This week's North East appointments
Adam Crampsie, Bloom Procurement Services
Bloom Procurement Services has appointed Adam Crampsie as managing director.
Adam’s appointment comes at a time of considerable growth for Bloom, including its recent appointment by NEPO (the North East Procurement Organisation) to deliver the multi-billion-pound NEPRO³ public sector procurement solution.
Adam, who was previously head of commercial for the UK’s leading healthcare charity, Nuffield Health, said: “I have joined Bloom at an extremely exciting time for the business.
“With the launch of a new technology platform and the NEPRO³ solution, the business is set for continued growth over the next five years.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the company to lead a fantastic team of people and I’m really looking forward to building on their incredible success to date.”
Joe Docherty, Bede Homes
Former NCG boss Joe Docherty is back in business as managing director of Bede Homes.
The move sees Docherty return to the property sector after five years as chief executive officer of NCG, the parent company of Newcastle College.
Bede Homes was established in 2016 by business partners Andrew Burnett and Richard Buckley, who set up the successful land and planning agency Buckley Burnett in 2011, and Gavin Cordwell-Smith, chief executive of the Hellens Group.
They decided to develop the site of the former Marley Hill Community Primary School in Gateshead themselves as a pilot project and have built 20 houses there worth £6.7m.
Joe, who has taken an equal share in the business, has nearly 20 years of experience in the property sector as chief executive of Tees Valley Regeneration and deputy chief executive of Home Group.
He said: “This seemed like the perfect opportunity at exactly the right time for me and it allows me to remain in the North East, my adopted home.
“Richard and I worked together at the award-winning Tees Valley Regeneration and for some years he has been talking about us possibly investing together.”
Michael Norden, Pacifica Group
Pacifica Group has appointed chief financial officer Michael Norden to the company.
His appointment at the Houghton-le-Spring-based company enables long-standing chief financial officer Scott Pallister, who has been with Pacifica Group since 2003, to become chief operating officer.
Michael has experience of working with fast-growing businesses operating in both commercial and consumer markets.
Throughout his career to date, Michael has been involved with national businesses based in the North East including Hays Travel and Parkdean Holidays. He has also played a key role in the development of private equity and venture capital-backed businesses.
Pacifica Group comprises of Pacifica Home Services, Pacifica Appliance Services and UK Warranty. Its flagship brands, 0800 Repair Gas and 0800 Repair, form part of Pacifica Home Services and Pacifica Appliance Services, respectively.
Chris Vaulks and Richard Cotterill, KPMG
Business advisory firm KPMG has appointed two new directors as part of the latest round of senior promotions in the firm’s North East practice.
Chris Vaulks and Richard Cotterill have been made directors within KPMG’s Newcastle office at Quayside House, with a further 17 promotions throughout the business.
Chris Vaulks has been a member of KPMG’s audit team for over a decade, having joined the firm as a graduate trainee in 2007.
As a director, he will be working on a mixed portfolio of clients including listed and privately owned businesses, across a variety of sectors including retail, manufacturing and construction.
Richard Cotterill joined KPMG’s Birmingham office as a school-leaver before moving to London as part of the firm’s M&A team.
He recently relocated to the North East, where he leads the firm’s energy lead advisory team, focusing on M&A, debt advisory and strategic consultancy for clients.
David Elliott, office senior partner at KPMG in Newcastle, said: “Newcastle is one of the fastest growing cities in the UK so it’s critical that we constantly invest in the talent and expertise that will continue to drive and support the region’s thriving business community.
“Chris and Richard are shining examples of the opportunities within KPMG and, as well as advising a growing and ambitious client base, their experience means they are well-placed to guide other members of the team on their own paths.”
Naomi Potter, Gordon Brown Law Firm LLP
Law firm Gordon Brown Law Firm LLP (GBLF) has strengthened its eight-strong family law team with the recruitment of a collaboratively trained lawyer.
Naomi Potter, who is originally from Norwich and moved to the region seven years ago, joins the firm with experience in the legal sector spanning 19 years.
She is an accredited specialist with Resolution, a UK-wide group of family justice professionals who work with families and individuals to resolve issues.
Naomi is also a member of the Law Society’s Family Law Accreditation Scheme and is trained in collaborative law, which means she can help advise the firm’s clients on alternative routes to dealing with their differences in a face-to-face setting.
Commenting on her appointment, Naomi said: “I made the decision to move to Gordon Brown Law Firm as I admired the team’s dedication to excellent customer service and client care.
“I’m really looking forward to working with head of family law, Simon Dakers, as well as the rest of the team.”
A corporate finance boutique has increased the strength and depth of its team as it targets further growth.
Leathers Corporate Finance launched in early 2019 and has already assembled a client base, as well as demonstrating its strength and expertise in leading many North East deal processes.
The firm has made a significant hire to help accommodate its growing workload.
Alex Farrahi joins Leathers Corporate Finance from Deloitte, where he spent three years supporting a range of multi-national clients.
He hails from an entrepreneurial family with multiple business interests in the North East leisure sector and was attracted to join the firm through its ethos of ‘entrepreneurs advising entrepreneurs’.
Alex said: “I have seen first-hand from a young age the challenges and pressures entrepreneurs can face and I have been impressed by Abu and Phil’s business background and experiences… [They] understand the mindset of an entrepreneur whilst also offering specialist corporate finance advice of the highest quality.”
Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →
Enjoy the read? Get Bdaily delivered.
Sign up to receive our daily bulletin, sent to your inbox, for free.