Member Article

This week’s North East appointments

Hannah McGivern, Fairstone Group

Fairstone Group, the technology-led financial advisory business, has announced the hire of Hannah McGivern as Marketing Manager.

In this newly created role, Hannah will be responsible for continuing to build the profile of Fairstone following its recent re-brand and her appointment forms part of Fairstone’s ambitious growth strategy.

Hannah, who joined on 27th April, brings with her over 10 years’ marketing and PR experience, having previously worked for UK top 40 law firm, Bond Dickinson, where she was responsible for raising the profile of the firm in key sectors including wealth management and corporate M&A.

Hannah McGivern added: “I am delighted to be joining Fairstone at such an exciting time in the firm’s development, which has seen it become one of the fastest growing financial services organisations in the UK.

“The management team here has a very clear plan for where it wants to take the business over the coming years, and I’m looking forward to playing my part in this through the development of the firm’s marketing and communications strategy.”

Roisin Patton, Square One Law

Newcastle based commercial law firm, Square One Law has announced the promotion of one of its employment lawyers, Roisin Patton, to senior associate.

Roisin, whose clients include the likes of Heerema and Bannatyne, joined the entrepreneurial firm in January2014 as an associate and over the last eighteen months has worked closely with equity partner Jean-Pierre van Zyl on building long-term relationships with established clients and bringing new work to the team.

Roisin added: “I’m delighted with my promotion. During my time at Square One Law I have been given the opportunity to develop the firm’s brand as well as my own which has been a great experience. The firm is very client focused and it is refreshing to be given the freedom to develop networks and relationships and to be able to provide genuine commercial advice to our clients. I look forward to helping JP to develop the employment team further.”

Stephen Young, Controlled Blasting Solutions Ltd

North East firm, Controlled Blasting Solutions Ltd, has appointed Stephen Young. The new Managing Director will guide the explosives pioneers expansions, utilising the investment secured from the Finance for Business North East Angel Fund.

He said “My transition to Controlled Blasting Solutions was fast and easy because I share their philosophy of striving to make a product that delivers results in a way that reduces dangers.

“They have a pioneering technical system and with the professional advice of theirinvestors, Rivers Capital, I have no doubt we’re going to send shockwaves through the explosives industry.”

Rachel Allen and Jonathan Frith, Winn Solicitors

Rachel Allen has been promoted to Cost Manager and Jonathan Frith takes up the role of Deputy Cost Manager within the rapidly expanding team.

Rachel joined Winn Solicitors in 2006 and in her new role she will be responsible for managing the team of 16. As Cost Manager, Rachel works closely with the firm’s accounts team and has a key focus on identifying and implementing processes which ensure a streamlined approach to the recovery of costs and disbursements.

Rachel said: “The team has grown significantly since I joined going from five to our current staff numbers of 16. We work closely with our legal teams to ensure that we can provide the highest standards of legal costs advice but also the support and expertise that is needed to process and manage claims successfully.”

Jonathan Frith joined Winn Solicitors in 2010 and will take a key role in the day-to- day running of the department. He is in the final stages of his three year Association of Cost Lawyers (ACL) course and is set to complete his qualification – which has been funded by Winn Solicitors – in December.

He added: “Understanding the costs involved is an integral part of the claims process. As a department it is essential that we have a strategic overview and input across all areas of the business to ensure that both internally and on behalf of our clients we are able to provide an accurate and efficient service.”

Paul Barker, Poplar Tree Garden Centre

Paul Barker has been appointed as General Manager of the Poplar Tree Garden Centre, located in Shincliffe Village on the outskirts of Durham.

He will be responsible for the day-to-day management of Poplar Tree and its Brambles Coffee Shop.

Paul joins Poplar Tree - which is Durham City’s only garden centre - after almost 20 years working at centres across the North East.

He said: “This was a perfect opportunity for me as Poplar Tree is the premier garden centre for Durham built up over more than 40 years. It has a great reputation amongst its loyal customers and within the sector as well.

“After expanding our coffee shop, we have even more exciting plans in the pipeline which I am delighted to be at the heart of and which will only enhance our existing excellent customer experience.”

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