Member Article

This week's North East appointments

A roundup of appointments from across the region this week.

Katie Gorwits, The Biscuit Factory

The Biscuit Factory, the UK’s largest arts, craft and design gallery located in the Ouseburn valley, has appointed 22-year-old Katie Gorwits from Newcastle as its new Events Coordinator.

In her new role, Katie will be working with a range of clients from the corporate and charity sectors to plan and manage their events – covering everything from boardroom style meetings to large-scale awards dinners accommodating up to 300 people. She will also be working closely with brides and grooms-to-be, to organise and deliver their perfect wedding day.

Katie - who has an MA in Arts, Business and Creativity from Newcastle University - is looking to build on her experience to date, which includes coordinating a number of local fashion events.

Katie said: “I’m delighted to be joining such a dynamic business. The Biscuit Factory’s purpose-built function space, The Biscuit Room only opened a year ago and it’s attracted a diverse range of clients in that time.

“There’s lots going on and I’m looking forward to working with the team on a variety of events within this inspiring cultural venue.”

Sarah Furness and Lucy Gray, Hay & Kilner

Newcastle law firm Hay & Kilner, has announced three promotions within its Employment, Commercial Disputes and Construction departments, reflecting the strong performance of the individuals and those teams.

Sarah Furness and Lucy Gray have been appointed to partner within the firm’s Employment and Commercial Disputes departments respectively, whilst Jan Rzedzian has been promoted to associate within the Construction department.

Speaking of the promotions, Martin Soloman, Senior Partner at Hay & Kilner, said: “It is great to see our people develop professionally and personally at Hay & Kilner, whether joining us as a trainee or later in their career. Sarah, Lucy and Jan have contributed much to Hay & Kilner over a number of years and their promotions are thoroughly deserved.”

Sandra Paquotte, SearchBI

Jesmond-based, IT recruitment specialists, SearchBI has appointed Sandra Paquotte to be responsible for building a client base for the firm, targeting national software consultancies and resellers alongside BI partners.

She said: “I’m delighted to join Search BI as it gears up for further growth and look forward to the management team and customers benefitting from my experience.”

David Hern, Mike Lamb, Turner & Townsend

Turner & Townsend, the global programme management and construction consultancy, has appointed two new senior hires to its Newcastle office to strengthen the business.

The consultancy is expanding its North East team to service new and existing clients across a number of sectors.

Over the next few years, Turner & Townsend’s Newcastle and Teesside offices will be focused on further growing activity in the commercial, retail and infrastructure sectors whilst maintaining the North East.

David Hern joins as Cost Management Director for Newcastle, whilst Mike Lamb is the firm’s new Project Management Director for Newcastle.