This week's North East appointments: Featuring Muckle LLP, Portland, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service & NEBRC

This week’s round up of North East includes Muckle LLP, Portland, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service & NEBRC. Read on to find out more.

Imaan Choudry, Muckle LLP

Newcastle-based law firm has added another solicitor to its ranks, strengthening the firm’s employment and business immigration offerings.

The employment team is ranked in Tier 1 by Legal 500, demonstrating the firm’s expertise as employment law advisers. The team has also enjoyed a period of growth to meet growing client requirements, increasing in headcount by 20 per cent within 12 months.

Teesside-based Imaan Choudry advises clients on all aspects of employment law, ranging from day-to-day HR advice to more complex matters such as tribunal claims and employment law disputes.

Imaan said: “I’m so pleased to be joining the team. It’s clear that Muckle is a great place to work, thanks to its friendly and down-to-earth reputation, impressive client portfolio, and the various awards for its culture.”

Chris Maddock, partner and head of the employment team, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Imaan to the firm; her appointment strengthens our employment team and diversifies our business immigration capabilities. Imaan is already proving to be a great fit for the team, and I am looking forward to working alongside her and seeing her progress in her career here at Muckle”.

Alan Maskell & David Niland, Portland

Leading civil and structural engineers Portland Consulting Engineers (Portland) have appointed two new senior professionals to enhance the quality of service provided to clients.

Operations manager Alan Maskell and senior structural engineer David Niland have joined the company to facilitate further business growth. Alan’s role is one which has been created as part of their ambitious business development plans.

Alan has over 35 years’ experience within the construction industry, in his role he will be responsible for the day-to-day resourcing of projects, ensuring efficiency is maximised and that project milestones are met within deadlines. His other main role will be to implement Portland’s new project management software, streamlining Portland’s processes and increasing the company’s efficiency.

David brings considerable experience in the design and management of structural developments for a range of clients. As a senior engineer he will be responsible for the successful delivery of projects, ensuring that designs meet Portland’s quality standards. In addition, he will be undertaking the day-to-day management of his team of engineers & technicians.

Lee Barr, managing director commented: “We are implementing many new strategic resource changes and are delighted to welcome Alan and David to Portland as part of our dynamic business development processes. Two highly experienced and respected professionals who will help to drive the growth of the company in line with our new business plan.”

Stewart Nicholson, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service

Following a robust selection process a new deputy chief fire officer has today (Monday) been announced at the North East’s largest fire and rescue service. Stewart Nicholson has been announced as the new Deputy Chief Fire Officer at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and will take up his post by November 2023.

Stewart joins Tyne and Wear from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, where he has served as Deputy Assistant Chief Officer. He is the first strategic level appointment made by Peter Heath who will replace Chris Lowther as Chief Fire Officer when he retires at the end of October.

Peter said: “Stewart was the strongest candidate and I look forward to welcoming and working with him when he takes up his role as our new Deputy Chief Fire Officer. He will have the opportunity to bring his ideas to the role and I am excited for him to be joining a new leadership team here in Tyne and Wear.”

Stewart Nicholson said: “I am incredibly proud to have the opportunity to serve as Deputy Chief Fire Officer here in Tyne and Wear. This Service has a reputation as one of the best performing in the country and I am excited to be part of a new leadership team led by Peter.

“There is lots of incredible work taking place across the Service but I am looking forward to bringing new ideas that will help us improve even further. I can’t wait to get started and want to thank Peter, and the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority, for the opportunity to serve as deputy chief fire officer.”

Simon Newton & Costas Moraitis, NEBRC

Simon Newton, CEO of ITPS joins the NEBRC as chair of the Advisory Board, bringing with him 25 years of senior management expertise in the field of IT, financial, professional services and clean energy. He’s played a pivotal part in growing businesses in these sectors and hopes to do the same within the North East’s small business space through improved awareness and access to cyber security expertise.

Simon said, “I’m looking forward to taking up the chair of the NEBRC advisory board and continuing to support the vital work of this worthy organisation. Businesses in the North East and Yorkshire need good advice to help them fight cybercrime and who better to get it from than a police led organisation”

In addition, Costas Moraitis, IT Director of Gleesons has joined the Advisory Board as Vice Chair, bringing valuable experience and ambition to the NEBRC team.

Costas has more than 25 years experiences as a technology professional. During which time, he has helped navigate the demanding pandemic times and kept teams digitally safe. All whilst delivering a clear digital strategy and ambitious projects.

Would you like to see your businesses new hires or promotions featured in the Bdaily appointments news?

Send your submissions to: editor@bdaily.co.uk with ‘APPOINTMENT:’ In the subject.

Submissions should:

  • include the name and job title of the appointee and the business name
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Appointments are published entirely at the discretion of the Bdaily team. Submission does not guarantee publication.


By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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