This week's North East appointments

Alison Fellows and Emily Cox, Gentoo Group

Sunderland-based housing association Gentoo Group has appointed two new members to its board.

Alison Fellows and Emily Cox were invited to join the board at its meeting in February and will take up their new posts immediately.

Alison Fellows, who is currently investment director at Tees Valley Combined Authority, has eight years of non-executive director experience with the North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.

She previously worked as executive director of commercial development for Sunderland City Council and as assistant director of capital investment for Newcastle City Council.

Emily Cox is currently director of public affairs at Virgin Money and has a background in HR and law. She sits on the boards of The Sage Gateshead and NewcastleGateshead Initiative.

Alison said: “I am delighted to join the Gentoo board. This gives me an opportunity to try to put something back into the North East by using my commercial, legal and governance experience to make a difference to people’s lives at a community and individual level.”

Jane Imrie, Bdaily

The team here at Bdaily has recently appointed Jane Imrie as a correspondent.

She will be working alongside fellow colleague, Rebecca Wayman, on the editorial team.

Jane said: “I’m really excited to be joining the Bdaily editorial team. I’ve always been passionate about writing so I’m looking forward to producing engaging regional content on a daily basis, as well as connecting with growing businesses locally and nationally.

“My experience across sectors like banking and marketing have equipped me with commercial knowledge that I can draw on to write relevant and engaging business content.”

Emma Banks, ramarketing

Pharmaceutical and life sciences marketing agency, ramarketing has appointed an industry veteran as its new managing director.

Emma Banks, former boss of an international life sciences software business, takes over the operational reins from ramarketing’s founder Raman Sehgal, who has transferred to Boston to run the company’s first US office.

Set up in 2009, the Newcastle-headquartered agency specialises in design, digital and PR services for research and development, manufacturing, packaging and technology companies operating in the global biotech and pharmaceutical outsourcing sector.

Founder and global president, Raman Sehgal, said: “Emma is a well-known industry figure with a wealth of senior level experience in growing a technology company into a highly successful international operation, making her an ideal candidate for the role.

“Emma will manage our strategic European growth plans, ensuring we continue to deliver world class service to our clients. Her warm and energetic leadership style and solid moral compass make her a great fit for our company culture.

“I’m excited to oversee the expansion of our significant US footprint, and to develop a team and a culture in line with the one that’s worked so well for us in the UK.”

Sarah French, Sight Service

North East-based charity, Sight Service has appointed Sarah French as chief executive to lead the organisation and its strategic delivery.

Sight Service supports people who are visually impaired living in Gateshead and South Tyneside to live independently.

Sarah will work with the board, staff and volunteers to support the needs of individuals, as well as shape the ongoing strategy and development of the organisation. She will be responsible for ensuring that the organisation achieves its strategic objectives and vision.

This will include engaging with the blind and visually impaired to ensure their needs are being met through their individual care plans, as well as working with partners to identify innovative ways of delivering its services.

Sarah French said: “Sight Service helps people with sight loss to lead independent and fulfilled lives, this work is truly invaluable to individuals and their families.

“I am committed to raising awareness of sight loss and the far-reaching impact it has on individuals and those around them, as well as the essential support available through Sight Service.

“I will be advocating a personalised approach to our service and will work closely with Sight Service’s board, team of experts and active service users to further strengthen our offering and ultimately grow the organisation.”

Lee Kirk, Metnor Construction Ltd

Metnor Construction Ltd has appointed Lee Kirk as operations director.

Lee, who has been with the company for five years, steps up from his previous role as senior operations manager.

Metnor Construction Ltd, is one of four divisions within the Metnor Group. 2019 will see further growth, with turnover expected to increase from £80m to £100m.

Lee said: “This personal recognition is very much down to the guidance and knowledge I have received during my time at the company and working very closely with managing director, Chris Cant.

“I am an example of somebody who has progressed in a short space of time from a contracts manager through to director level, responsible for managing the operational side of the business.

“Chris has put a vision and strategy in place that works well. We have excellent progression paths and, in turn, I have embraced the opportunity to mentor younger members of our team.”

First Mortage NE

First Mortgage NE has welcomed seven new team members to its expanding workforce across the region.

These latest recruits join the company at a time after it celebrated its most successful year to date in 2018, and busiest month of business recorded, in January 2019.

The now 25-strong team works across the company’s eight North East branches in Gateshead, Newcastle, Sunderland, Chester le Street, Northumberland, Middlesbrough, Darlington and York.

The new recruits are: Jennifer Pattison; Denise Morton; Rachael Leonard; Debbie Redpath; Lorraine Robinson; Philip Jobson and Rachael Kelly.

Phil McGuire, new build director at First Mortgage NE, said: “There’s been some real highs over the last 12 months having opened four new office locations, expanding our Gateshead HQ and rounding off our most successful year to date.

“As a result, we’ve been able to create new job opportunities growing our team which is fantastic. The team will continue to grow this year as we drive forward our expansion plans.

“We have made a further five job offers this month alone and additional vacancies are currently available across our branches. We’d love to hear from anyone who would be interested in joining us.”

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