Member Article

This week’s North East appointments

A roundup of appointments from across the region this week.

Dan Appleby, JUMP

Newcastle-based JUMP has appointed Dan Appleby as its new managing director after 14 years working in senior client-servicing roles with award-winning creative agencies in Newcastle and London.

As part of the strategic strengthening of its executive team, JUMP’s co-founder and technical director Robert Brown is moving into a new chief executive position, while fellow co-founder Lucy Batley retains her role as creative director.

Set up in 2007, JUMP offers the full range of design and digital commerce services to a growing roster of regional and national clients, from the National Trust, Kilfrost and technical outdoor clothing manufacturer Montane through to Newcastle’s Business Improvement District company NE1, Northumberland development company Arch and The People’s Theatre.

Dan Appleby says: “The thing that impressed me most was Rob and Lucy’s passion for the work that the team at JUMP produce. Having seen some of the projects for which the team has been responsible, I know there is a huge amount of talent here and that we’re highly capable of producing great design and technical solutions for our clients.

“My experiences of working closely with clients to develop and implement effective marketing strategies and campaigns complement the skills of the JUMP team extremely well, and I’ll be looking to help grow the business by bringing in new and ambitious clients who want to add value to their businesses through the use of creativity and technology.”

Mark Johnston, TEDCO

North East enterprise agency TEDCO Business Support has strengthened the expertise provided to start-ups and entrepreneurs in the region with the appointment of Mark Johnston as business advisor.

Mark, from Hartburn in Stockton-on-Tees, will work to provide knowledge, expertise and guidance in a number of key areas with particular emphasis upon robust business planning, accessing start-up funding and unlocking future growth potential to create sustainable enterprises which can generate additional employment opportunities in the region.

In his new role, he will be focusing upon Durham, Darlington, Teesside and Redcar and joins TEDCO with a background in business banking having worked in the sector for eight years before a period of self employment.

Mark Johnston said: “For any would-be business owner, accessing financial support remains one of the biggest obstacles and my knowledge of business banking will provide invaluable insight and ensure that people are in the best possible position when it comes to making those applications. We work closely with each individual to scrutinise every aspect and challenge them on key areas of their financial planning and forecasting.”

Damien Lagan, Securiclad

High security modular panel system manufacturer Securiclad has expanded its team with the appointment of a new technical sales person.

Damien Lagan has joined the North East England-based firm as part of Securiclad’s on-going growth strategy - he will be responsible for increasing market awareness of the company’s unique physical security system solutions, and will work closely with clients and contractors from production to delivery.

Damien Lagan said: “Securiclad is operating at the forefront of the physical security sector and is a true innovator in its field. It’s therefore very exciting to be supporting the company in realising its growth objectives and to be able to bring my experience to bear in my work with contractors and end-users. And having worked and raised a family in South Africa during a very turbulent time, I’m well aware of the importance of physical security.

“I’m very much looking forward to being part of a vibrant and forward-thinking company that is helping to address the security challenges posed by criminals and terrorist organisations.”

Sohe

Three hospitality professionals have travelled across the globe to the North East to begin new careers at Jesmond-based bar and restaurant Sohe.

Alban Tabaku, better known as ‘Albi’, has brought his passion for flavour to the kitchen as head chef. The 35-year-old from Albania moved to the UK 16 years ago to diversify his experience, after learning his craft working at restaurants in Italy specialising in European and Asian cooking.

Albi said: “We’ve been working hard on designing the autumn winter menu as well as special courses for Christmas and New Year so it’s been really rewarding to see my ideas being realised and getting the chance to serve up dishes I’m truly excited about.”

Taking on the position of bar manager is Ami St. Claire. The 30-year-old Australian has called the North East home after falling in love with the region when visiting the UK as part of a round the world trip six years ago.

Ami said: “After moving to the North East I really discovered my passion for cocktail making, as my first job was working behind a bar.

“Since starting my new role at Sohe, I’ve loved having the chance to play around with different blends, creating new cocktails for our drinks menu and taking some inspiration from my native Australia – using exotic flavours to pair perfectly with the style of cuisine that we’re known for.”

24-year-old Steven Talbot from Washington has joined the venue as restaurant manager after progressing through the ranks within the company at various sites over seven years.

Completing Sohe’s recent round of appointments is 30-year-old Eleonora Pavoni as restaurant floor supervisor. Originally from Italy, Eleonora – who moved to Newcastle from Ireland – counts Asia and Australia amongst her travel portfolio and has built an industry portfolio in the UK with the likes of Popolo, Gusto and Manchester’s Australasia.

Simon Wright, general manager at Sohe, said: “We’re thrilled to have welcomed our new recruits, bringing together talent from across the world. One of the things we pride ourselves on is our dedicated team of employees, who each contribute their own skills and expertise.

“With Alban heading up our kitchen, Ami unleashing her creativity behind the bar and Steven and Eleonora looking after our diners in the restaurant, we’re certainly in safe hands and looking forward to the season ahead.”

Abi Culley, Home Group

Newcastle-based Home Group, one of the UK’s largest providers of affordable housing, has strengthened its position in the private residential sales and shared ownership sector with the appointment of a new head of sales and marketing.

Abi Culley brings more than eight years’ experience and expertise in residential development, valuation, sales and marketing to the position, having previously held roles at sustainable developers Citu and leading provider of residential property services, LSL Property Services plc.

“I’m delighted to be joining at an exciting time for Home Group, as we have ambitious plans to grow our private residential sales activity,” she said. “I look forward to being closely involved in supporting this, working alongside a national team to build awareness of our strong brand and sector offering.”