This week's North East appointments

Laurence Brannigan, Ellington Timepiece

Global brand and distribution specialist Laurence Brannigan has joined independent watch designer Ellington Timepiece Ltd as non-executive director to grow the brand and drive forward global distribution.

Laurence brings decades’ worth of experience in the brand management market to the team, spearheading the product launch, brand development and growth of global leaders in the retail marketplace.

For the last three years, Laurence was international sales manager at the Movado Group Switzerland, where he developed a portfolio of international connections.

Most recently, he co-founded Creative Universe.Agency, a distribution company for luxury retail brands looking to grow their presence in the UK market.

Laurence commented: “I was first drawn to Ellington Timepiece due to its advocacy for mental health awareness and the story of founder Teri Ellington, who I can only describe as a true inspiration.

“Despite her own mental health struggles, Teri has been able to enter a marketplace with no prior industry experience and created beautiful products, brand exposure and e-commerce.

“I am looking forward to working alongside Teri to further develop the Ellington Timepiece brand in the UK and grow internationally.

“We have already accelerated plans for a follow-up collection sooner than anticipated and partnered with ecommerce watch retailers to kick of the brand visibility process.”

Teri Ellington added: “It is excellent to have Laurence on board. His global network and wealth of experience in developing some of the world’s leading brands is exceptional and will help me take my company to the next level.

“We already have some exciting plans in the pipeline and a new product line on the way, so watch this space.”

Andrew Bradley, intu Eldon Square

Intu has announced that Andrew Bradley has been appointed as the new general manager of intu Eldon Square.

Andrew joins the shopping destination with over thirty years of industry experience and retail knowledge.

Originally from Scotland, Andy took up his first retail role at the Waterside Shopping Centre in Lincoln where he progressed from a Customer Services Officer to Operations Manager.

He left the centre in 1996 to take over as Campus Manager of the new Lincoln University Campus, the first university to be purpose built in the UK in 25 years.

Andy continued to gain further retail experience at shopping centres across the UK including managing the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre in Durham when it opened in 1998 for two years, followed by an Operations Director role supporting three properties in Birmingham, Leeds and The Gate in Newcastle.

In 2008, Andy was offered the opportunity to take over the East Kilbride Shopping Centre in Scotland, Scotland’s largest shopping centre where he spent two years there steering it safely through the recession before returning to the North East once again as Centre Director of the Bridges with Land Securities.

Gavin Prior, operations director at intu, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Andrew to the team.

“Having spent his life in the retail sector, Andrew comes with great experience managing shopping centres up and down the country.

“Most recently he has been managing The Bridges in Sunderland, so comes with a wealth of city centre and regional knowledge of the North East.”

Andrew added: “intu own and manage some of the most popular shopping destinations in the UK, intu Eldon Square being one of them and I am delighted to join the team, who have been working incredibly hard over recent weeks to ensure the centre is a safe place to visit and work.”

John Rafferty, Hart Door Systems

John Rafferty has been appointed to the role of production manager to enhance the company’s manufacturing processes.

Having worked previously in similar roles at Unipres, NSK Europe and ADM Pressings Ltd, John has a wealth of experience of managing and monitoring processes and using this to identify efficiencies in manufacturing operations.

In his new role with Hart Door Systems, John will be tasked with supporting the company in enhancing its already well-established quality control and standardisation methods.

John Rafferty, production manager at Hart Door Systems commented: “After more than 20 years of working largely in the automotive sector, I’m looking forward to joining Hart Door Systems and applying my knowledge to its bespoke manufacturing processes.

“I was drawn to the company because it is family-run, has a well-established reputation for innovation and a commitment to market leading quality.

“Employing the SQCDM model (safety, quality, cost, delivery, morale and people) in my approach, I look forward to supporting the team as we continue to navigate through the changes that have come about in response to Covid-19.”

Nick Hart, managing director at Hart Door Systems, added: “We are delighted with John’s appointment and his experience in working in fast moving manufacturing operations and driving efficiencies will have great benefit as we look to scale up and continue with our export operations.”

Irim Ali, John Paul Stephenson and Paula Holland, Newcastle City Council

Newcastle City Council Leader has reshuffled its Cabinet to prepare for the next stage of the fight against coronavirus.

Cllr Irim Ali is promoted from the backbenches to take charge of the Neighbourhoods and Public Health portfolio while the current postholder Cllr John Paul Stephenson becomes Cabinet member for Environment and Regulatory Services, replacing Cllr Nick Kemp who resigned on Sunday.

The new cabinet member for Education and Skills is Paula Holland who takes over from Cllr Veronica Dunn.

Cllr Nick Forbes said: “I am delighted to welcome Irim and Paula to the cabinet.

“They will bring fresh eyes and new energy to the team at what is a critical time for our city.

“Paula is a very experienced councillor who has played a key role on our scrutiny committee and Irim is a passionate councillor with strong relationships with our voluntary and community sector.

“I’d like to thank Nick Kemp and Veronica Dunn for their service and wish them both well for the future.

“My Cabinet is united and focused on the challenge ahead as the city emerges from the biggest crisis in living memory.

“The pandemic has had devastating social and economic consequences and it is vital we lead the city through it.

“Our recovery must be inclusive, tackle inequalities and have low carbon at its heart.

“We will work together as a team with council staff and partners across the city and wider region to protect our most vulnerable citizens, support the safe return of children to school in September and businesses from all sectors to trade in a COVID secure way as lockdown is eased.

“As leader, I am proud of the way our great city has responded and continues to respond to this crisis.

“I will continue to fight for a fairer deal from government and to work with colleagues in Public Health to ensure we have robust plans in place to deal with any second outbreak.

“We are a city renowned for our welcome, our friendliness, our grit, our determination and our ambition.

“Working together, united in our aims, will drive us to ensure a social and economic recovery benefits everyone who lives in, works in and visits Newcastle.”

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