Partner Article

This week’s new appointments

North East Access to Finance (NEA2F) are celebrating the appointment of a new Chief Operating Office, Stephen Lightley. Stephen has over 30 years experience in the financial sector, so is well placed to oversee the operations of NEA2F, which specialises in helping SMEs gain access to finance.He has previously worked at KPMG, Haines Watts and as CEO of an AIM listed professional services company.

Until recently, he has been running his own business consultancy to provide accountancy and financial services to North East businesses. Chairman of NEA2F Hugh Morgan Williams said: “Stephen will play a critical part in the development of all of our initiatives including our highly successful “Routes to Investment” programme of workshops which help businesses prepare themselves better to access funding”.

Latimer Hinks Solicitors in Darlington are celebrating the addition of a new lawyer to their commercial property department. Michael Shuker joins the firm after spending the last decade at Watson Burton, where he was a member of the commercial property and real estate team. During his time there he gained experience in concluding lease and sale deals for and of businesses both in the UK and overseas.

Latimer Hinks Managing and senior partner Tim Haggie said: “The addition of Michael to our team builds upon the extensive experience we have in commercial properly, reaching beyond the boundaries of what would be seen as the norm for a local firm, both in terms of service and in the geographical spread of our clients.

Able UK have appointed a new Managing Director to the company. Andrew Jacques. Who was previously in the position of Group Operations Director with Able UK will now work along side the group’s executive chairman and founder Peter Stephenson. Andrew has worked for the company for the past 12 years in a wide variety of roles including construction, demolition and disposal.

Mr Jacques said: “As a native of Hartlepool I am proud to be able to continue playing a role in the development of one of Teesside’s most successful companies which is recognised as world leader in a number of different fields.

A new bar and restaurant in Newcastle city centre is set to create up to 20 new jobs. Owner of Mimo cocktail bar and kitchen Tony Knox has appointed three new bar managers: Craig Walker and his children Katrina and Oliver Knox as well as head chef Robert Anderson.

Tony said: “It has been great to bring Catrina and Oliver onboard, together they make a winning combination when you throw Craig and Robert into the mix.”

Sanderson Weatherall have taken on three graduates to its North East Professional Services teams. Dan Brown, Tom Osborne and Will Price, all from Northumbria University will now begin working on projects in and around the North East.

Partner for valuation at Sanderson Weatherall LLP, David Downing, said: “I’m delighted to have young professionals of Dan, Tom and Will’s calibre join us.We are seeing an increase in demand for services such as property management, valuation and rating. As development continues to struggle more companies are looking inward, wanting to make the most of the assets they have.

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