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This week’s North East appointments

Our weekly appointments roundup returns, bringing you the latest employment news from across the region.

Connor Chambers and Jack Holmes, Ithica Films

Ithica Films has appointed Connor Chambers and Jack Holmes as filmmakers.

The Middlesbrough based company employed its latest members, after they both impressed while on internships.

Director Matt McGough said: “It’s important to be able to offer these kinds of opportunities to young people on Teesside, whether they come from here or have spent time here at the university.

“As the company’s director, it’s brilliant seeing the team expand as it’s what we set out to do and we also want to use the graduates and apprentices around us.

“It’s very satisfying to be able to do this and as we are hoping to create an industry around the region, it’s important we also create the opportunities for the people around us to get involved.”

Rebekah Milne, The Office Co.

Gateshead serviced and managed accommodation firm The Office Co. has appointed Rebekah Milne as its new sales and marketing director.

Rebkah will be responsible for business development, targeting regional and national organisations for the company’s property services and workspace.

She will also be tasked with building a wider national offering for the company, based on a quality service for clients looking for flexible, high quality accommodation to support their own growth plans and strategies.

“With the emerging creative sector on our horizon coupled with plans for national brand expansion, we are committed to building a team of entrepreneurial leaders.

“This will see an expansion of the core values of The Office Co. to reach and inspire a new generation of business.”

Roger Speirs, Bilfinger GVA Newcastle

Roger Speirs has taken on the role of Regional Senior Director at Bilfinger GVA’s Newcastle office from 1st January 2016.

Roger (46) is currently Director of Valuation Services at the property consultancy firm and has worked in Newcastle since 1991.

Roger said; “We have an experienced and well respected team who are working on some major development projects in the region.

“Moving forward 2016 looks like being another very busy year for us as the demand for property continues to gather pace and clients seek our advice and expertise.

“I am very much looking forward to guiding the team and further developing the range of services we offer, as well as maintaining and improving the profile of Bilfinger GVA in the North East”.

Sara Sproates & Sharon Dews, Pitman Training Newcastle

A Newcastle training company has appointed two new employees to facilitate a growth in business since the firm was bought-out in May 2015.

Sara Sproates, 26, from Gateshead, has been appointed as centre manager and Sharon Dews, 30, from Consett, is now centre supervisor at Pitman Training Newcastle.

Centre manager Sara started out in a part-time support role at the Hood Street-based company two years ago and has worked her way up. She recently completed an MA and was formerly a researcher for Parliament UK and a public affairs consultant.

Sharon was a previously a student of the training provider, studying for an Executive PA Diploma after pursuing a career-change from catering. In her new role Sharon provides student support and manages the course booking system.

Sara Sproates said: “Following the buy-out of the company, we have gone from strength to strength. We now have a clear focus and we’re running at almost full capacity.

“A marketing push has brought a burst of interest from new customers. The training centre is a lot more vibrant and has a buzz about the place. I’m looking forward to driving forward more growth and expansion.”

Bal Manak, Watson Burton

Newcastle-headquartered law firm Watson Burton has announced the promotion of one of its solicitors to associate.

Bal Manak, part of the firm’s construction team, has worked at Watson Burton for more than three years after joining from Sintons LLP.

She said: “Watson Burton’s construction department is one of the most successful in the north – it’s a great team to be part of. I am delighted to have been offered a promotion which I feel will further strengthen the firm’s non-contentious offering.”

Got an appointment story to tell? Contact Jamie at jamie.hardesty@bdaily.co.uk to submit your story for consideration.