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This week’s North East appointments

The chief executive of the Byker Community Trust (BCT), which owns and manages the iconic Byker Wall Estate, has been named as the new Chair of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) North East.

Jill Haley will now take charge of the regional board of the flagship organisation for the next three years.

CIH is the professional body for people who work in housing - the independent voice for housing and the home of professional standards.

The not-for-profit organisation, which has more than 22,000 members around the world, provides housing professionals with advice, support, knowledge, training and qualifications.

Jill, who lives in Sunderland, said: “I’ve been a member of the CIH for over 20 years and being elected to the role of North East Chair is a huge honour.

“I’m hoping to use my three years in the role to maximise the profile of CIH in the North East, as well as promoting the important work done by the organisation nationally.”

A North East tax expert who works alongside Newcastle-based BW Medical Accountants has been appointed to the Head of Tax Technical Team at the Chartered Institute of Tax (CIOT).

38-year-old Stephen Relf has worked in the industry for over 15 years, and will now lead the Tax Technical Team as it puts forward its view on tax legislation and administration to the Government and other bodies including the European Commission.

Stephen said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed to this prestigious role and to working alongside my fellow peers in the taxation profession. Since I began working alongside BW Medical Accountants last summer, it has been an incredibly exciting time for me.”

Peter Waller, head of Tax, BW Medical Accountants, said: “It is fantastic that the leading CIOT role has been appointed to someone from the North East, which is an incredible achievement and proves Stephen is a nationally recognised expert in taxation.

“These positions are, more often than not, given to people in the south of the country and so it is a real coup for Stephen and for us as specialist medical accountants.”

Andy McFarlane with father Kevin McFarlane

Kevin McFarlane has become chairman of Whitley Bay-based engineering and construction inspection services outfit Mactechs.

Kevin is the owner and founder of the business, holding over 35 years business management, inspection and recruitment experience in the energy and construction sectors.

His son Andrew McFarlane steps into the role of managing director.

Kevin said: “Following 27 years in the driving seat I am delighted to find myself in the position to confidently pass the reins of MD over to Andrew McFarlane. This position was not offered to Andrew because of our personal relationship, the position had to be earned and the ability proven.

“I am sure we will see Mactech continue to grow at a steady pace without taking our eye off the quality of the service or the ethical principles we have always embraced, I wish him every success for the future.”

Patrick Ferguson

Newcastle Building Society (NBS) has appointed former group risk executive Patrick Ferguson to its board.

Patrick will now fulfil the role of strategy planning and risk director.

He has worked for the Society since 2010 and has significant experience of the building society sector having held posts as a finance director, general manager and as head of strategy and planning.

Phil Moorhouse, NBS’ chairman, said: “Patrick’s reputation and experience of the mutual sector, risk management and his strong financial background makes this appointment a significant one for the Society.

“Having such a role at this level is an important step forward for our Board and will compliment the expertise we already have on it.”

Anthony (right) with (left) fellow director John Richards and managing director Mike Pott (centre).

RMT Accountants & Business Advisors have strengthened their senior management team with the promotion of Anthony Andreasen to a new director of corporate tax role.

Andreasen, who has worked for RMT for the last decade, joins the Gosforth-based firm’s existing five-strong team of directors, and will now take a wider role within the practice’s operation and business development.

Mike Pott, managing director at RMT, said: “Anthony has made a very significant contribution to RMT’s success over the last decade, and to the success of the businesses with which he works so closely. He fully deserves the recognition that comes with his new position.

“Providing opportunities for our staff to develop their knowledge and their careers with us has always been central to RMT’s way of working and Anthony’s progression is a great example of what can be achieved here.”

Law firm Bond Dickinson has strengthened its Casualty Risks team with the recruitment of new director Paul Hughes, who is based in the firm’s Newcastle office.

Paul joins Bond Dickinson from DWF where he was a partner.

He has 24 years’ experience in dealing with injury claims on behalf of insurers, self-insured companies and their representatives.

Casualty risks partner David Brown said: “We are delighted to welcome Paul to our team. He has a wealth of experience advising insurers and companies on casualty claims and is a great addition to our team.

“Paul’s focus will be to develop the firm’s work in motor injury and I look forward to working with him on this project.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .