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This week’s North East appointments

A roundup of appointments from across the region this week.

Nola Collinson, Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter

Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter has strengthened its team with the appointment of sales manager, Nola Collinson.

With over 14 years’ hospitality and sales experience working in the North East and South East of England, Nola’s varied roles include positions at venues ranging from city centre corporate-led properties to Castles.

Her role as sales manager will involve communicating with corporate clients, building relationships with the local and regional business community and hosting events to showcase the hotel, maintaining its reputation as the place to do business in Newcastle.

Nola, said: “Newcastle is fantastic, after being in the South East for a couple years coming home just felt great and once again I appreciated what a great city we have to live and work in.

“My aspirations are to make sure that Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter known as the number one venue in the North East for business while continuing to grow and strengthen the hotel’s portfolio of corporate clients across the region.”

Joanne Luther, Lugano Group

Lugano Group, the Newcastle-based investment and development business, has hired community engagement specialist Joanne Luther as communications consultant, a new role which reflects its intention to fully engage local communities in new projects.

Ms Luther will oversee all corporate communications activity including community consultation, event management, media relations, social media and advertising - ensuring the firm meets all statutory requirements under the Localism Bill.

Joanne, from East Boldon in South Tyneside, said: “It’s a very exciting time to join Lugano Group, as it plans a number of acquisitions and further investment in its existing assets.

“I share the board’s passion for working closely with the communities who will benefit from Lugano Group’s future residential and commercial developments to ensure their input is central to the planning process, and I can’t wait to get started on my first project.” Jason Turner, NEPRO

Jason Turner has joined NEPRO, the neutral vendor provider of consultancy and professional services, as the new Director of Operations. His appointment supports the company’s vision to become the chosen route for the procurement of consultancy in the public sector.

Jason brings with him a wealth of knowledge having previously worked for Fusion with responsibility for developing and delivering the strategic direction of the service functions for BGL, one of the UK’s largest consumer insurance groups.

Building upon NEPRO’s success to date, Jason will design and put in place a solid infrastructure and customer experience programme to support the ambitious growth plans.

Simon Weston, St Martins Care homes

A North East care home company has secured Falklands War veteran Simon Weston as its ambassador.

Visting the North East earlier this week, Simon toured two St Martins Care homes - Willow Green in Darlington and Woodside Grange in Thornaby, Teesside - meeting residents and their families and giving them a first-hand account of his inspirational story. He also officially opened an extension to the home in Thornaby.

Simon Weston said: “I have been given expert and wonderful care throughout my life and fully appreciate the importance of people who provide high quality care for others either for age or infirmity.

“I enjoyed working closely with a Military Care Home for over 20 years and my new role with St Martins Care gives me the opportunity to be able to contribute to and develop a business dedicated to doing things ‘properly’.

Jo-Anne Garrick, Bilfinger GVA

Bilfinger GVA, the North East’s largest and most diverse multidisciplinary property consultancy, have further strengthened their Planning, Development and Regeneration (PDR) team in Newcastle by the appointment of Jo-Anne Garrick as an Associate.

With a wealth of planning experience in the public sector, Jo-Anne joins from Northumberland County Council where she most recently lead the preparation of the Local Development Plan (Core Strategy), Community Infrastructure Levy and delivery of the Housing Strategy alongside co-ordinating Neighbourhood Planning activity for 12 emerging plans.

Neil Morton, PDR Director, said: “We are delighted that Jo-Anne has joined our growing team in Newcastle. She brings with her considerable experience and knowledge of strategic planning and development as well as working with Chief Officers and politicians across the North East.

“She has in depth knowledge of planning and development across Northumberland and we are delighted that she will bring all of this to benefit our clients and their schemes.”

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