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This week’s North East appointments

A roundup of appointments from across the region this week.

Charlie Nettle, AV Dawson

Middlesbrough-based AV Dawson has appointed Charlie Nettle as its head of marketing and business development to help steer the business through its next phase of growth.

Charlie joins the logistics specialists from the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC), where he was head of marketing for more than six years. Over the last 12 months he has been the architect behind NECC’s successful 200th anniversary campaign which included breaking a Guinness World Record, holding the largest business dinner in the region and the publication of ‘Apprentice Greats’; 200 business leaders that began life as apprentices in the region.

Charlie said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Chamber. The 200th anniversary has been a landmark year for NECC and as this draws to a close it seems like the ideal time for me to look at a new challenge.

“The opportunity to join such an innovative, rapidly-growing business is one that could not be missed. With cranes, trains, shipping and trucks it’s a new sector for me and I’m very much looking forward to it.

“AV Dawson has created a fantastic reputation for its expertise and the incredible multimodal facilities it has. I’m excited to be part of this great Teesside business as we start the next chapter of its journey of growth and success.”

Peter Swift, DarntonB3

Newly merged DarntonB3 Architecture has announced the appointment of a new Head of its Newcastle office, Peter Swift.

With almost 30 years experience, Peter has worked on some major projects in the city including St James Gate and Newgate Shopping Centre. He is a former director of North East based architectural practices and has previous experience of mergers. Most recently he ran his own business, Swift Architects.

In his new role, he will be responsible for leading the Newcastle office, growing the business, nurturing existing markets and clients, whilst developing new opportunities.

Peter said: “Following the businesses’ recent successful merger to create DarntonB3 Architecture this is an incredibly exciting time for the practice as it moves forward stronger than ever before.

“I can’t wait to get started and use my experience to develop the existing team of talented individuals. I am also delighted to be working back in town after a number of years running my own business and to be part of such a large consultancy with a national and international profile.”

Nick Wesson, H&H Insurance Brokers

Independent insurance brokers, H&H Insurance Brokers has announced the appointment of Nick Wesson as Account Handler for the North East.

Certified through the Chartered Insurance Institute, Nick has worked in the insurance industry sector for over 14 years, and joins H&H Insurance Brokers from BIB Insurance/Towergate where he worked as a Corporate/Commercial Account Handler.

Based in the Durham office of H&H Insurance Brokers, the experience Nick has gained from his previous role at BIB/Towergate Partnership and as a Business Development Manager for APC Underwriting, will provide a firm foundation to expedite his role as an Account Handler efficiently, and with a great deal of expertise.

On taking up his position Nick said: “H&H are a very dynamic and progressive company, and I am really excited to be joining the team. It’s really important to me to be able to maintain and foster solid client relationships.

“Having worked in the insurance sector for a number of years, I have the technical knowledge and client servicing experience and am committed to continuing my personal and career development within H&H. I am especially looking forward to exploring new opportunities, and to be able to pursue any ongoing training and qualifications, which will be made available to me.”

Aero Networks

Cloud computing and IT services, Aero Networks has taken on Ben Curry, Lewis Jopling and Chris Nichol as IT support engineers and Shanice Morgan as a Business Development Associate.

Paul Curry, Managing Director, said: “Employing young people adds a new level of diversity and enthusiasm to the business. They are all positive thinkers, full of fresh ideas, all focused on delivering a high level of service to our clients.

“I think companies are sometimes put off taking on young people; not Aero. The level and speed at which the team can adapt to new technologies and concepts has been outstanding since day one.

“First impressions go along way with myself and while I originally only wanted to take on one apprentice, Lewis and Chris impressed, so I hired them both.”

Scott Logic

Growing software firm Scott Logic has recruited six new hires.

Based in Newcastle’s St James’ Gate, the firm has appointed three software developers, two senior developers and a senior marketing executive.

The company, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in September 2015, started the year with around 140 staff, and by mid-month, will have almost 190 after the last of the six December hires join its Newcastle and Bristol offices respectively.

John Wright, Recruitment Manager, explained: “December is traditionally seen as a slow month for recruitment and it’s relatively rare to be busy in terms of new starters joining this close to Christmas, so we’re delighted to have avoided this seasonal dip in activity.

“Rather, we’ve seen talented applicants come forward, not just for technical roles at Scott Logic at all levels of seniority, but also to join our vital support functions, and we’ve been fortunate not only to secure these six individuals in post, but in developing a strong and steady pipeline of people who will start at the company early in the new year.”

David Harries, Westray Recruitment Consultants

David Harries has joined Westray Recruitment Consultants as the company’s Senior Appointments Manager.

With over 15 years’ multi-sector experience, David joins the Team Valley-based firm’s Professional Division.