This week's North East appointments

Andrew Frith, PFF Group

PFF Group has announced that it has appointed Andrew Frith as general manager for packaging at its Washington site.

Andrew will support the plant’s general manager John Conway in the development of the site following growth after the company won a contract from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to produce PPE.

Andrew has worked in packaging for more than 10 years including a six-year period in the food service industry. His career includes senior operational management roles.

He commented: “I’m looking forward to developing the operations potential at our Washington site by introducing best practice and efficiencies through the integration of systems with new world-class technology.”

Kenton Robbins, managing director of PFF Group, said: “We are in the process of making key appointments to support the development and growth of our new health division. Andrew has come on board as we move forward with our plans to increase production at Washington and explore other opportunities in the health sector.”

Paul Orr, Reproflex3

Pre-press service company Reproflex has announced the appointment of Paul Orr as its brand services business development manager.

Working primarily with clients throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia, Paul will manage commercial activities with a focus on building new strategic partnerships and supporting growth across key areas of the business.

He joins Reproflex3 with more than 28 years of experience in the flexible food packaging pre-press industry, and brings in-depth technical knowledge of pre-press and print in Flexo, Gravure and Litho.

After beginning his career as an apprentice press operator, Paul moved into client services, using his technical expertise in a variety of senior roles with different packaging companies. Most recently as head of client services at Tag in Leeds, this involved project management, driving best practice and business growth.

Paul commented: “I’m really pleased to join the Reproflex3 family. It’s a fantastic company with an excellent reputation in the pre-press industry.

“They’re entirely dedicated to sharing the benefits and capabilities of flexo by providing unique end-to-end packaging solutions.

“It was an easy decision to come on board and I’m looking forward to working closely with the team, our customers and business partners, to drive growth through successful partnerships and exceeding customer expectations.”

Deborah Lazenby, Lisa Kelly, Jennifer Pearson and Stephanie Brown, Muckle LLP

Muckle LLP has announced that it has appointed four team members to senior positions.

Deborah Lazenby and Lisa Kelly have made partner, while Jennifer Pearson has been promoted to senior associate and Stephanie Brown to associate.

Deborah joined the real estate team in 2017, supporting clients in a wide range of matters, including real estate acquisitions and disposals.

She commented: “I am delighted to have been promoted to partner at Muckle. The team has provided invaluable support in my development and I am looking forward to continuing to be part of the growing and successful real estate team, working with a diverse and exciting range of clients.”

Lisa plays a pivotal role in bringing Muckle employment law events and training to the masses, speaking regularly to hundreds of HR and business leaders throughout the north east and beyond.

Lisa said: “I feel hugely proud of Muckle, our commitment to the community and the region. I join a leadership team that is 50:50 gender balanced, and so in line with our values and ethos.

“I am excited to be part of the firm’s journey and to continue helping to develop the employment team’s success, working alongside our amazing clients.”

Jennifer joined the Real Estate Dispute Resolution team in 2017 and supports a UK-wide range of social housing and large portfolio private landlord clients in resolving issues and achieving results.

She said: “Muckle is a fantastic place to work and I had no doubt whatsoever that it was here I wanted to develop my career and contribute to the success of the firm, which has worked hard to create a nurturing and progressive culture that encourages its lawyers to thrive who, in turn, provide outstanding client service and something just a little bit different.”

Stephanie trained at Muckle, progressing to associate in only 3 years. As a corporate lawyer, she helps businesses with their business sales and acquisitions, private equity transactions and investments.

Stephanie said: “I’m very grateful to have been given the opportunity to work on a number of significant transactions throughout my career at Muckle and I’m looking forward to continuing to contribute to the success of our corporate team as an associate.”

Julian Brown, Samuel Knight International

Global manpower provider Samuel Knight International has announced the appointment of Julian Brown in a non-executive position.

Julian brings over 20 years of wind industry experience to the firm and will be a driver in building further relationships for Samuel Knight International within the renewable energy talent market.

Holding several senior board positions across the energy space, Julian was chairman for RenewableUK for several years and is a director for the leading trade association.

Regionally, he is chair of Newton Aycliffe based Tekmar Group plc. Julian was also recently appointed as chair of BVG Associates, a specialist wind industry consultancy.

Julian commented: “Building the talent pool to support the decarbonisation of our planet, is the biggest single challenge of our time. It is critical that, as an industry, we level up and prepare to deliver a solid talent base that will enable greater commercial performance for businesses in the renewable energy industry.

“Samuel Knight International is a leading specialist in this field and I look forward to working within the business to grow and develop the supply chain. The firm has enjoyed exceptional success and it’s a pleasure to be working with Steven Rawlingson and the team to drive the business forward.”

Nick McCarthy, Azets

Accountantcy firm Azets has appointed Nick McCarthy to strengthen its forensic accounting offering in the North East.

Nick has joined the firm from a forensic accounting practice in Newcastle. He’ll be based in Azets’ Durham office covering the firm’s eight offices in the North East.

Nick is experienced in a variety of forensic engagements, most notably assisting lawyers in relation to valuation and quantum of loss issues and financial analysis pursuant to employee and director misfeasance investigations.

He commented: “I’m excited to join Azets at a time when the business is undergoing a rapid expansion.

“There is a scarcity of forensic accountants in the North East, and I hope my presence will give local clients the opportunity to find a nearby forensic accounting specialist instead of having to look further afield.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →