This week's North East appointments

Nickie Lindsay and Polly Dodsworth, Howarth Litchfield

Architectural practice Howarth Litchfield (HL) has appointed two new interior designers.

Senior interior designer Nickie Lindsay previously worked in London on commercial office design projects for several years, including the interiors at professional services firm PwC’s HQ in the capital.

Polly Dodsworth became the first student in 45 years to score 100% in her final year project at Teesside University, where she gained a BA degree interior architecture degree. She also holds an MA in digital arts and design.

Nickie said: “We are both delighted to be joining such a successful and committed firm.

“We are working on some very exciting projects and it is a fantastic opportunity to not only draw on our experience but add to it with the wide range of interiors projects currently underway.”

HL managing director Jonathan Yates commented: “The arrival of Nickie and Polly could not have come at a better time.

“Not only are they exceptionally talented candidates, the practice is extremely busy on several major interior design projects, so they are a timely and very welcome addition to our in-house team. I have every confidence that they will make a significant contribution to our further success and expansion in the future.”

Matt Beeton, Port of Tyne

The Port of Tyne has announced the appointment of Matt Beeton as its new chief executive officer.

Matt has more than 20 years’ experience in the road, rail and aerospace industries, with previous positions including director roles at Bombardier, Serco plc, Northern Rail, National Express and Rolls Royce.

Port of Tyne chair Lucy Armstrong said: “We are very pleased to welcome Matt on board. The UK’s ports face major challenges and opportunities.

“They remain vital to the UK economy and central to global trading. Matt’s background and experience will be invaluable in the future development of the Port, bringing a fresh perspective to the business.”

Taking up his new role from January 7, Matt will join the port from transport consultancy APT Business Solutions.

Matt, who started his career through a graduate programme at Rolls Royce Aerospace, commented: “I am delighted to be joining the Port and for the opportunity to work with the team in growing the business and delivering on the vision to double the value by 2022.

“The Port of Tyne is one of North East England’s largest gateways and an important driver of regional investment and sustainability. I’m looking forward to working with stakeholders to develop strategic partnerships, skills, and innovation.”

Chris McDonald, UK Metals Council

The CEO of the Materials Processing Institute has been elected as chair of the UK Metals Council (UKMC).

Chris McDonald will formally take over the position in March next year, following a vote on the appointment in November.

The UK Metals Council’s aim is to inform and influence Ministers, Government departments and their agencies about the value and needs of the UK metals sector.

Chris already serves as innovation lead for the UKMC, a board member of UK Steel and policy chair for innovation and enterprise at the Federation of Small Businesses.

He said: “There is plenty of work that can be done to give the metals sector a voice within government, which should be viewed as a priority to Westminster.

“I am excited by the challenges ahead and I hope to draw upon my experiences and industry knowledge to serve the UKMC and the wider sector well.”

Outbound UKMC chair Simon MacVicker commented: “Chris has led our innovation work during the formative years of Metals Council, during which time we have gained greatly from his understanding of innovation and how it can be applied in industry, the productivity challenge, and his special understanding of how small businesses work.

“I am very excited that Chris has agreed to be elected as the next Chair of Metals Council, we will be in excellent hands.”

Steve McKinlay, Tyne Housing Group

North East housing provider Tyne Housing Group has chosen Steve McKinlay for the role of chief executive.

Steve is joining the organisation from Depaul UK, the homeless charity, where he is area director for the North.

In addition to his work with Depaul over the last five years, Steve has also been assisting the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government as a specialist advisor on homelessness.

He said: “In my career, I have been lucky enough to witness first-hand some of the very best practice approaches which enable the most vulnerable in society to flourish.

“Now with a new corporate strategy and investment plan, I will be building upon Tyne’s long-standing ethos of ensuring nobody is left out.”

Tyne Group chairman Graham Brown commented: “Over the last year we have reviewed our business objectives and have reaffirmed our commitment to our core clients.

“Tyne plays a vital role in addressing homelessness and rough sleeping in the area. We will continue to support vulnerable, isolated people and will seek to expand the range of services and accommodation we are able to offer. We are delighted to have recruited a new chief executive officer of the calibre of Steve.”

Steve will take over the role from interim chief executive Kevin Lowry on January 1.

Maral O’Brien, Ocucon

Surveillance tech startup Ocucon has appointed Maral O’Brien as business operations support executive.

Joining the firm from a marketing role with a Newcastle-based education startup, Maral will be responsible for supporting Ocucon’s business development and furthering growth.

She said: “This is an incredible opportunity, to join a startup that is accelerating at a breath-taking pace.

“As the business seeks to break new ground, both commercially and technologically, there are hugely exciting opportunities ahead, and I look forward to utilising my skills and contacts to help facilitate Ocucon’s rapid growth.”

Ocucon co-founder Gary Trotter commented: “As a growing business, finding the right talent is key. Maral’s experience and proven ability is evidence that the North East has a huge bank of talent, which makes it the ideal location for a company like ourselves.

“Maral has only been working with us for a short time but has already made a big contribution, particularly with our new business efforts in the US, Maral’s home country, and we’re very excited to welcome her to our growing team.”

Ocucon launched in October 2017. The firm offers a cloud-based storage and retrieval platform with its video surveillance as a service (VSaaS) system, combining data analytics with the facility to store, analyse and retrieve unlimited amounts of HD video surveillance footage from its digital portal.

Olivia Brown, Watson Burton

Commercial law firm Watson Burton has added a new solicitor to its real estate department.

Olivia Brown joined the team after qualifying as a solicitor following a two-year graduate training programme with the company.

The head of real estate at Watson Burton, partner Naren Deen (pictured left), said: “It’s fantastic to welcome Olivia to the team as a qualified solicitor.

“We were impressed with the attention to detail, enthusiasm and sensible, commercial approach to client matters which Olivia has demonstrated over the last two years at the firm.”

Naren added: “Olivia is a key addition to the team as we grow to meet the needs of our client base, I look forward to supporting her career ambitions.”

Olivia Brown commented: “I’m delighted to have been offered this position at Watson Burton following the graduate training programme.

“The support I received from Naren and the team was fantastic and led me to realise that Real Estate was the practice area I wanted to specialise in.”

She continued: “It is a fantastic environment in which to learn and work and I’m excited by the opportunity to be contributing to the high level work the team delivers for our clients both in the North East of England and throughout the country.”

Watson Burton is headquartered in Newcastle and has offices in Leeds and London.

Gary Lumby, Jak HQ

Creative agency Jak HQ has appointed a new non-executive director.

Gary Lumby (pictured right) has more than 30 years’ experience in the banking sector and has previously served as non-executive director for a number of SMEs across Yorkshire and the North East, advising owners and directors on their growth strategies.

In 2008, Gary was presented with an MBE by Prince Charles for his services to the finance sector.

Jak HQ managing director Benjamin Kerry (left) said: “At the heart of Jak HQ is the philosophy that our clients are more than just clients. They are our partners, and this is what truly sets us apart.

“I am looking forward to working with Gary and I am sure that his valuable expertise will only escalate our achievements.”

Gary commented: “I am delighted to be joining Ben at Jak HQ as Non-Executive Director and helping him guide the business through a significant period of growth across all areas of our digital services.

“We have already secured a large number of new clients this year and I intend to ensure that this growth continues and that we invest in appropriate people and asset resources to enable the growth to accelerate.”

Helen Parsons, Parsons Containers

Parsons Containers Group, the Sedgefield-based shipping container and self-storage business, has appointed a new finance director.

Chartered accountant Helen Parsons has more than 10 years’ experience in auditing and finance, including senior roles in the UK and internationally.

Mostly recently, she served as senior manager of consolidation and reporting for Amsterdam-based PVH Corp, parent company of fashion brands Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein.

The appointment represents a move back to the North East for Helen, whose father, CEO Ean Parsons, founded the business in 2000.

Helen commented: “I am really excited by my dad’s vision for the strategic growth of the Parsons Containers Group and in discussions with him it was clear that now is the ideal time to support that work with my own skills and experience.

“After 10 years of working in large cities, returning to Sedgefield provides a literal breath of fresh air.”

Ean commented: “I am delighted to welcome Helen to the Parsons Containers Group at what is a crucial time for the business following the recent investment.

“Helen is eminently qualified for this new role of finance director, so attracting her to Parsons is great news for the group. In a business context, having such a capable finance director will help us to develop to the next level nationally and regionally, and on a personal level, I am very pleased and proud to have her on board.”

Three appointments, Gradvert

Tailored leadership and management training provider Gradvert has appointed Andrea Satterthwaite as a quality and compliance specialist.

In her new role, Andrea will work with the Gradvert Collective and clients to maintain a high quality of learning, internally and externally.

Commenting on her new role, Andrea said: “What a whirlwind! I’ve had an amazing first few weeks getting to know the team and how the ‘inner cogs’ of the organisation work.

“I’ve loved every minute and I’m especially looking forward to the exciting times ahead.”

The firm has also appointed several new faces to its marketing team.

Newcomers Jordan McCartney, who recently graduated with a Masters in digital marketing from Northumbria University, and Hannah Lennox, who holds a degree in public relations from the University of Sunderland, have joined recently appointed marketing and communications manager Samantha Legget.

Gradvert is headquartered in Newcastle and has offices in London and the West Midlands.

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