This week's North East appointments

Dean Whitlie, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking

Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking has appointed a new member to its invoice finance team.

Dean Whitlie has been appointed as an associate director for SME invoice finance, based in Lloyds Bank’s offices in Newcastle’s Grey Street.

Dean previously spent almost a decade as a relationship manager in Lloyds Bank’s North East SME Banking team, working closely with regional businesses with a turnover of up to £25m.

He will now work as part of Lloyds Bank’s four-strong northern invoice finance team, led by area director Paul Brady.

Paul Brady, who is area director of the North West and North East regions, said: “Working capital - which is the money companies have tied up in the day-to-day costs of doing business, including outstanding invoices - is the lifeblood of any successful enterprise, so managing it well is crucial.

“Dean’s appointment to the team adds to the locally-based expertise we provide to businesses across the North East and will help more firms manage their working capital more effectively.

“That’s just one way that we, at Lloyds Bank, work by the side of businesses to support their growth ambitions and pursue new opportunities.”

Phil Dean, Samuel Phillips Law

One of the region’s longest established law firms has strengthened its property specialism with its latest appointment.

Phil Dean has joined Newcastle-based Samuel Phillips Law as head of commercial property, bringing with him more than 20 years of legal expertise in the commercial property sector, acting for blue chip clients across the North of England and beyond.

Sharon Boyd, chief executive at Samuel Phillips Law, said: “Phil has a very impressive track record, is very well regarded in the North East (and beyond), and will be able to hit the ground running, which is great news for existing and new clients.

“His experience, expertise and astute commercial sense will add an extra dimension to our legal services. Phil will drive the development of our services in commercial property law across all sectors, and we’re delighted to have recruited someone of his calibre.”

Fanny Fouin, Assystem

Assystem has appointed Fanny Fouin as the company’s first ever female to chair the nuclear institute’s North East branch.

Fanny, based at Assystem’s offices in Sunderland, will use her new role to engage with local nuclear engineering companies, and ensuring they build a strong nuclear local network in the UK’s North East region.

Fanny will also be responsible for educating students about the nuclear sector and encouraging more young people to pursue careers in engineering and boost interest in vital STEM subjects.

Fanny Fouin, senior mechanical engineer of Assystem, added: “Having worked in the nuclear engineering sector all through my career, I am honoured to take on this role.

“I am looking forward to meeting and working together with my industry peers from the North East and to create a strong nuclear network in the region.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to meet students and young people, educating them on career and employment opportunities the nuclear sector can offer.”

Jonny Flavin, GT3 Architects

GT3 Architects has appointed Jonny Flavin to its studio in Newcastle as it plans to strengthen its offer to the education sector.

Senior architect Jonny, 38, has joined after a successful career at other local practices where he led on projects such as North East Futures UTC based in Newcastle’s Stephenson Quarter.

Jonny, who has a degree in product design and architecture, said: “While I have strong experience across a number of sectors, one of my key objectives is to assist the business win more clients in the education arena.

“Our aim now is to provide them with increasing evidence that we are well resourced and skilled to assist them with tenders for education and, as such, we are very confident we can grow our presence in this sector during the next 12 months.”

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