This week's North East appointments

Andrew Grundy, Charlene Carson, Josephine Humphreys and John Ellis, Begbies Traynor Group

Professional services firm Begbies Traynor Group is seeing continued growth at its Newcastle upon Tyne office with another four recruits joining the team.

Andrew Grundy has been appointed as director in BTG Advisory, Charlene Carson joins as insolvency manager, Josephine Humphreys comes onboard as senior administrator and John Ellis has been appointed as trainee administrator.

With 17 years’ experience providing banking and finance support, Andrew has held a number of positions with high street banks including Yorkshire Bank, Santander and HSBC. He joins from an accountancy firm where he spent the last three years based at its Durham office, latterly as banking and finance director.

Partner Andrew Little said: “The addition of Andrew Grundy to our BTG Advisory offering gives further strength in depth.

“I am looking forward to working alongside Andrew to provide turnaround, rescue and refinance options as businesses in the region navigate through some difficult times.”

With 20 years’ experience in insolvency, Charlene previously spent 13 years with Begbies Traynor Group in Edinburgh.

Josephine has worked in insolvency for over 20 years, holding positions in a number of accountancy firms in the North East.

John, who starting working with the firm as an intern in July 2019 and has held a part-time role while he completed his BA in Business Management at Northumbria University has been offered a full time, permanent position.

Partner Gillian Sayburn commented: “We’re building out the team to ensure we cement our position as the leading national business recovery and financial advisory service group in the region.

“With the challenges facing businesses continuing, combined with further pressures as Government support measures are withdrawn, we are, unfortunately expecting greater demand for our services later in the year. We want to ensure that businesses in the North East know we have the experience and quality in our team to support them.”

Mario Patrocollo, Seaweed & Co

Health and nutrition business Seaweed & Co has appointed Mario Patrocollo as non-executive director and chairman of the board.

Mario, who has experience in the pharmaceutical and nutritional sector as well as managing and developing large global businesses at the highest levels, will remain adviser to the co-COO of Walgreen Boots Alliance, alongside other positions.

Founder and managing director Dr Craig Rose – aka Doctor Seaweed – commented: “We are delighted to welcome Mario to the team at a time when we are expanding into new product sectors and new geographic areas.

“is experience in pharmaceuticals, OTC and FCMG is second to none and he has worked with companies from fast-growing start-up challengers to multi-nationals at the highest strategic levels. His appointment will help us to take advantage of the enormous potential of seaward and position us as market leader across the globe.

“We are incredibly excited to have such a globally experienced person such as Mario involved, and it is a privilege to be able to learn from his phenomenal experience and expertise that he will undoubtedly bring to the team.”

Mario added: “It’s a real delight to be joining Seaweed & Co as board chairman and non- executive director and I am looking forward to driving the future company’s growth plans over the next few years.

“I was impressed by the team’s passion, innovation and sustainable way of working and I am confident that together we will be able to carve out a healthy market share of this booming global industry.”

Kelly Nicholson, Care Matters

Care-at-home provider Care Matters, has appointed Kelly Nicholson to its management team.

Kelly has almost 30 years as a professional in the care sector, and will work with registered manager Steve Hutchinson to manage five office-based staff in Stockton as well as over 80 local care workers.

Lisa Spark, managing director of Care Matters, commented: “Kelly brings with her a wealth of knowledge in care, and has so much experience to share across the company.

“She works extremely well under pressure and will undoubtedly help to ensure the safety and well-being of our clients.

“Having her on board also enables us to push on with plans to grow the company further, and provide care to even more people in the region as the year progresses.”

Louise Gilbey, razorblue

Managed IT service provider razorblue has appointed Louise Gilbey as business development manager.

In her new role, Louise will be focused on raising razorblue’s profile even further and building relationships with prospective clients.

Louise said: “I’ve been very aware of razorblue by its excellent reputation over the years and love the company’s drive to provide not just solutions and services, but the best possible customer experience.

“I’m thrilled to be working with such a dedicated team and can’t wait to get stuck in.”

Dan Kitchen, CEO of razorblue , added: “Louise has an impressive track record in business development and is well-known across the North East region.

“Having her on board really sets us up to continue growing and supporting businesses across the UK, and I know she will be a great asset to razorblue.”

Mark Allan and Mike Cratchley, The Materials Processing Institute

The Materials Processing Institute has appointed Mark Allan as group manager for industrial decarbonisation and Mike Cratchley as business development manager. . Mark has experinence in applied research, industrial liaison, and the demonstration of new and renewable energy technology. He also is a specialist in sustainable development leadership and project management and facilitation.

Before joining the Teesside-based Institute, Mark was executive director with the International Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, a non-government organisation, working to improve lives and build local capacity in health, development, and education.

Mark has a MSc in renewable energy systems technology and a Bsc (joint honours) in chemistry and material science.

Mark said: “The Institute is an internationally-renowned organisation, and I look forward to contributing towards achieving the decarbonisation of our foundation industries.”

Mike brings a range of business startup and growth experience to his new role, having started and grown several SME enterprises during his career.

Mike is also an experienced growth coach and mentor, having advised more than 100 SME owners on how best to scale up their businesses.

Chris McDonald, the chief executive of the Institute, commented: “I’d like to welcome both Mark and Mike to the Institute.

“Both possess impressive track records in their own particular fields and bring with them a wealth of expertise and knowledge that will strengthen our mission to accelerate developments to decarbonise industrial and commercial processes and support new businesses to grow and innovate.”

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