This week’s North East appointments

Hayley Fell - Evolved Search

Newcastle based search marketing agency, Evolved Search, has announced it has promoted Hayley Fell to client services & delivery director.

Hayley, who joined the business in 2018 as an account manager, has been a part of the senior leadership team since becoming head of client Services in March 2020, working to build and develop the agency’s ever-growing client services division.

As client services and delivery director, she will be responsible for all the overall client experience; ensuring all accounts are managed effectively and efficiently from a relationship, delivery, and commercial perspective, as well as overseeing the agency’s client-facing resources.

She will also play an active role in wider agency decisions to deliver against Evolved’s vision and growth plan. The agency is on track to exceed 5m in management fees in its current financial year and aims to double this to £10m annual revenue by the end of their 2024 financial year.

Hayley said: “I’m thrilled to be taking this important step up and could never have imagined I’d be given a director-level position when I joined the business just under three years ago. I’m so excited to continue my journey with Evolved Search, supporting the agency as we continue our path to further growth.”

Managing director, Ian McIntosh, added: “Hayley has been a key member of the team as we’ve grown substantially over the past few years and has put her everything into building a client services division that ensures a fantastic experience for all.

“We were fortunate to have retained 100% of our client base over the course of the pandemic and I have no doubt that our concerted efforts with Client Services is a key reason why, which is a testament to Hayley and her team.”

Kayla McCombe - The Paul Gough Group

A forward-thinking company with business interests in the North East and Florida is continuing its expansion.

Part of The Paul Gough Group, The Paul Gough Physio Rooms, has appointed a new general manager, with Kayla McCombe arriving after spending 6 years with a national chain of fitness centres.

Paul said: “These are really exciting times for the small businesses community and progressive businesses. We have managed to headhunt a senior member of staff from a national chain of gyms to come and work for us, which is no mean feat.

“It’s a real positive step to be able to attract someone of Kayla’s calibre and experience to the Paul Gough Physio Rooms. Kayla’s knowledge in helping improve the operations and systems will be a big asset and I hope our clients will recognise and appreciate the difference.”

Kayla said: “I saw the job on LinkedIn and it really intrigued me, so I did my homework and looked at the company, looked at Paul and what he did. I knew of Paul but not the extent or size of the group of businesses.

“I felt passionate about being part of this company, knowing there’s so much knowledge to tap into from Paul. I am looking forward to the future and the end result: in 2024 we want new services, new clinics and more. That is the exciting part and it’s all about how we get there.”

Jodie Balmer, Eve Daly - McBryde & Co

McBryde & Co, specialising in business to business PR and content marketing, was launched by founder and director Rachel McBryde in September 2019. Jodie Balmer and Eve Daly have now joined the team.

Senior PR and content manager Jodie brings with her experience acquired over a decade in marketing, public relations, and social media. Jodie previously worked at agencies including W North and Havas Red in Melbourne as well as at NGI Solutions.

Content executive Eve graduated from Newcastle University in July 2021 with combined honours in English Literature and History. She has experience working at regional media outlets including Living North.

Commenting on the new appointments, Mrs McBryde said: “I am delighted to welcome Jodie and Eve to the team. Jodie brings with her expertise and a talent for cutting through highly technical content to tell creative stories for our clients, who often deliver complex products and services.”

Jodie said: “It’s exciting to develop our portfolio of clients in the energy sector. I am fortunate to work alongside several national companies delivering cutting edge technologies from right here in the North East, and exporting them globally.

“The North East is fast becoming a world-leader in the sector and it’s thrilling to be part of a movement that not only benefits our region but also our planet.”

Eve added: “After studying a combined honours degree in English Literature and History, I recognised that writing and researching were two of my strongest skills which I believe here I can put to good use.

“I was attracted to McBryde & Co because I am eager to become a part of an energetic, rapidly growing business. The renewable energy companies we support are, in essence, the key to a sustainable future - something close to my heart.”

Laura Marriott, Nathan Turner, Emily Edwards, Rebecca Elliott, Jonny Smith - Haines Watts

Haines Watts have continued to strengthen their Newcastle based audit team with 5 new appointments in the last 12 months, as well as adding a ream of new clients to their portfolio of regional businesses.

The new team members have joined at a range of different levels, from graduates to managers. Laura Marriott, Nathan Turner and Emily Edwards all joined Haines Watts having previously worked at a big four firm, whilst Rebecca Elliott and Jonny Smith are both new to audit, joining the team with experience in different industries.

Laura Marriott, audit manager, said: “I’ve really enjoyed settling within the team, and beginning to meet a wide range of clients. I have been able to easily slot in with the team which has made it a smooth transition.

“This is a really exciting time to be joining Haines Watts as it continues in its growth. We have recently won some large, exciting clients that I can’t wait to be involved in and to add value to through my Audit Manager role.”

Commenting on the growth of her team, associate partner and corporate audit lead Nicola Bell said: “I am delighted to have welcomed more great people to our growing team this year.

“With potential changes lying ahead in the industry and increased focus on audit quality, it’s crucial to have a team who are passionate about the profession, and one that takes a proactive approach to meet the ever-changing needs of businesses.

“By always striving to improve our audit procedures, and tailoring our approach to each and every client, that’s exactly what our team offers.Now we’re looking forward to further strengthening relationships with our clients and each other, as we get back to more face-to-face fieldwork and meetings.”

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