Partner Article

Monday Movers: Latest North East appointments

A FORMER banker from Newcastle is putting her business sense to good use with a new job in luxury fashion.

Emma Gibbon, 28, has joined online retailer designerdesirables.com to head up new business development. Emma, who now lives in Northumberland, will be responsible for developing the firm’s collection of brands as well as travelling around Europe to purchase the latest lines.

With a good head for figures thanks to over four years at the Northern Rock, coupled with a passion for fashion discovered in an earlier role with department store, Fenwick - Emma brings a wealth of commercial experience to the firm, whose turnover has increased by 150% in the last 12 months.

“What’s the best thing about my new job, the shopping of course!” said Emma.

“It’s the perfect role for me as I get to put my love of fashion to good use while taking on the tougher, business side of retail.

“It’s a hugely exciting time to join the company. Designer Desirables was a finalist at the 2010 Drapers Etail Awards which put the team alongside some really impressive, established international brands and we are continuing to grow by about 100% per annum, so there are loads of opportunities and potential developments to consider.”

Meanwhile, Jacksons Law Firm has promoted Alistair Smith to partner as of 1st May 2010.

Alistair qualified as a solicitor in 2000 and has since specialised in Jacksons’ employment law team. He was instrumental in Jacksons’ expansion to its new premises in central Newcastle, which he has successfully managed since its opening in 2009.

As well as advising local and national commercial clients on the full range of employment law issues, Alistair was recently appointed as the Legal Adviser to the Disputes and Disciplinary Committee of the Federation of Small Businesses.

Kevin Fletcher, senior partner and head of Jacksons’ employment law team, said: “Alistair’s promotion to partner is testament to his hard work and commitment to Jacksons and particularly to the firm’s Newcastle practice. Jacksons is committed to expanding its offering in the North East and Alistair’s appointment is evidence of that fact.”

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This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .