Member Article

This week’s North East appointments

Paul Johnstone, Collingwood Legal

Specialist North East employment law firm Collingwood Legal has boosted its senior team with the recruitment of Paul Johnstone. Paul, who has joined has joined Newcastle-based Collingwood after previously being a partner with Muckle LLP, boasts more than 20 years’ experience of resolving complex and challenging employment-related disputes.

A graduate of Newcastle and Northumbria Universities, Paul worked in both public and private sector organisations before embarking on his legal career.

Paul Johnstone said: “The exciting vision of how Collingwood Legal is going to build on its successes to date made the decision to join the firm an easy one for me.

“Modern law firms have to demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of their clients’ operations, business strategies and the commercial realities their clients face if they are to successfully deliver the high quality, expert advice that those organisations need to prosper and grow.

“It’s exciting to have the chance to contribute to the continuing development of a fresh, dynamic and innovative modern law firm like Collingwood Legal which has the core values of skill, knowledge, transparency and excellence at the heart of the services it provides to its clients. “

Collingwood Legal founder and principal Paul McGowan adds: “I’ve known Paul for many years, and he is passionate about providing an excellent service to clients on all aspects of employment and equality law.

“He has a first class reputation for fighting conscientiously to always achieve the best results for clients, and bringing him into the Collingwood team is a real coup for us

“Our industry reputation and client base is continuing to grow both inside and outside the North East, and having Paul on board will further enhance the quality and breadth of services we’re able to offer.”

Laura Turner, Barnard Castle School

Barnard Castle School has appointed North East-born Laura Turner, who has worked in education for 13 years, as its new preparatory school head.

Laura, who is also an inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate, moves up from her role as head of pre-prep at Barnard Castle’s Preparatory School.

After seven years leading the highly successful and oversubscribed classes of pupils from age four to seven she will now lead pupils to the age of eleven. Laura graduated with a first class honours degree in Primary Education in 2002 and completed a Masters in Early Years Education.

She then secured senior management positions at Polam Hall Junior School and Barnard Castle Prep School respectively, gaining experience as ICT co-ordinator and director of studies. Alan Stevens, headmaster at Barnard Castle School, said: “The competition for this position was immensely strong and good candidates applied from all over the country.

“I am delighted by Laura’s success, she was our unanimous choice and she is an outstanding teacher and leader. During the appointment process Laura stood out as the person who had the experience, skills and approach not only to maintain, but also to develop the high academic standards, breadth of education and outstanding pastoral care that Barney Prep is known for.

“I am confident that it will continue to flourish as she guides it into a new and exciting phase of its development.”

Laura said: “I am absolutely delighted and honoured to have been appointed as head of Barnard Castle Prep School. On my very first visit here seven years ago I was immediately struck by the friendliness, warmth and confidence of the pupils.

“I believe that children thrive in a warm and welcoming atmosphere where there is always a ‘buzz’ of activity and where learning is a pleasure. That is the Barney way and I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute to it and lead us forward into the next phase of the school’s development.”

Neil Jarvis, Able UK

Neil Jarvis, who has over 30 years’ experience in the engineering and construction sector, has been appointed as special projects manager at Able UK.

Working with the company’s Property and Development team on developments in both the North East and the Humber, Nick joins Able UK after having held senior management and board positions in a number of major companies, including the A&P Group and Heerema Fabrication Group.

Able Group’s executive chairman, Peter Stephenson said: “We are delighted to have Neil bringing his deep knowledge and expertise of the various business areas in which we are involved, including, of course the energy and offshore sectors.

“Over the next few years we will be moving ahead with a range of major projects, including the Able Marine Energy Park on the Humber, and the upgrading and expansion of our facilities at Able Seaton Port and we are sure that Neil will make a significant contribution in their development and implementation.”

Able Humber Port, which encompasses the Able Marine Energy Park, covers around 2,000 acres of river frontage land on the South Humber Bank with planned developments that will service the offshore wind, logistics and port sectors.

Gareth Edwards, Maersk Training

Maersk Training has announced the promotion of two staff members at its Newcastle based head office.

Gareth Edwards has recently been appointed to the new role of Chief Instructor in Newcastle, including Health, Safety, Environment, & Quality responsibility, and will report directly to the managing director Stuart Cameron. This role will drive all matters relating to training development and delivery.

Gareth joined Maersk Training in May 2014 as a Health and Safety Instructor; delivering Health & Safety related courses before becoming became HSEQ Manager MT UK in October 2014.

Before joining the leading global training provider, Gareth has worked in a range of health and safety roles after a successful career in the armed forces.

Tessa Assadian has also recently been promoted to head of Business Administration and Finance in Newcastle from her previous role as finance manager. Tessa’s role will head up all matters relating to finance, admin, HR and IT.

Managing director Stuart Cameron said “Gareth and Tessa have brought a wealth of knowledge and experience since joining the company in May 2014 and has played an instrumental part in helping with the expansion of the business and ensuring we offer the highest quality courses to delegates. The whole Maersk Training team would like to congratulate both Gareth and Tessa on their well deserved promotions. “

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