This week's North East appointments

James Godden, Clarke Mairs

James Godden has joined Newcastle-based Clarke Mairs and brings with him experience of dealing with regional and national property litigation disputes.

He regularly advises landlords, tenants, developers and investors on a range of property-related litigation and has knowledge in relation to breach of contract, debt enforcement and professional negligence on both transactional and litigious property matters.

James studied law at Newcastle University and then qualified as a solicitor in 2011. He specialised in property litigation with Gordon Brown Law Firm, becoming a Partner in 2018, before accepting an offer to now join Clarke Mairs.

He said: “I had been aware of Clarke Mairs for many years and was really attracted to their forward-thinking approach to working with clients and staff. The fact that they are located centrally is also a big advantage.

“I’m excited to be widening the litigation offering for the firm.”

Alex Marsh, Growth Partner

Yorkshire-based investment firm Growth Partner has appointed Alex Marsh as part of its plan to scale up and support entrepreneurs.

Alex Marsh has been appointed as investment director at Growth Partner with a remit of connecting with exceptional entrepreneurs running consumer focused businesses for Growth Partner to invest in and support their growth plans.

Alex is a chartered accountant with over 10 years’ experience working in finance, M&A advisory and investment.

Growth Partner’s managing partner, Gerard Downes, said: “Alex’s experience will allow us to extend our reach, discover, invest in and develop more promising entrepreneurs, enabling Richard Harpin to inspire and bring on new British talent.”

Parris Allen, The Expanded Metal Company

Hartlepool-based expanded metal mesh manufacturer The Expanded Metal Company has appointed a new territory sales manager.

Parris Allen brings seven years of experience to The Expanded Metal Company, having worked across a variety of sales roles at metal stocklists and fabricators, and the building trade.

In his new role, Parris will be responsible for developing relationships with both new and existing clients across the Midlands region in industries like architecture, construction, filtration, security, transport utilities, engineering, automotive and aerospace.

In addition, he will also be working closely with the senior management and product development teams at The Expanded Metal Company’s headquarters in Hartlepool.

Parris said: “I’m excited to be a joining a company which is a leader in the market and successfully combines heritage and innovation in the manufacture and development of metal mesh.

“I’m looking forward to using the experience I have gained through previous roles to further develop client relationships with metal stocklists, fabricators and the supply chain in the Midlands and explore new market opportunities for The Expanded Metal Company in that region.”

Lynas Engineers

Redcar-based Lynas Engineers has appointed Lee Smith as operations manager, as it continues to build its presence throughout the region.

Established in 2016, Lynas Engineers specialises in civil engineering design, infrastructure design, highways engineering, structural engineering, drainage design, 3D design and Building Information Modelling (BIM).

Managing director, Rob Lynas, has grown the business to eight people with further appointments to follow across 2019.

Lee Smith, who joins from engineering and design company, Atkins, where he was senior engineer, said: “I have worked with Rob for many years and have observed, with great admiration, how the company has grown in such a short space of time.

“Lynas Engineers is a dynamic and rapidly emerging organisation and I jumped at the chance to join.

“Rob has developed a structure that has positioned us well. The company is always looking to introduce new services and expand further afield geographically, whilst retaining many of its clients in the heartland of Tees Valley and ensuring that our people-focused culture is at the heart of all that we do.”

Chris Cant, The Metnor Group

The Metnor Group has promoted Chris Cant to Group chief executive officer.

He was, for the past four years, managing director of Metnor Construction, which has a strong national reach across the UK, with a particular focus on data centres, leisure, care and assisted living and other commercial projects.

In another major internal promotion, Charlie Sander steps up from marketing and business development manager of Metnor Construction to Group marketing manager.

The appointment of Chris Cant to CEO follows the retirement of former Group CEO, Keith Atkinson.

Chris, said: “Being appointed CEO of the Metnor Group by the chairman of the business, Stephen Rankin, is an extremely proud moment for me.

“My time at Metnor is one of personal progression and a drive to achieve. In 2004, I joined Metnor Construction as a commercial manager, progressing to commercial director before my appointment as managing director four years ago.

“I had a clear vision for the future direction of the business. I wanted to build upon the solid foundations already established over the years, such as completing our projects on time, within budget and to an exceptional quality in a non-adversarial manner.”

Jonathan Fletcher, PG Legal

Regional commercial law firm PG Legal has appointed a new managing director as it looks to implement its strategic growth strategy.

PG Legal will be led by Jonathan Fletcher, who has been a director at the firm for seven years. He will now head up the firm during the implementation of a growth strategy across the region.

Jonathan joined the firm in 2012, enabling PG Legal to expand the scope beyond commercial property and become the full-service provider it now is.

He said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to drive the business forward. The support which I have received from the team, clients and the local business community has been outstanding.

“We have a fantastic business with a very bright future, driven by a team of dedicated and professional people. I look forward to continuing to grow the business and support more businesses of all sizes in their legal needs.”

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