This week's North East appointments

Simon Brett, Port of Tyne

The Port of Tyne has appointed Simon Brett as commercial director of port services.

Joining from Associated British Ports (ABP) where he was most recently head of projects on the Humber, Simon has over 30 years of experience within the maritime and port sector.

Simon began his career with the Crown Estates and later Westminster Dredging, before joining ABP’s graduate training Programme.

Nolan Gray, Port of Tyne director of business development, said: “I am delighted to welcome Simon to the Port, he brings a wealth of expertise having held a number of senior roles with ABP.

“I’m sure Simon’s depth of knowledge will further strengthen our team.”

Commenting on his appointment, Simon added: “I hope to bring my experience to bear, building on the great reputation the Port has in bulks and renewables.

“The Port of Tyne is one of the UK’s major deep-sea port’s, closer than any other port to the offshore wind farms at Dogger Bank, Hornsea and Seagreen, I’m excited to join the team and up for challenges ahead in taking the Port to the next phase in developing a major hub for offshore energy.”

James Stafford and Marie McDermott, Mandata

Road transport management software firm Mandata has made two new appointments to its senior management team.

The Cramlington-based business has appointed James Stafford as regional sales manager for the North East and Marie McDermott as customer relationship manager for the South West.

With over eight years of sales experience, James will work with the firm’s national account management and professional services teams, working on new business development across the North of England.

Marie will be drawing on her experience of working within the road transport industry to build and maintain customer relationships.

The latest recruits are part of a year-long programme to equip the business with key personnel to drive ongoing advances in technology and continuous improvements.

Steve Spark, chief revenue office said: “We’re developing our sales and account management team with the very best people, whose skill and experience will support our customer’s plans for growth and expansion in the sector where integrated transport management technology gives customers a strong competitive edge.”

Lauren Manning and Ben Lawry, Roberts Environmental

The geo-environmental consultancy firm Roberts Environmental has made two new appointments in its Newcastle team.

The firm has hired Lauren Manning as senior consultant and Ben Lawry as graduate consultant.

With over 6 years of experience including time at Cundall Johnston and Partners, 3e Consulting and Soil Environment Services Ltd, Lauren will be involved in pricing new project bids, designing and scheduling ground investigations, writing of interpretive reports, and providing recommendations on geo-environmental solutions.

Graduating from Newcastle University in 2018 with a BSc (Hons) in Earth Science, Ben will join the firm as a graduate consultant, working on the completion of phase I environmental reports, due diligence reports, phase II site investigations and coal mining risk assessments.

Jeff Roberts, director at Roberts Environmental, commented: “We are delighted to welcome both Lauren and Ben to the team, it is fantastic that we have been able to expand in line with our business goals.

“Their appointments increase our technical expertise and strengthen our skill set to provide a more rounded service with a commercial focus.”

Lindsay Dalgliesh and Stuart Millar, Greaves West & Ayre

Berwick accountancy firm Greaves West & Ayre has promoted two of its team members to the role of associate.

Lindsay Dalgliesh and Stuart Millar have been promoted to associates, following the creation of the new role in September last year.

Lindsay, who successfully completed her chartered accountant qualifications after she joined Greaves West & Ayre in 2012, has worked across the firm’s client base including owner managed businesses, SMEs and charities.

Stuart was working for N C Campbell and Co in Haddington and moved to the Berwick office following the merger with Greaves West and Ayre in 2016, qualifying in the same year and now studying to become an FCA-accredited independent financial advisor.

Greaves West & Ayre Managing Partner Colin Frame said: “Lindsay and Stuart have shown considerable commitment to our business and those of clients alike and we are delighted with their appointment to associate.

“We know their experience of working across a broad range of disciplines will bring significant benefit in supporting both our partners and our clients.

“Based on their proven performance we are confident that Lindsay and Stuart will thrive in their new roles and…play a key part in the continued success of Greaves West & Ayre in the coming years.”

Samantha Legget, 360 Growth Partners

Business growth specialist 360 Growth Partners has appointed Samantha Legget as marketing associate.

With 16 years of experience in marketing and communications, Samantha joins the company from business improvement specialist Gradvert, prior to which she held senior positions at firms such as Connect Physical Health and Chamilia Europe Ltd.

Andrew Silver, director of 360 Growth Partners, commented: “Samantha is a well respected practitioner in the region and her skills in marketing, brand development and communications will help our clients to grow their businesses.

“She joins our expanding team of associates which includes experts in finance, business technology, leadership and HR.”

Commenting on her appointment, Samantha added: “I’m excited about the opportunity to work alongside the team at 360 Growth Partners to help businesses scale up and achieve their full potential.”

Leah Heatley and Alex Blenkinsop, Muckle LLP

Law firm Muckle LLP has promoted two of its lawyers to senior roles.

Leah Heatley has been promoted to partner, while Alex Blenkinsop has been promoted to associate level.

Working in the dispute resolution team specialising in public procurement, Leah Heatley, was named as a Next Generation lawyer in Legal 500 Directory 2019.

Experienced in handling a broad range of commercial litigation, Alex is an associate member of ACTAPS (the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists) and is also officially qualified to advise on disputes involving trusts, estate administration and inheritance issues.

Susan Howe, partner and head of dispute resolution, commented: “We are delighted to promote Leah and Alex.

“They are both hard-working and exceptionally talented specialist lawyers and their promotions are thoroughly well deserved.”

Joe Cook and Nusheen Hussain, Home Group

Housing association Home Group has announced two new appointments to its executive team.

Joe Cook will join the firm as executive director of development, and Nusheen Hussain is due to join as executive director of business development.

Joining from Sage Housing Limited where he was most recently chief executive officer, Joe has 35 years of experience across the private and public housing sector, including time at Aldwyck Housing Group.

In his new role Joe will take responsibility for Home Group’s strategic target to deliver 10,000 homes by 2022 as well as managing the group’s site acquisition, development, rented and shared ownership properties and outright sale activity.

Joe commented: “I am really pleased to be joining the Home Group team. The organisation’s ambitious building targets combined with its social purpose makes this an organisation that is really making a difference in providing the homes that the UK needs.”

Nusheen joins from Pennine Home Improvements, where she held the role of marketing director. Over the past 20 years she has worked for firms such as the BBC, Carillion Energy Services, Worldwide Business Research Ltd and Newcastle Building Society.

In her new role Nusheen will be responsible for Home Group’s new product development, corporate engagement and marketing and communications.

Nusheen said: “I’m delighted to be joining Home Group at such an exciting time in the delivery of our strategy.

“First and foremost I look forward to driving a customer centric approach by listening to our customers and translating their feedback into products, services and communications that make a real difference to their everyday lives and helps them to meet their aspirations.”

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