This week's North East appointments

Sarah Stewart OBE DL, Gateshead College

Gateshead College has appointed Sarah Stewart OBE DL as chair.

Currently the High Sheriff of Tyne and Wear, businesswoman Sarah has held numerous board positions in private, public and third sectors.

Sarah, the former CEO of NewcastleGateshead Initiative for almost 10 years until she stood down in 2019, brings a range of experience to the role including strong links with education and the regional business community.

She holds a range of non-executive roles including with Newcastle University and was named by Northern Power Women as one of 50 women in their 2019 Power List; she was awarded an OBE for services to the North East economy in the New Year Honours 2016.

Sarah commented: “I was willing and enthusiastic to step up to the role for two very important reasons, one personal and the other business.

“My son successfully did a film and video diploma at Gateshead College and has gone onto university to follow his dream; I saw the difference the college can make.

“The other reason was based on the college’s strong role and reputation in the business community and particularly its contribution to wider economic development.”

External panel member Sir Frank McLoughlin commented: “I have no doubt that Sarah will prove to be an outstanding chair of the Gateshead College board of governors.

“Beyond her very impressive CV she demonstrates the values required of a chair and will have the highest ambitions for the college, its students, and staff. Sarah is a systems thinker and collaborator.

“She has an important contribution to make to the development of a responsive FE network in the region and nationally.”

Tony Kay, Construction Alliance North East Board (CAN)

Construction Alliance North East (CAN) has appointed Tony Kay to its management board.

President of the Northern Counties Builders Federation (NCBF), Tony brings a range of experience. As commercial director at Classic Masonry and Bespoke Concrete Products, he has more than 35 years of experience in the industry.

Starting out as a quantity surveyor, Tony has also worked with English Heritage, William Anelay Ltd and Northumbria University.

Tony commented: “CAN has a crucial role to play in championing regional companies. We have the united voice of the SME contractor to lobby and influence organisations not to exclude us from tender opportunities and we can lend weight to the campaign by highlighting real examples of good and poor experiences of procurement.”

Keith Charlton, Rachel Smith and Adam Collin, FW Capital

Fund management specialist FW Capital has appointed a new deputy fund manager and created two new junior roles.

Senior investment executive Keith Charlton has been promoted to deputy fund manager, while Rachel Smith has been appointed as assistant investment executive and Adam Collin as portfolio executive assistant.

Keith has worked in the North East for a number of years and has been a Financial Director for several SMEs in the region. He also held a number of positions at NEL Fund Managers. providing fund raising, pre-investment appraisal, due diligence and financial management services to a number of local businesses.

Earlier in his career, Keith worked as an accountant in the City of London, in financial services regulation with the Securities and Investments Board (now the FCA) and in the Listing Department of the London Stock Exchange.

Keith commented: “Throughout my career at FW Capital, I have been lucky enough to build great relationships with SMEs across the region, helping them to secure the funding they need to prosper.

“It is incredibly rewarding to see these businesses reach their potential while creating jobs and investment for our region.

“I am proud to be appointed deputy fund manager and I look forward to taking on the role and continuing to support SMEs to flourish.”

Adam joined FW Capital following 10 years at Lloyds Bank as a senior personal banking advisor in the retail arm and then as an associate relationship manager.

Adam said: “Working for FW Capital is a fantastic opportunity and I am delighted to join the team. I look forward to developing meaningful relationships with customers and stakeholders.”

Rachel has 10 years of financial services experience, most recently as a business development manager in asset-based lending, specialising in invoice finance.

Rachel explained: “Joining FW Capital is an exciting and rewarding career opportunity. I am thrilled to play a part in supporting the regional economy.”

Joanne Whitfield, FW Capital fund director, commented: “The newly-created assistant roles are a vital part of developing the team at FW Capital. 2020 has been a particularly challenging year for the region and investing in our team at all levels is more important than ever.

“Both Adam and Rachel bring with them a passion for supporting our region’s businesses and I am confident they will be a great addition to FW Capital’s North East team.

“It is also with great pleasure that we congratulate Keith Charlton on his recent promotion to deputy fund manager.

“Keith has been with FW Capital since 2014 and in that time has demonstrated his impressive drive and determination to build long-term relationships with SMEs and a strong track record in helping local businesses access the capital they need.”

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