This week's North East appointments

O PR, Lexi Gunn and Ellie McParlin

Newcastle integrated communications agency O PR has expanded, adding Lexi Gunn and Ellie McParlin to the team.

Lexi Gunn has extended her one-day a week placement into a full-time graduate internship at the company, and new senior account executive Ellie McParlin has returned to the North East after moving away to study at Leeds University, where she graduated in journalism and public relations.

Ellie, 23 has since worked for a number of PR agencies in Yorkshire before deciding to return to her roots and join the O team.

Lexi said: “I always liked the idea of PR but I wanted to get a real scope of what it was really like. After securing two weeks’ work experience at O, I was over the moon when they invited me to stay on as their Opprentice.

“I love the environment and the team’s approach; they are all innovative and forward-thinking and I am constantly learning. I really enjoy creating content for multi-channel campaigns from social media one minute to a video news release the next.”

Ellie said: “I was thrilled to be offered the position at O PR. I’m so excited about being back in the North East and getting to work for such a renowned agency in my home town is a dream come true.”

Managing director Kari Owers said: “We love to welcome new talent here at O and offer routes of fast-progression into the industry for those we take on. Lexi is a prime example of this, advancing from our Opprentice to PR Assistant straight from university.

“We also provide our Ocademy training school for everyone, regardless of their age or role, to receive on-going learning in new methods of communication in this fast-paced industry. Both new recruits are a great asset to our team here in Ouseburn.”

Evolution LLP, Tim Mallon

Business and tax advisory firm Evolution LLP has made a key promotion as it looks to the future.

Tim Mallon, who originally joined the accountancy practice as a tax director in November 2013, has been promoted to associate member whilst continuing to lead the tax services team.

Mr Mallon, who joins Joanne Regan as associate member for the practice, said: “Everyone in the team has made me feel very welcome and I was only too pleased to commit my future with the firm.

“It will be great to be involved in the running of a growing business, which is forward thinking not just for itself but for its clients.”

Managing partner, Martin Barber commented: “I am very proud of the firm’s growth since its formation and it is always rewarding to see our team progress. There are very exciting times ahead for Evolution.”

r//evolution, Joe Jackson

A North East-based integrated brand communication consultancy, r//evolution, has expanded its team after announcing the appointment of a new front end developer.

Joe Jackson join the teams, located at the Northern Design Centre in Gateshead, putting his wide range of skills into practice, predominantly assisting in the coding and visual content development of clients’ websites.

Commenting on his appointment, Joe said: “I’m really pleased to join a consultancy that has such a diverse client portfolio. When working with clients, r//evolution always takes an outside-the-box approach and I am really excited by this creativity. I’m eager to get involved in a variety of proposals and contribute to the growing success of r//evolution.”

Adam Blenkinsop, head of digital at r//evolution, added: “Recently, we identified the need to expand our digital team due to strong growth from new client wins and the increasing demand for repeat work from our existing clients.

“Joe is undoubtedly a welcome addition to the team and we’re excited to be part of his development and progression at r//evolution.”

Kevin Lee Accountants, Tom Lee

A newly established accountancy firm which was launched in May 2014 has appointed another member of staff.

Kevin Lee Accountants - which has been set up by award winning accountant, Kevin Lee, (former director at Harlands Accountants), is making it a family affair, with the appointment of his son, Tom.

Kevin said: “Tom has just graduated from University College London (UCL) and was looking for a career in accountancy. He was so impressed by my success that I persuaded him to follow in my footsteps.

“He has always wanted to be his own boss and is really excited about it and I will be here to give him guidance and support. Tom joined us on 1st June and is already making an impact on the business.

DTZ (Newcastle), David Benwell

DTZ has appointed David Benwell as Facilities Manager based in DTZ’s Newcastle office.

With a strong background in construction projects and building management, David will be responsible for the delivery of Facilities Management services to DTZ’s managed properties throughout the North East on behalf of clients including DTZ Investment Management, Newcastle City Council and RIBA Enterprises Ltd.

Carl Howarth, head of Property Management for DTZ Leeds and Newcastle commented: “David is a welcome addition to the team and a natural fit in giving our clients best in class property management services.

“FM is an intrinsic part of adding value to our clients’ property assets, whilst at the same time minimising risk and delivering effective workspace environments for our occupiers.”

Trumpet Communications, Jodie Balmer

Following a surge in demand for its services, Trumpet Communications Ltd, owned by Anna Baxter, PR and marketing consultant Jodie Balmer will be helping to secure new business in both Yorkshire and the North East

The communications and PR firm acquired four new clients in the first half of the year with another client contract starting in August.

Anna said: “I’m delighted to have Jodie on board as we really start to focus on growing the business and our team. I established Trumpet in 2012 with the ambition to grow it steadily on my own until such a time came where I needed more help, and that time has now come, especially on the PR front.