Simpson (right) (Picture by: Keith Taylor)

Jonathan Simpson & Andrew Wilkinson, Connect Property North East

Directors Jonathan Simpson and Andrew Wilkinson have joined forces with company founder Tim Carter to create Connect Property North East (CPNE), the largest specialist niche commercial agency practice to serve the Tees Valley, County Durham and North Yorkshire.

Andrew joins Connect Property having spent 18 years at Sanderson Weatherall as partner heading up the retail and investment departments in the Teesside office, having transacted more than £100m of investment sales and acquisitions in his career to date.

Andrew has advised on most of the region’s shopping centres and undertaken high street lettings for clients including the significant retail regeneration projects at the Pavilion Shopping Centre, Thornaby and most recently Billingham Town Centre.

Jonathan joins having spent eight years with Sanderson Weatherall, as partner heading up the commercial agency division in Teesside. Previously Jonathan was an associate partner working at GVA in the national industrial and logistics division.

The three chartered surveyors, with more than 45 years’ combined experience between them, already boast an enviable list of clients that include City & Northern, M7, UK Land Estates, St Modwen, LaSalle Investment Management, Dunedin, Opus Land, South Street Capital and Mandale.

Connect Property North East has most recently been instructed by new owner Clearbell on the £25m Lingfield mixed use scheme in Darlington where they will provide occupational and agency advice.

Jonathan said: “I am excited to be a part of this new venture, as my ambition has always been to be the master of my own destiny. To be able to do this with two long terms friends and colleagues makes this extra special.

“I believe that the timing is perfect and the three of us have complementary skills to enable Connect Property North East to offer an unrivalled service in the industrial, office, retail and investment sectors.”

Andrew added: “I take great comfort from the fact that the three of us have survived one of the toughest recessionary periods by continually adapting to market conditions and delivering sound property advice, derived from our personal experiences.

“I am fired up by the opportunities, which lie ahead and am confident that our rounded team approach will allow us to continue to provide a first rate and professional service through Connect Property North East.”

Scott Bayne, Deloitte

Business advisory firm Deloitte has announced that Scott Bayne has been promoted to partner in its Yorkshire and North East Corporate Audit practice.

Having spent 10 years working in the North West, Scott has moved to the North East to support and drive the significant growth opportunities in the North East market. His diverse experience of advising both owner-managed businesses and main market listed groups, together with his manufacturing industry focus and his advisory experience of capital markets transactions will provide increased strength and depth to Deloitte’s Audit practice. Scott, a partner in Corporate Audit, said: “I am delighted to have joined Deloitte’s North East practice. Yorkshire and the North East consistently differentiates itself from other regions for its tenacity, dynamism and entrepreneurial spirit and I am truly excited to be part of the local Deloitte team and to support them in driving growth.” His appointment as a partner comes at a time when Deloitte expects the region to see an increase in business confidence and activity, as Martin Jenkins, practice senior partner for Yorkshire and the North East, explained: “With access to existing and new sources of capital improving, and confidence levels on the rise, we expect that 2015 will offer significant new opportunities in the North East. Specifically we expect to see an increase in activity in sectors such as manufacturing and Scott’s background will prove to be invaluable to clients and Deloitte as the year develops.” Simon Manning, partner and head of Corporate Audit for Yorkshire and the North East, added: “The extensive experience that Scott has brought to Yorkshire and North East has made a huge impact. His drive and energy, coupled with his advisory skills are significant assets to the firm in the region and his client track record shows how highly his advice is valued and sought after.”

Michael Fallis-Taylor, Pickerings Lifts

Provider of lift, maintenance and repair services, Pickerings Lifts, has announced a new senior appointment to its Stockton-based head office that will see the business strengthen its ‘service sales’ offering.

Having been promoted from within the business, Pickerings’ former National Service Sales Manager, Michael Fallis-Taylor, will step up to the role of service sales and marketing director.

Having gained more than 20 years of industry experience across a variety of sectors, the move will see Fallis-Taylor growing and developing Pickerings’ service sales business streams.

Michael Fallis-Taylor said: “Pickerings Lifts is a market leader with a rich 160-year heritage. That means a combination of experience and innovation, and as such, this is a role I’m extremely excited about.

“I am passionate about building partnerships throughout the service industry and continuing to deliver an excellence of service and maintenance to our customer base”.

Ian Bowers, managing director at Pickerings Lifts said: “Michael is a strategic thinking leader with excellent communication skills, high levels of energy, integrity, enthusiasm and determination.”

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