Member Article

This week’s North East appointments

Charlie Thompson, Metnor Construction

North East construction firm, Metnor Construction Ltd have appointed Charlie Thompson as their new Marketing and Business Development Manager.

Charlie will oversee the company’s Marketing activities and client relations whilst working closely with the estimating team working on prequalification and tendering activities.

Commenting on her new role, Charlie said: “I am excited to be working with such a forward thinking group of people. The company has demonstrated its strength over the last 2 years in a variety of sectors and we are looking forward to promoting these activities in the North East.’’

Chris Cant, Managing Director at Metnor, added: “Charlie is a great addition to the team. We have some fantastic opportunities coming our way over the next 24 months and this new position will help strengthen our operations boosting our internal and external marketing to improve and streamline our professional image.”

Gill Southern MBE, John Myers, James Robson, Entrepreneurs’ Forum

The Entrepreneurs’ Forum, a membership organisation made up of more than 300 leaders from high-growth North East businesses, has announced the appointment of Wessington Cryogenics director and former North East LEP board member Gill Southern MBE, media consultant and multiple radio station founder John Myers, and serial entrepreneur and management coach James Robson MBE to its board.

It comes as founding member Lorna Moran MBE steps down as a member of the board after 14 years.

Commenting on Lorna’s departure and the new recruits, Chairman Nigel Mills said: “I would like to thank Lorna for her years of dedicated service, her energy and guidance helped to bring the Forum into existence and grow it from a relatively small organisation to what it is today.

“At the same time, I would like to welcome our new board members, Gill, John and James, all of whom have already made a significant contribution to entrepreneurship and our organisation, as well as to their own businesses and the wider community. I am sure they will help to drive the Entrepreneurs’ Forum to further success.”

Patricia Wilkinson, NCT Skills for Life

Benfield-based training organisation NCT Skills for Life has expanded its senior management team with the appointment of Patricia Wilkinson as Managing Director.

Patricia, who is a former director of training and skills development with the North East Chamber of Commerce and has also headed up operations with another regional training provider, will be charged with taking the training firm on the next stage of its development.

Speaking about her new position, Patricia said: “I am delighted to be joining NCT Skills for Life at such an exciting time in the organisation’s development.

“I hope to use my extensive business skills, coupled with my experience and knowledge of further education, to build on the success of my predecessor and grow the business organically.

“I think it’s important to point out that today’s apprentices are the construction professionals of tomorrow. We have great on-site training facilities and strong links with key employers in the region and I want to build on those links as well as create new ones with some of the local SME contractors.

“By giving a young person the opportunity to earn and learn everyone benefits. The apprentice gains valuable skills and employers are rewarded by having employees which they can nurture and instil in them their own company ethos.”

Phil Moorhouse, North Group

Newcastle-based North Group, one of the world’s leading mutual maritime liability insurers, has appointed Newcastle Building Society chairman Phil Moorhouse as an independent non-executive director.

Phil, who joined Newcastle Building Society’s board as a non-executive director in 2011 and was appointed chairman in 2013, will join an international board of directors chaired by Pratap Shirke of ASP Ship Management Group.

North’s joint managing director Paul Jennings commented: ‘With the benefit of Phil’s business skills and expertise, I am confident North’s board will maintain their drive to improve the financial strength and stability of the club, ensuring all our international members and clients continue receiving the highest levels of service and security.“

Louise Elsdon, Absolute Agency

Newcastle creative and marketing design agency Absolute have announced the appointment of Louise Elsdon at Account Director.

Louise has over 15 years of agency experience with the likes of Gant, Sky Bet and NCFE with experience in on and offline campaigns, email marketing and social media.

She commented: “I’m really looking forward to working with Sarah and Abbie at an exciting time in their business. They’ve built up a brilliant client base and created some fantastic work.

“My role will be to help build new business and work with our existing clients to make sure we maintain the high levels of service we’ve provided so far.”

“I’ve recently had some time out to have a baby, so I’m also looking forward to coming to work to drink my tea while it’s still hot!”

Design Director, Sarah McCrady, added: “We’re so pleased to have Lou on board. She’s got some excellent experience which adds a new dimension to the team.

“I’ve worked with Lou for a number of years in previous roles and know how much clients value her so I’m so pleased she took up our offer to join us.”