Member Article

This week's North East appointments

Join us in a roundup of appointments from across the region to kickstart your week.

Dean Murray, Ward Hadaway

Law firm Ward Hadaway has appointed Dean Murray, who has more than 15 years’ experience advising companies and organisations in the private and public sectors on competition issues, as a Partner.

Dean’s expertise includes extensive experience of EU and UK competition law, advising clients on contentious and non-contentious matters covering anti-trust issues, merger clearance and State aid.

He has advised on successful merger cases before the Competition and Markets Authority (formerly the Office of Fair Trading) and the European Commission. Dean’s cases have covered a diverse range of sectors including equine bloodstock sales, complex financial products, UK rail franchises, acquisitions of bus companies and mergers of private hire taxi companies.

Dean has defended clients in competition law investigations including the first cartel investigation under the Competition Act 1998, the “replica kit” case and industry-wide investigations into suspected anti-competitive practices in branded goods and construction.

He has recently advised on the existing North East JEREMIE programme and on the forthcoming replacement, JEREMIE II.

Speaking about his appointment at Ward Hadaway, Dean said: “Having worked in the region for many years, I am very familiar with Ward Hadaway so I know what an excellent team I am joining.

“The firm’s standing in the marketplace is very high, it has a terrific client base across the private and public sectors and a great reputation for creating great working relationships and finding practical solutions to clients’ issues.

“I am looking forward to working with my new colleagues in the Commercial team and across the firm.”

Islam Ragab, Cairn Hotel

30-year-old Islam Ragab, from Egypt and now living in Washington, has taken on the role as front of house manager at Cairn Hotel on Osborne Road where he will be responsible for looking after guests visiting the venue as well as its neighbouring sister site, Carlton Hotel.

Islam will also work alongside the hospitality teams at Cairn Hotel’s on-site dining destinations – gastro cocktail bar 97 & Social and Asian-fusion restaurant Sohe – as well as colleagues in sales and marketing.

In a career that has spanned the globe, Islam has previously held positions at the five-star Maldives One & Only resort, Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria in Egypt, flydubai Airlines and Holiday Inn Kuwait, dealing in both sales and guest relations.

Before relocating to the UK, Cairn Hotel’s latest recruit won six titles in Egypt’s World Cup qualifier as a professional jockey but still manages to find time to ride daily at Bowes Manor Equestrian Centre in Chester-le-Street.

Islam said: “I was first attracted to Cairn Hotel following its refurbishment in 2015 which saw it climb up the ranks on TripAdvisor, where it is currently listed in the top 10 best-rated hotels in Newcastle. The food offering at Sohe was also a particular draw for me with strong comparisons to the cuisine served up in my native Middle East.

“It’s been exciting getting to know both the group’s values and the venue – all 43 of its rooms, the contemporary design and added benefits which it prides itself on. I’ve always taken pleasure in greeting a customer and being confident that they will enjoy their stay.”

Jenny Trapp, University Technical College South Durham

Jenny Trapp, a former Air Traffic Controller who is currently Assistant Headteacher at Queen Elizabeth High School, Hexham, has been appointed as Deputy Principal of the new University Technical College South Durham, due to open this September.

Speaking of her appointment, Tom Dower, Principal of UTC South Durham commented: “With her background in the education, commercial and military sectors, Jenny brings a broad skill-set which will ensure that the UTC delivers outstanding teaching and STEM employability experiences for students.

“Her track record as an innovative and flexible leader together with her passion for education and lifelong learning will help to establish the UTC as a life-changing educational route for students interested in high tech careers.”

Jenny Trapp said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as Deputy Principal of UTC South Durham. This is a fantastic opportunity to be involved in the development of an innovative education establishment and to shape the culture of the organisation.”

Daniel Pape, Flame Heating Spares

Flame Heating Spares, which recently opened its first branch in the Tees Valley, on Boathouse Lane, Stockton, has hired Daniel Pape as branch supervisor, to support branch manager Stuart Lavelle, following the company’s latest expansion.

Daniel, from Redcar, worked at SSI UK’s Redcar steelworks for eight years, before its collapse in October last year. Prior to this, he spent seven years working for a national plumbing merchant with Stuart, who put him in touch with John Savage, Flame’s managing director.

Mr Pape, 33, said: “Obviously it has been a very difficult period, not just for me, but for many of my former colleagues and their families as a result of SSI’s closure, and I am delighted to have been given this opportunity. I have worked in the industry before and possess a good knowledge of the local market, so the role offers a good fit for my experience.

“It is great to be working with Stuart again as I embark on my career at Flame and I am excited to be part of the company’s ambitious future.”

Danny Cramman, Bilfinger GVA

Danny Cramman, who heads up Industrial Agency at Bilfinger GVA, Newcastle has been promoted to Director as part of the organisation’s strategy to bolster and strengthen its client-facing teams across the country.

With 18 years of experience working in industrial agency across the North East region Danny provides strategic property advice on sales, lettings and acquisitions of commercial property as well as consultancy advice to a myriad of private and public sector clients.

He holds a B. Sc. Honours Degree in Urban Property Surveying, is a Member of the Royal institution of Chartered Surveyors and a Member of the Industrial Agents Society. His career has involved spells with Lamb and Edge, Chesterton and GVA Grimley, now Bilfinger GVA.

Roger Speirs, Regional Senior Director commented: “Danny has a wealth of knowledge and experience working in industrial agency across the region. This promotion is well deserved and demonstrates Bilfinger GVA’s commitment to empower our existing talent to further develop our strong client business across the North East”.

Heather Baker-Heriot, HealthHub Clinics

A former SSI worker has teamed up with a leading North East health clinic, as she embarks on a new career as a life coach.

Following the closure of the Redcar steel plant, Heather Baker-Heriot, set up her own life coaching practice and was recently appointed by Yarm-based HealthHub Clinics, to work alongside its already existing team of experienced professionals.

Now Heather, from Stockton, plans to use the managerial skills she gained during her 25 years in industry to help others to make a difference in their own lives.

She said: “Life coaching is a very positive and motivating process which enables people to make significant and lasting changes in their lives.

“I first came across the process about six years ago and started seeing a life coach myself. Following this experience, I started my own training and quickly realised how well it fitted my personality and aspirations to work with people and help them to make a difference in their own lives.

“Originally I intended to practice my life coaching in my spare time, but the sad demise of SSI last year presented me with an opportunity to make a career doing something I feel passionate about.”