This week's North East new starts

South Tyneside Manufacturing Forum has employed Jack Hanwell, a former Swan Hunter and Vickers worker, as manager.

Jack spent 23 years with the Tyne-based shipbuilder as an electrician and training officer, and two years as a training officer and project engineer with Newcastle tank maker Vickers.

He said: “I have joined the forum to expand on the excellent work that has gone before me. This is a very exciting time for the forum and its members.

“This includes growing and maintaining its already strong membership and increasing the number of businesses recruiting engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships throughout the borough via South Tyneside College.”

Newcastle based Electro mechanical engineering specialist Houghton International have appointed Hodi Mirafsari as Engineering Project Manager.

Michael Mitten, CEO, commented: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Hodi to the team. His role in leading the engineering, technical and research and development functions will cover both internal and customer projects and his extensive experience and expertise will be instrumental in enabling us to achieve our plans in these critical areas.”

Mike Elliott has joined the Newcastle Racecourse team in a commercial role for a second time around, having moved to Durham County Cricket Club (DCCC) in 2008 following a seven year tenure at High Gosforth Park.

He said: “I’m really pleased to be back at Gosforth Park, it’s like a homecoming. Newcastle Racecourse continues to maintain its position as one of the leading sporting venues in the North East, however I’m keen to build upon this success by engaging the business community to enhance our raceday offer.

“Having spent the past few years working with other high profile sporting venues I look forward to bringing a fresh perspective and new ideas to the role.”

Naylors Chartered Surveyors has appointed Simon Taylor as Head of Office Agency.

Simon joins Naylors from Jones Lang LaSalle where he worked as associate director in office agency for 8 years prior to the closure of the Newcastle office earlier this month.

Bill Naylor, founder of Naylors commented: “Simon is well established in the North East office market and brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience.

“He has a strong client base and will be driving the department forward by securing further high profile instructions. Expanding the team to three people means we now have the largest office agency team in Newcastle and are able to offer an unrivalled level of service to clients.”

Peter Taylor has been appointed area manager for UK Steel Enterprise in the North of England, covering the steel areas of Tees Valley, Derwentside and West Cumbria.

Peter, a chartered accountant and financial analyst, joined UK Steel Enterprise in 2012 as Regional Executive.

He brings a wealth of experience to the Tata Steel business-support subsidiary having previously worked with Coopers & Lybrand (now PwC), KPMG, Clive Owen & Co in Darlington and Barclays Corporate.

Phil Tompkins has joined Ward Hadaway’s Company and Commercial team after more than 15 years’ specialist experience advising clients on commercial contracts, data protection issues and IT/technology contracts.

Colin Hewitt, partner and head of Commercial at Ward Hadaway, said: “Getting on board someone of Phil’s in-depth expertise and considerable reputation is great news for the Company and Commercial team and for the firm as a whole.

“I am sure the team and our clients will greatly benefit from his experience and know-how across a wide range of different sectors.”