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This week’s North East appointments

Laura Brydon, Gordon Brown Law Firm

Gordon Brown Law Firm’s has made a key appointment as the Newcastle and Chester le Street-based Firm continues to expand its Wills Trusts and Probate Department.

Solicitor Laura Brydon has joined the Firm’s Wills Trusts and Probate team and will work closely with Partner Rebecca Harbron-Gray, bringing the team total to seven.

Laura, who is from Cramlington, graduated in Law at the University of Sunderland and has a Masters in Law from Northumbria University. She began her career with Sunderland Firm Longden Walker & Renney Solicitors, where she initially trained as a Paralegal before qualifying as a Solicitor specialising in the private client arena.

Laura said: “I get real satisfaction from working in this area of Law and, having worked with private clients as a Paralegal and experiencing other aspects of law during my career, I know this is the area for me. There is real variety in my day to day work as it is so diverse and I get to have a lot of client contact, which makes the job so worthwhile and rewarding.

“I see making the move to Gordon Brown Law Firm as a natural progression of my career as it is such a renowned firm with a great reputation and further opportunity for continued professional development.”

In addition to the Wills and Probate offering, Gordon Brown specialises in multiple service lines including Residential Conveyance, Family matters, Dispute Resolution, and Corporate and Commercial.

Rebecca Harbron-Gray, who is a Partner at Gordon Brown and heads up Wills Trusts and Probate with the Firm, said: “We are very happy to have Laura on our team. As well as the process of Laura joining Gordon Brown being natural for her, it was natural for our team as well – she fits in perfectly and is already proving popular with clients. We are looking forward to working with her as the team continues to go from strength to strength.”

Judith Kindleyside and Stephen McArdle, Land Factor

Northumberland-based Land Factor has welcomed two new members of staff to its accounts department.

In a reorganisation of its client accounts department, the rural property company has recruited accounts assistants Judith Kindleyside, from Stocksfield and Hexham-based Stephen McArdle.

Each brings a wealth of experience to their new roles, in which they will provide payroll, purchase and sales ledger, end of year accounts and VAT support to Land Factor’s clients.

Stephen joins the company from Benfield Motor Group, where he was dealership accountant and Judith comes to Land Factor from Stocksfield-based Pathways Care Group.

“Land Factor has an excellent reputation in Northumberland ,” said Stephen, “and I am delighted to be working in such an interesting industry and in such a varied role.”

Judith said: “In providing support to estate managers we are able to offer a very personal service and I really like that level of involvement.”

Land Factor client accounts manager Sarah Spears said: “We are delighted to welcome Stephen and Judith to the team.

“They both bring a wealth of experience to our growing client accounts department and have a genuine interest in the sort of work we do.”

Carol Nicholson, AHSN NENC

The Academic Health Science Network for the North East and North Cumbria (AHSN NENC) has strengthened its offer to healthcare organisations in the region with the appointment of a Deputy Director of Innovation and Wealth Creation.

Carol Nicholson brings with her a wealth of experience having worked for 30 years within NHS settings across the UK.

The last 12 of these were in commissioning roles in primary care trusts and clinical commissioning groups in the North East, largely focussing on planning, performance and provider management.

After rising through the ranks within the NHS, Carol was keen to apply her wide ranging skills and knowledge to a new challenge.

As Deputy Director of Innovation and Wealth Creation, Carol will be helping NHS organisations and SMEs to navigate this complex landscape through the implementation of the AHSN’s Innovation Pathway initiative.

The Innovation Pathway is delivered by the AHSN NENC and its partner organisations, which include NHS Innovations North, who are hosted by RTC North Limited; the NIHR Clinical Research Network North East and North Cumbria; The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust; and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

She said: “I’m very much looking forward to supporting NHS organisations and SMEs in the region in identifying, developing and adopting innovations into practice. My background is very much around working with organisations to achieve results and demonstrate impact which will prove valuable within my new role with the AHSN.

“The North East and North Cumbria is a vibrant and exciting place with an NHS workforce that provides a rich source of knowledge and experience. It’s my role to build upon that by linking up with industry to develop innovations to help increase jobs and also attract businesses to the region.

“After 30 years working within the NHS, I was ready to tackle something different and there’s such an excitement and positivity about what can be achieved in the region. We’re a small team but one that has high ambitions for the NHS and SME community.”

Alex Simpson, Ryecroft Glenton

Ryecroft Glenton has announced a new appointment to its growing corporate finance division.

Alex Simpson, 28, joins the Newcastle-based firm as Corporate Finance Executive from international firm, Ernst & Young.

As part of the established corporate finance team, Alex will advise clients on all aspects of growth and transformation, including acquisitions and disposals, along with the delivery of strategic reviews.

Ryecroft Glenton Corporate Finance has established a strong reputation for the provision of strategic advice, which has enabled a number of its clients to deliver upon growth strategies and increase shareholder value.

Originally from Derby, Alex graduated from Newcastle University with a BA (Hons) degree in Accountancy and Finance.

After a gap year where he travelled through South America, Alex returned to the North East to build his career, which began after he was accepted onto Deloitte’s Graduate Scheme. He completed his ACA qualification before joining Ernst & Young

Alex said: “I have always had a keen interest in corporate finance and the opportunity to join Ryecroft Glenton Corporate Finance was one I couldn’t turn down. Ryecroft Glenton Corporate Finance is very well respected, not only in the North East, but also across the country, for its specialist advice and expertise and I am very proud to be part of the team.”

Carl Swansbury, Partner at Ryecroft Glenton Corporate Finance, said: “Alex has joined Ryecroft Glenton Corporate Finance at an exciting time; over the past six months we have advised on a number of high profile transactions across the country and we are looking forward to a busy 2016.

“Alex shares our enthusiasm for providing clients with the best possible advice and he is a welcome addition to the team.”

Peter Thompson, Silvery Tweed Cereals

Berwick upon Tweed-based cereal processor, Silvery Tweed Cereals has appointed a new operations director as it continues to strengthen its position as a leading supplier to the UK breakfast cereal, bread and bakery markets.

Peter Thompson brings more than 25 years’ experience to the role, which involves overseeing the family owned and managed company’s manufacturing, procurement and engineering operations across its site.

His recent background in the fresh produce and fish processing sectors, which involved working directly with retailers, is ideally suited to Silvery Tweed Cereals, who work with both product manufacturers and Britain’s top retailers.

Peter said: “With such business longevity and a rich history stretching back almost 175 years, Silvery Tweed Cereals is greatly admired, particularly in the Borders.

“It’s an exciting position to take up at a time of considerable change in the food retailing market. This brings with it challenges, but also opportunities for those manufacturers who are at the top of their game and in tune with what retailers need most – that’s where I feel I can add value to the team most.”

Peter will work with three co-directors in a management team headed by managing director Bob Gladstone, the latest generation of the family which has continuously owned and managed the business since 1843.

Peter Malone, Ringtons

The head office of Newcastle-based tea and coffee company Ringtons has strengthened its financial team with the appointment of Peter Malone to the position of Financial Accountant of the 108-year old business.

Peter joins Ringtons from the accounting services department of renowned accountants UNW LLP where he specialised in providing outsourced accountancy services for businesses with a turnover of under £5m.

Having worked for various practices for 15 years – including four years at Charlton Williamson (now Baker Tilley) and seven years at UNW – Peter is helping to oversee the financial activity of Ringtons Holding Limited, the company’s franchise division, Ringtons’ own Charitable Trust Foundation and the pension plan.

Speaking of his appointment Peter Malone Financial Accountant for Ringtons said: “Joining a well-known company like Ringtons was a tremendous opportunity for me. In my previous roles I have gained valuable experience in providing day-to-day account support and bookkeeping which gave me a solid grounding from which to develop my skills and enhance my career at Ringtons. I look forward to the challenges ahead and the opportunity to grow the business and develop my own career at the same time.”

Stephen Alderson, Financial Controller for Ringtons added: “We are delighted to welcome Peter to the Ringtons team – his skillset fits perfectly alongside the existing team and his enthusiasm and professionalism make him a great addition.

“We’ve some exciting plans in the pipeline including development of our Community Trust Fund which Peter will oversee and we are confident he we rise to the challenge.”

Luciana Parker Jones, Gateshead College

Luciana Parker Jones, from Gateshead, has secured her first professional role with All Woods Audios, an automotive audio and interior specialist based in Blaydon.

Luciana, 19, recently finished her third year at Gateshead College studying body and paint repair, and praised the college for its support.

She said: “Since the first open day I attended at Gateshead College I have received so much encouragement and support in my chosen field, which was a complete contrast to what I had experienced previously. For a long time I had been advised by people that, as a female, it would be difficult for me to be successful in the automotive industry.

“I have always been passionate about cars and especially the aesthetics of vehicles, which is why I chose to do body and paint repair. I feel very lucky to have received the support I did so I could finally begin my dream career.”

Luciana had been building her experience in the industry with local company Paint Wizzards as a car paint technician for three years before gaining a full time role at All Woods.

Andrew Akley, owner of All Woods Audios said: “I am really looking forward to having Luciana on board with All Woods. We have an exciting future ahead and are looking forward to expansion and new projects.

“I offered Luciana the job because of her impressive range of skills that have been built through her college course. Her interview was very professional and she came across as work ready and passionate about the job.”

