Member Article

This week’s North East appointments

Amy Thompson & Jenny Turner, Winn Solicitors

Newcastle-based Winn Solicitors, which specialises in road traffic accident and personal injury claims, has expanded its team with new appointments to its finance and marketing teams.

Amy Thompson, 26 from Wallsend has joined as digital marketing manager with Chester-le-Street based Jenny Turner taking the role of financial controller as the firm looks to implement ambitious growth plans over the coming year.

Having spent almost six years as head of digital with a Newcastle based creative agency, Amy will be responsible for driving forward the online marketing strategy for Winn Solicitors as it looks to expand its geographic reach beyond its North East heartland and develop the range of services it offers to target specific road users such as cyclists.

Jenny will play a key role in driving forward the business’ growth plans as well as implementing improvements to current systems and procedures as Winn Solicitors aims to capitalise upon its position as one of the leading firms for road traffic accident and personal injury claims in the country.

Bringing to her new position almost 20 years financial experience gained with leading industry names from the region, Jenny said: “These are exciting times at Winn Solicitors; it is a very ambitious firm which has an established platform for growth and a dynamic management team keen to further develop our presence both in the North East and nationwide through targeted acquisitions and expansion of our services.”

Amy Thompson added: “Winn Solicitors is highly regarded and is widely recognised as a market leader nationwide. Since being established in 2002, the firm has been instrumental in challenging the perception of the sector and at the forefront of pioneering a new approach when it comes to personal injury and road traffic accident claims.”

Jeff Winn, managing director at Winn Solicitors said: “As a firm, we have very big plans for the future and to achieve our goals we need a team of talented individuals to support our objectives. Amy and Jenny have significant knowledge and expertise which will have a major impact on what we are looking to accomplish and I am delighted to welcome them on board.”

(L-R) Sean Dotchin, Colin Van Dam, Stuart Marshland, Mumar Alam

Colin Van Dam & Stuart Marshland, Fairstone Group

Fairstone Group, the technology-led financial advisory business based on Boldon Business Park, announces the appointment of Colin Van Dam as Senior Developer and Stuart Marshland as Infrastructure Manager to its IT team.

With a computing degree from Northumbria University, Colin previously worked for Newcastle based GL Education Group, the UK’s largest online assessment provider, specialising in software development for five years. Stuart Marshland also joins Fairstone from GL Education Group, where he was responsible for supporting hosted systems and the group’s development studio.

These appointments follow those of Chief Technical Officer, Sean Dotchin and Head of Development Mumar Alam in late 2014.

Commenting, Fairstone Chief Executive, Lee Hartley said: “Fairstone has seen considerable growth over the last two years, and these latest appointments highlight our ongoing commitment to, and future development of, our IT and infrastructure systems. Excellence in client service is at the heart of what we do and making use of the latest technology to develop our own bespoke platforms will ensure that our clients can enjoy the best possible customer experience.”

Sean Dotchin added: “We are currently working on a number of projects using leading-edge technology to provide an efficient and seamless integrated process for managing our clients’ affairs. Technology is used to closely monitor all parts of our business in real time, ensuring performance indicators and business objectives are delivered successfully at all times.

“These latest appointments will allow us to continue to improve our technology, whilst helping to maximise client interaction through the development of new communication channels, including mobile, tablet, messaging and real-time collaboration.”

Paul Champion, Profound Group

A North East training and employment agency has announced the appointment of their new Chief Executive Officer.

Profound Group, consisting of Profound Services and Northern Care Training, are pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Champion as CEO with effect from June 15th 2015.

Paul Champion joins the company from Chesterfield College where he most recently held the position of Assistant Principal. He brings over 20 years of senior education management experience, accumulated across the public, private and voluntary sectors, and will play a key role as Profound Group strengthens and develops its plans for growth and expansion.

The Peterlee-based firm welcome Paul to his new role, where he will be responsible for the overall strategic management of the Group and report directly to the Board of Directors.

Steven Ward, Managing Director of Profound Group, said: “I am delighted that that the Board of Directors have appointed Paul Champion as the new Chief Executive Officer of Profound Group

“Building on solid foundation and momentum achieved by the Profound Group, Paul will ensure we remain ‘strategically agile’ while positioning the Group proactively to meet a rapidly changing political and professional landscape.

“Paul brings the energy, experience, and expertise to lead the Group through the next phase of its development and will be responsible for taking us to the ‘next level’.

“This appointment is a major milestone and coup for the Group – its first CEO appointment! We wish Paul all the very best in his new role.”

Paul Champion added: “I myself will have the pleasure of joining the Profound Group in June as Chief Executive Officer.

“I am extremely thankful to have been given the opportunity to further develop and grow the Profound Group to the next stage in its development. I am very excited to lead future plans for UK and international brand development, commercial and contractual growth, new markets and strategies and achievement of the Groups short and long-term financial aims

“It’s great to be back home in the North East and I’m looking forward to working with the outstanding staff that Steven and the Board of Directors of Profound have brought together within the Group.” department,” Helen says. “It’s very busy and you deal with different clients every day.”

Helen has been working as a legal assistant since leaving university, so her training contract is 18 months instead of the usual two years and she will qualify in November 2016.

Macks managing director Nick Mack said: “At a time when it’s becoming more and more difficult for aspiring lawyers to secure traineeships, we’re delighted to be welcoming Helen to our team.

“Her enthusiasm, talent and ability made her stand out when she first came to us and we know she will be a real asset to Jane and our Property Department.”

Hollie Ord & Stacey Harmeston, Harlands

County Durham based accountancy, tax and business growth specialists Harlands have added two more experts to its growing accountancy and tax team.

Hollie Ord and Stacey Harmeston have joined the firm after a period of steady growth to help the business achieve its exciting plans for 2015 and beyond.

Hollie joins the firm as Personal and Corporate Tax Manager after 5 years at Leathers LLP in Durham, while Stacey joins the firm as a Qualified Accountant having previously worked for RMT Accountants as an audit senior for 7 years.

Phil Murray, Commercial Director at Harlands, said: “We are thrilled that Stacey and Hollie decided to the join our team and help us ensure we deliver the highest level of service to our clients across the North East.

“We are continuing to see more business owners who are now looking towards growth and expansion so there is increasing demand for expert accountancy and tax advice. Stacey and Hollie bring with them a comprehensive range of experience and they are already proving to be excellent additions to our already great team. “

Hollie has a wide range of responsibilities managing the tax department including looking after Personal and Corporation tax returns and helping with the tax affairs of a large number of business owners. She acts for a wide range of clients including companies, high-net-worth individuals, retailers, manufacturers, investors and developers.

Stacey adds significant experience to the accounts and audit team. She is a specialist in audit which requires her to have an understanding of a wide variety of financial systems across numerous industries. This knowledge allows her to help Harlands provide strategic advice and recommendations to companies on system improvements that help improve efficiencies and can aid company growth.

Glyn Davison MD of Harlands, added: “Our recruitment strategy has been the main driver of our continued growth as a firm. We’ve concentrated on bringing in people who will really promote our vision of helping build better businesses. Hollie and Stacey’s knowledge and experience make them a perfect fit for us.”

Colin Eglington and Adam Whatling

Adam Whatling, Simply Thank You

Darlington-based employee and customer engagement specialist, Simply Thank You has appointed Adam Whatling to the board as Director of Sales and Client Services.

Previously a Key Account Director at Edenred, Adam brings with him a wealth of experience and a visionary approach.

Having worked alongside Simply Thank You for 6 years in a collaborative capacity, Adam benefits from an in-depth understanding of the company’s values, capabilities and unique approach to service delivery, and will work to maximise development opportunities.

Having worked with Simply Thank You on a number of high profile incentive schemes in recent years and admired the company’s efficient internal workings, Adam says joining the company was a natural move.

