This week's North East appointments

Sharon Grant, North East Institute of Technology

New College Durham has appointed Sharon Grant as director of the North East Institute of Technology.

Sharon brings over 19 years’ experience in education and training to the position including almost 17 years at Durham High School for Girls where she rose through the ranks from newly qualified Chemistry Teacher to Head of Science and Chemistry.

During her time there, Sharon was involved with networking and establishment of multiple academic and commercial institute relationships and acted as Chair of the Teaching and Learning Committee. Sharon will be responsible for taking the North East Institute of Technology forward.

Sharon commented: “The role of director of North East Institute of Technology really appealed to me as it aligned so perfectly with two of my greatest passions: the promotion of STEM and improving awareness of the range of routes and roles within the different sectors.

“I am really looking forward to working with all nine partners and making new relationships across the whole of the North East.

“It is such an exciting time for the region with so much happening in STEM, hopefully through effective collaboration between the NEIoT partners and local businesses we will be able to generate a talent pipeline that is increasingly work ready.”

Karl Fairley, deputy chief executive at New College Durham, added: “Sharon will play an integral part in the future of the North East Institute of Technology.

“Her background in STEM, along with her wealth of knowledge and extensive experience, will be invaluable in supporting the North East Institute of Technology during the next stage of growth. We wish her every success in this newly established role.”

Ashleigh Newbold, The Manor House Hotel

The Manor House Hotel has appointed Ashleigh Newbold as spa manager.

Ashleigh brings over 10 years’ experience to the role, having previously been spa manager at other North East hotels as well as business manager for the Coty nail brand.

Ashleigh commented, “It’s a fantastic opportunity at the Manor House to be able to appoint and train our staff in the various specialities which we can now offer – the Spa facilities are superb and we’re already booking up a month before we officially re-open.

“I think the decision to invest in such a massive upgrade whilst being forced to close due to the pandemic convinced me of management’s determination to create a superb facility.”

Jack Mason and Alina Bux, Colehouse Communications

Digital marketing agency Colehouse Communications has appointed Jack Mason as account manager and Alina Bux as web developer.

Teesside University graduate Jack has taken his new role following an internship placement organised through the university’s graduate programme, and will be responsible for client communications and managing campaigns.

Jack commented: “I studied sports management and marketing at university, which although had a sporting context, taught me a lot of general knowledge in the management and marketing space.

“Finding the opportunity with Colehouse has enabled me to further explore my passion for working within the digital environment in the Tees Valley, in a marketing and managerial role.

“The plethora of skills and experiences I have already learned whilst working at Colehouse has been massive, everything from Facebook advertising to the managing of a range of clients - it is enabling me to expand my portfolio massively.”

Joining Colehouse initially as an apprentice after studying English literature, health and social care and psychology at Stockton Sixth Form College, Alina was offered a full-time web developer position.

Alina said: “This is an amazing opportunity and I’d like to say a huge thank you to Steve [founder of Colehouse Communications] for everything.

“I’ve learned so much within the past nine months and I’m looking forward to working full time at Colehouse.”

Steven Cole, managing director of Colehouse Communications, added: “Appointing Jack and Alina was a natural step forward for us in terms of agency growth, with both excelling in their roles during their respective internship and apprenticeship.

“Throughout Jack’s internship he excelled at dealing with clients and the internal team, leading on a couple of major projects, so his appointment is a natural fit and of great importance to our future growth plans.

“Since beginning with us, Alina has led on development for some key clients and projects and really shone, hence why we offered her the permanent role.”

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