This week's North East appointments

Welcome to your latest roundup of appointments from across the region.

Rob Warren, Hardwick Hall Hotel

A new general manager has been appointed to lead the team at County Durham’s Hardwick Hall Hotel.

Rob Warren will bring more than 25 years of experience in the industry to this new role.

The four-star hotel, set in County Durham’s Hardwick Country Park, is home to the Rib Room Steakhouse and Grill, and is renowned for holding large scale balls and events, including the annual Lobster Ball, which will be held on April 27.

Rob said: “It’s the scale and diversity of the offering at Hardwick Hall Hotel that really attracted me.

“There is always something going on and what makes the hotel really challenging is that it achieves high standards across the board; in catering in service and in terms of its facilities.

“It will be my job to ensure we continue to meet those standards and that we make every effort to exceed them.”

Richard Brimacombe and Nick Smith, Harissa Meditteranean Kitchen

Harissa Mediterranean Kitchen has appointed a new executive head chef Richard Brimacombe and general manager to its North East team.

Richard Brimacombe (head chef) and Nick Smith (general manager) have been recruited to ‘bolster’ the team as the business expands.

The eatery, which is aligned to Newcastle-based social enterprise, Food Nation, is now delving into outside catering including weddings, corporate events and pop-ups.

Richard, 32, who has worked at the likes of Newcastle’s Tyneside Cinema, said he was excited to be taking up the reins as executive head chef at a restaurant whose ethos and food he has admired since it opened in summer 2016.

He said: “It’s a privilege to have this opportunity, and I’m very excited to be heading up the kitchen at Harissa, to be developing its food offering, and to have the chance to work with the many local producers who supply the restaurant.”

Pat Clarke, Orchard

Housing technology solutions provider, Orchard has appointed a specialist in the international technology sector as its new chief executive officer as it looks to further its growth after a record-breaking year.

Pat Clarke, who has more than 20 years of experience in senior leadership roles, took over the reins at Orchard following the retirement of managing director, Ian Shard.

Former CEO of Tandberg Data and Vice President EMEA and Asia at Arcserve (an international data protection solutions provider), Pat has a good track record in business development.

Pat is based out of Orchard’s Head Office in Newcastle’s Central Square.

He said: “I am proud to join Orchard at such an exciting point in its history and we have ambitious plans for the future.

“Working closely with the board and executive team, we will continue to grow the business by investing in our team and solutions that enhance Orchard’s offer to our customers.”

Tim McIntyre, intu Metrocentre

Tim McIntyre has been appointed security manager at intu Metrocentre, Europe’s largest retail and leisure destination.

Prior to joining intu Metrocentre, Tim, 52, from Newcastle, had an extensive policing career both in the Hertfordshire Constabulary, which he joined after leaving college, and with Northumbria Police.

He said: “As security manager at intu Metrocentre I’m responsible for full operational management of the security team. It’s a dynamic and challenging role which involves delivering a high quality service with a large scale multifunctional security team.

“I am really enjoying the opportunity to share my previous work experience in a security setting. Learning the business is interesting and I’m relishing the challenges it brings.”

Gavin Prior, regional centre director of intu Metrocentre, added: “At intu, our aim is to create a world class experience for our guests in a safe and secure environment so it was imperative that we appoint a security manager who can engage and develop our existing high-performing security team.”

Barry Davison, Smart Resourcing Solutions

Barry Davison has joined award-winning Smart Resourcing Solutions as employer partnerships manager, a newly created role.

Smart Resourcing Solutions works with employers, students and universities on specialist solutions supporting graduate and apprenticeship recruitment and employability.

Barry will be responsible for supporting the company’s employer clients with their assessment design and delivery, assessor training, alongside early talent learning and development.

He brings with him numerous years experience in HR positions at organisations including John Lewis Partnership. He has been working with Smart Resourcing Solutions as an associate consultant since the end of 2017.

Barry commented: “Smart Resourcing Solutions has an innovative approach that puts the employers and the candidate’s needs at the heart of all activity.

“The design offering is incredibly bespoke and that fosters long-term relationships with employers who love what the company does. I am looking forward to contributing to the future growth and success!”

Andrew Fitton, Tait Walker

Tait Walker has appointed Andrew Fitton as tax director to join its growing tax team.

Andrew Fitton has joined the team with a wealth of experience in corporate and business tax. Andrew’s prior experience includes serving as a tax director with PwC for over 10 years, and acting as head of tax for Virgin Money.

In his role at Tait Walker, Andrew will work with the partners to help accelerate the growth of the firm’s dedicated and experienced corporate tax team. He will also work with the team to provide strategic advice to businesses and directors, helping them to develop and pursue effective and efficient tax strategies.

He said: “I am delighted to join Tait Walker at such a key time for the business. It is a progressive 21st century firm that fosters excellent relationships with clients and the wider business community, whilst investing in the development of its people.

“My role at Tait Walker will give me a great opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with the tax team, and benefit from the insights of the firm as a whole.

“I am most looking forward to working with the firm’s clients and getting to know their businesses well.”

Gwen Jones, EMG Solicitors

Durham-based EMG Solicitors is growing its team following the appointment of commercial property associate solicitor, Gwen Jones.

Gwen, 35, has worked in firms across the region including Ward Hadaway, Gordon Brown Law Firm and Mincoffs Solicitors, providing advice on a wide range of commercial property transactions.

She acts for regional and national businesses and SMEs, property investors, charities and pension funds advising on their commercial property needs.

She said: “I am a firm believer in the importance of understanding the client’s business and will always take the time to get to know the individuals, their business and their team of advisors to achieve the best outcome for them.

“I am very excited to be part of a company with the reputation that EMG Solicitors have and to help the business grow with the introduction of a commercial property offering for our clients.”

Managing director, Emma Gaudern, said she was delighted Gwen had decided to join EMG. She added: “We realised because of the number of requests and inquiries we were getting that we needed to have a commercial property service for our clients.

“And Gwen is a perfect fit for our team, bringing with her a wealth of relevant experience.”

Rob Langley, Muckle LLP

Rob Langley has been appointed to a new role at Muckle LLP.

Rob will now focus on mediation and adjudication work as a dispute resolution specialist consultant for the law firm’s award winning construction team.

For many years, Rob has advised employers, contractors, sub-contractors and professionals in the construction and engineering sector, bringing his experience and trusted expertise to the table.

He joined Muckle in 2010 as head of the construction and engineering team.

Experienced construction lawyer Keith Bishop joined to lead the team in 2015 and has continued to build on the specialist practice Langley developed, one of the few dedicated construction legal teams in the North East.

Under Keith Bishop’s leadership - who joined in 2015 - Muckle LLP’s construction lawyers have been advising on some of the region’s largest developments, including the £350m Newcastle Science Central project which is currently underway.

Speaking about his new role, Rob said: “I am delighted and excited by this role which allows me to develop my own mediation and adjudication practice while continuing to work actively with the lawyers at Muckle, assisting them on construction law issues.”

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