He commented: “I have always enjoyed working with STY. This company is founded on service excellence and has a deserved reputation as the leading specialist in the financial and professional services market place, so I have respected STY as a competitor over many years. I’m excited to be on board, and to be part of the great team to take us to the next level.”

Adam will provide a consultative approach to the sales and service department at Simply Thank You, with a view to retaining and growing the portfolio of clients, identifying opportunities for growth and overseeing an already strong sales and service team.

CEO Colin Eglington said: “The team and I have worked with Adam Whatling for years, and we’ve always known him as an expert in the delivery of online reward solutions so it’s exciting to welcome him on board,” says Colin.

“Our organisation is growing, and we’re delighted to welcome someone with such talent and passion for business development. We expect big things for Simply Thank You in the coming months.”

Christopher Hewitt, Rowlands

Rowlands, the North East’s’ largest firm of independent accountants, has appointed an agriculture specialist to continue to improve the service it offers farming and rural clients across the region.

Lawyer Christopher Hewitt, who has recently retired after 28 years with Ward Hadaway, has joined Rowlands as a Consultant to expand the advisory services the accountancy practice offers.

He will be working with clients in the agricultural sector on issues such as land tenure and business partnerships.

Mr Hewitt, from Rothbury in Northumberland, said: “Rowlands has always had a large number of agricultural clients in the practice and it’s the gap between the advice the lawyer, the accountant and the land agent is able to give that I’m aiming to fill. The aim is not to duplicate the expertise already out there.”

“I’m very excited to be joining Rowlands at this time, because it allows me to take a multi-disciplinary approach, bringing together these different aspects in order to be able to provide a much more comprehensive service and tailored consultancy to our agricultural clients. This is something quite new for an accountancy practice, and I’ll add value to what Rowlands is able to offer clients in the farming sector, without taking away from the roles of other professional advisors.”

Mr Hewitt studied law at Newcastle University and initially worked for the family law practice Hewitts in Bishop Auckland before joining one of the firms that went on to form Ward Hadaway in the late 1980s.

Rowlands, which has offices stretching from Northumberland to Cleveland, covers the North East’s’ agricultural heartland.

Mr Hewitts’ appointment comes at a challenging time for the sector, with farmers struggling with low prices and a strong pound but also benefitting from strong land prices and a supportive tax regime.

His appointment is part of Rowlands vision to add value to the services it provides to clients across the North East as it continues to expand.

Rowlands Associate director, John White said: “We have always had a strong agricultural clientele and Christopher’s appointment in this consultancy role will enhance the service we already offer.”

“This is not about taking business from lawyers and land agents, but instead provides an additional level of service and expands the specialist advice that we are able to provide.”

“I am delighted to welcome Christopher to the team and look forward to working with him.”

Alistair Jenkins, Charity Bank

North East charities and social enterprises are to benefit from additional support as ethical bank Charity Bank commits its backing to the North East with the appointment of its first manager for the region.

Alistair Jenkins, who has been appointed as Charity Bank’s regional manager for the North East, joins the bank as it increases its capacity to serve a growing community of savers and borrowers. The bank aims to triple its lending to social sector organisations across the country to around £250 million over the next five years

Alistair said: “Working for a bank that is owned by the social sector and run for the social sector, means that I can put the best interests of charities and social enterprises at the heart of what I do. We want to support social entrepreneurship in the North East and enable those tackling the region’s most pressing social problems to provide innovative solutions.”

Alistair joins from the Church of England in the Diocese of Durham where he was Stewardship Development Officer, responsible for building relationships with donors and fundraisers. Before moving into the charitable sector six years ago, he gained 15 years management experience in the financial and oil industries. He is the chairman of a local credit union and vice chair of the North East Religious Resources Centre.

Carolyn Sims, Charity Bank’s head of banking, said: “Our mission is to support the mission of social sector organisations and Alistair’s appointment is part of our drive to provide strong local knowledge to help guide those working for good causes. If a loan is not the best option, we can often refer them to other organisations that might be able to provide a more suitable solution or direct them to investment readiness support programmes.”

Steve Bell, Gus Robinson Developments

Gus Robinson Developments has appointed Steve Bell as its new Managing Director.

Steve, who joined the award-winning firm as Land & Development Director in January 2014, will assume full responsibility for the operational day-to-day running of the business as it continues to go from strength to strength.

Steve, 42, has more than 20 years’ experience as a site and construction manager for many of the country’s leading housing developers including Wimpey, Barratt and Bryant Homes.

He also worked for four years as development manager for Teesside social housing company Vela Homes, now part of Thirteen Group.

He said: “I am delighted to have been offered this exciting opportunity. To be given this responsibility by the company chairman Dan Robinson is a huge honour and I look forward to helping to guide the business forward.

“Dan has done an incredible job in turning the business around and towards the end of last year and in the early part of 2015, he began to transition me into assuming more of an active role within other parts of the business, not just in the house-building side, but also in the commercial and mechanical division.

“The outlook now is to continue to identify new partners and opportunities, build on the good work which has been done over the last 18 months without ever over-committing, or jeopardising the business and to always monitor and manage risk.”

Dan initially took over the running of the business following the tragic death of his father, Gus, in November 2011. The turn-around has been remarkable but he now says that the time is right to continue the growth of the firm with Steve at the helm.

Dan said: “The past three years have been a major test for me as a leader and for my whole team. It has been a real period of restructuring the whole business and building out new parts of the delivery team. That process is now complete and we are in great shape.

“Over the past year, Steve has played a key role in that progress, having brought a wealth of experience with him into the company, he is now ready to make the next step.

“Steve is ambitious, he has done an exceptional job in the role of Land & Developments Director and with his operational expertise, I am 100 per cent confident he is the man to continue to grow this business in our industry. Professionally he is superb and on a personal level, he embodies the qualities that I look for in a leader.

“We are now ready to go to the next level, and that is to reach a turnover of £40m. Together with the broader team, Steve is superbly placed to achieve this.”

Phil Renton, Perfect Image

Perfect Image – a North East-based IT consultancy delivering tailored solutions and services to organisations across the UK, helping them to improve their businesses through the effective use of IT – has announced the appointment of a company Chairman.

Phil Renton joins the IT consultancy in his new role with immediate effect. Working from Perfect Image’s offices on the Cobalt Business Park in North Tyneside, Mr Renton will assume an ambassadorial role, responsible for representing the company at North East business events and forums. He will also play an integral role in building and strengthening relationships with clients and stakeholders both in the region and beyond.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Renton, said: “After forty years working in the IT and technology industry, I had been enjoying a quiet retirement playing squash and golf, badly, but, when Perfect Image approached me with the offer of the chairmanship role, it was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse.

“I’ve known Perfect Image for many years – both as a client and through my professional relationship with CEO Andrew Robson – and have watched the company’s exceptional growth over the past couple of years with great interest. What appealed to me about Perfect Image is that it is an ethical organisation; it is loyal to its clients who feel well cared for and a lot of its business decisions are driven by client demand – it’s not a case of pushing products or services to meet sales targets but to collaborate with customers and recommend solutions that meet client need.”

After twenty years in the electronics industry, Mr Renton successfully built a Newcastle-based technology company, providing IT services and infrastructure to nationwide organisations including the Royal Household, where he was awarded a Royal Warrant. He later organised the sale of his company to a well-known acquisitive IT company in the North East.

Mr Renton continued: “The senior management team at Perfect Image have made me feel welcome, wanted and valued. The company is in a fantastic position and I am looking forward to contributing to its next phase of development. One of the immediate challenges we face is recruitment. It’s the highly skilled people and their expertise that are behind the success of Perfect Image and in order to continue company growth, we need to attract the right quality of staff to keep building the business, and I look forward to playing an integral role in this campaign.”

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