Andy Haslam, Tait Walker

Tait Walker has announced the appointment of new partner Andy Haslam, who will taken over the reins from long-standing partner Gordon Goldie to head up the firm’s turnaround & insolvency team, which provides advice and support to SMEs across the North East.

The new appointment sees Gordon ease into semi-retirement, following 22 years with the chartered accountancy practice.

Having set up the department and developed it to one of the largest and most successful teams in the region, Gordon will continue to work with Tait Walker on a consultancy basis and pass on his experience to the team.

Andy brings over 26 years’ experience to the firm and, in his most recent position, was responsible for opening a North East office for his previous employer – Begbies Traynor – which saw him turnover upwards of £1m and take on a partnership within the firm.

Gordon, who has worked with upwards of 5,000 companies throughout his 30 year career, said: “After a long career with what is a fantastic practice, semi-retirement beckons, however I’m looking forward to remaining in close contact with the firm and helping Andy drive our turnaround and insolvency offering forwards. He has a great reputation and we all look forward to working with him as he leads the firm into the future.”

Andy said: “Tait Walker is a reputable and forward thinking business, both of which are key for growth. I’m looking forward to a new challenge and putting my own stamp on this next phase of the business for the insolvency department and the wider Tait Walker team, working with some of the best people in the industry.”

Andrew Moorby, Managing Partner at Tait Walker, added: “We are pleased to welcome Andy on board and the team is very excited about his appointment. Andy brings fresh expertise and energy which, combined with Gordon’s experience puts us in an excellent position to grow our service offering.”

Rebecca Gregory, r//evolution

A North East integrated brand consultancy has announced a new appointment at its office in the Northern Design Centre, Gateshead.

Following a string of new contract wins in the Communications and Content division of the company, r//evolution has welcomed Rebecca Gregory into the role of Junior Account Executive.

Recently graduating from Newcastle University with a Master’s Degree in PR and Communication, and having completed a number of practical work experience placements over the course of her studies, Rebecca’s skill set is a welcome addition to the r//evolution team.

Commenting on her appointment, Rebecca, said: “It’s been a brilliant opportunity to join an award-winning team so soon after graduation. It’s exciting to put what I’ve learned into practice and start contributing to our clients’ marketing communications activity.

“r//evolution is growing so quickly and I’m pleased to join such a forward-thinking and innovative company at this time – I’m looking forward to the journey ahead and being part of such a brilliant team.”

The Communications and Content division of the business has seen accelerated growth under the guidance of the CIPR North East’s ‘Outstanding Young Communicator of the Year 2014’, Anne-Marie Bailey, supported by the directors of r//evolution.

Commenting on the recent growth and Rebecca’s appointment, Anne-Marie, said: “To see the Communications and Content division grow so quickly to the point where we need an extra pair of hands is testament to the service we provide for our clients. We pride ourselves on delivering outstanding work that really benefits out customer’s bottom line – it’s all about the demonstrable results.

“Rebecca joining the team means we are able to continue to go above and beyond for our clients, as well as having the capacity to help potential clients with their marketing communications strategy and delivery. We’re in a really strong position and I’m excited by the contribution Rebecca will make to this arm of business.”

As it continues to go from strength to strength an expanding Amble-based construction specialist has announced a key appointment, adding further to its management team.

James Backx, Smailes Construction

Launched by managing director David Smailes three years ago, Smailes Construction has significantly increased its turnover year on year to its present level of £1.5 million, has appointed James Backx to the newly created position of finance manager. Having worked for Procter and Gamble in its European Financial Service Centre, James brings detailed knowledge of commercial financial and accounting practices. It is this experience that he will apply to his new role with Smailes Construction. Now in post, he has day-to-day responsibility for all financial and accounting matters. He said: “This is a great opportunity for me to use my skills and knowledge to support the company as it evolves and grows from a start-up business to become one of the region’s most respected construction SMEs. I’m really looking forward to the challenge and working closely with David and the rest of team. “ Commenting on this next step for Smailes Construction, David said: “When you start your own company you need to be multi-functional across all aspects of the business. However, as it grows you need to bring in people with a skills set that adds value to the business. I am confident that James will do just that and by creating this new role it will also free up my time to concentrate on the business and importantly continued project delivery that clients have come to expect when working with us. “I’m delighted to say that this is the first of a number of key announcements we plan to make which will aid the future growth of the business and strengthen our position in the market place.” Smailes Construction is currently on site in Glasgow city centre undertaking a major shop fit-out on behalf of Four Marketing.

Andrew Conway, Jo Hand Recruitment

Andrea Conway has been promoted to Operations Manager at Jo Hand Recruitment and Consultancy.

Following ten years’ service, Andrea will now be responsible for the day to day running of the business and management of the Team.

The appointment will allow Jo Hand to focus purely on her role as M.D. and Shareholder of the company.

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