This week’s North East appointments

Paul Burns and Alice Wheatley, The Botanist (Monument Mall)

Monument Mall-based bar and restaurant The Botanist has announced two new appointments as it gets ready for its second summer in central Newcastle.

Paul Burns has been promoted from business development manager to senior business development manager, while unit PA Alice Wheatley has been promoted to the role of assistant business development manager.

Both Paul and Alice were hired by the bar’s owner, The New World Trading Company (NWTC), prior to the launch of The Botanist in December 2014.

In his new role, Paul will continue to oversee the site’s marketing and client relations and will now also be involved in the firm’s training programme for new business development managers.

Paul commented: “It’s a complete pleasure to be able to do my job for a company that gives so much back to its employees.

“From day one, chief executive Chris Hill and NWTC put their confidence in me to bring together a loyal following in the city which has been a really refreshing experience, and the tools I’ve been given to do it have been invaluable.”

He added: “We’ve got such a strong foundation in place from our staff to our offering, so I’m looking forward to embracing this next step in my career and relishing the challenge. And I love travelling so can’t wait to get out to more of the locations we’re expanding to.”

Alice, meanwhile, will manage events and the venue’s day-to-day operations.

She commented: “A day in the life at The Botanist is always different so it’s a really exciting place to be.

“I’ve been witness to a Guinness World Record break for the largest gin tasting, bought and decorated a wheelbarrow for cocktail drops and attended countless awards’ parties!”

Darren Smith, Scott Logic

Software development consultancy Scott Logic has appointed a new senior developer.

Darren Smith has joined Newcastle-based Scott Logic after being introduced to the firm by a former colleague who was recruited in 2015.

Darren, who has worked in web development for close to six years with digital agencies across the North East, will be based at the firm’s St James’ Gate office.

He commented: “I kept hearing good things about Scott Logic, so when I started to look for a change I did some research and found the company was hiring.

“I felt the firm had a strong focus on developing staff and delivering great solutions with exciting technologies, and that attracted me.”

He added: “It’s great to see the digital sector flourishing in the North East, and companies like Scott Logic doing so well.”

Darren graduated from the University of Durham in 2006 after studying Computing Science as part of his Masters in Natural Sciences.

Scott Logic’s Newcastle-based head of development, Rob Newsome, commented: “Darren is a fantastic addition to our team, and I am particularly pleased to hear that our existing colleagues are helping us recruit people of his calibre to complement and build upon the skillset we have in house.”

Anu Kaura, Collingwood Legal

Newcastle-based law firm Collingwood Legal has expanded its team with the appointment of employment law specialist Anu Kaura

Originally from Manchester, Anu qualified as a barrister in 2000 and then went on to cross-qualify as a solicitor four years later. She is also one of a small number of solicitors who hold the Higher Rights of Audience qualification, which allows her to to represent clients in the courts as an advocate.

Ms Kaura, who has specialised in employment law for 10 years, said: “I was attracted to Collingwood Legal because it’s a niche employment firm that is very specialised in what it does, and it provides an excellent level of expertise to clients.

“I’m excited to be involved in Collingwood Legal’s no-nonsense approach to employment law. The firm has a clear vision of how it practises and advises clients.”

She added: “I’m looking forward to playing a role in its continuing growth.”

Anu’s appointment means Collingwood now boasts a team of 13 at its office on Amethyst Road.

Principal solicitor Paul McGowan, who established the company five years ago, said: “Fundamental to our success so far has been having the right team on board. Having legal experience is essential but so is having an entrepreneurial spirit and the right attitude.

“I approached Anu and met with her. I felt her values fitted well with the firm and that she would be a strong member of the team to help with future growth.”

He added: “I’m delighted Anu has chosen to join us and I am looking forward to her becoming a key member of our team.”

Gill Usher, Seta

Seta, a training provider based in Washington, has welcomed Gill Usher to the role of HR director.

Gill, who is the HR manager at medical supplies manufacturer Rocket Medical, will bring expertise and experience in HR gained across a number of industries to her new role on Seta’s board.

Following her appointment, Gill will support Seta’s management team on HR matters such as policy and procedures.

Gill said: “I’m very proud to have the opportunity to serve on Seta’s Board of Directors. Through my on-going work with Seta, I’ve been able to witness at close hand how it helps to shape the careers and lives of young people, instilling in them a desire to achieve.

“I’m very passionate about ensuring young people gain the skills they need and giving them the opportunity to learn in environments that will prepare them for the world of work.”

She added: “Joining Seta’s board therefore greatly appealed to me and I’m delighted to be supporting the organisation’s work in closing the skills gap.”

Seta MD Robin Lockwood commented: “It’s fantastic to have someone with Gill’s experience on our Board of Directors – and someone with a great enthusiasm for our work.

“Gill has a deep understanding of the role Seta plays in both developing the North East’s workforces and providing young people with a route to an exciting range of careers.”

He added: “Her industry knowledge and HR expertise will further enhance the services we offer, and her appointment demonstrates our continued commitment to working hand in hand with employers – and using their input to shape our training provision.”

Mike Boswell (right), Sport Works

Newcastle-based social enterprise Sport Works has added a new face to its team as it seeks growth on a regional and national level.

Mike Boswell, the organisation’s new business development director, has been taken on in a bid to widen Sport Works’ scope for the delivery of sport-based training and education.

His appointment sees him head up Sport Works’ traineeship and apprenticeship division.

Sport Works’ managing director, Neil Cameron (pictured left), said: “We’re looking forward to Mike helping us build on the success we’ve achieved so far; reinforcing our position as a trusted partner to local authorities and schools throughout the North East and through our expanding franchise network across the UK.

“We’re really keen to develop the traineeship and apprenticeship by targeting the sport and leisure industry and have every confidence that Mike is the right person to guide us through this transition.”

Bringing more than 23 years’ experience in external engagement, marketing and account management to the role, Mike has a background in business development with particular focus on the education sector.

Commenting on his appointment, Mike said: “Sport Works has presented a unique opportunity for me to apply my knowledge and experience in the education sector to a worthwhile cause.

“They have already experienced success in their growth so far and I’m looking forward to helping Sport Works to develop their own apprenticeship strategy, allowing them to continue the good work that they’re doing already.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →