Member Article

This week’s North East appointments

Start off your working week with a look at the latest job moves and hires from across the region.

Jake Reilly and Joe Davies, Calibre

Newcastle-based IT firm Calibre Secured Networks Ltd has made two new hires following contract wins in the education and public sector.

Jake Reilly has joined the Science Central-based network and infrastructure specialists as a platform engineer providing server expertise and assistance with the installation and configuration of Cisco technologies.

Also starting will be Joe Davies, who joins as an apprentice working towards completing his Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in IT while supporting operations director Steve Nelson and the team on new contracts and existing installation work.

The news comes as Calibre continues to see growth on the back of proven Cisco network and service capability for education and public sector customers across the UK.

Work to complete a new IT infrastructure at social housing provider Eastlands Housing in Manchester and upgrades to Wrexham County Borough Council’s network has driven turnover to £750,000.

Additional work at West Park School, Darlington and support activity at multinational enterprise software giant Sage has further secured growth for the 10 strong Calibre team.

Managing director Karen Nelson said: “We are continuing to grow and are now busier than ever before, so I’m delighted to welcome Jake and Joe to Calibre. They’ll be a huge asset to both the management team and our customers.

“Over the next 12 months we will look to support our talented team while continuing to nurture a new generation of young, skilled people within the firm and the wider industry.”

Nikki Rotherham, MediTek Stairlifts

Newton Aycliffe manufacturer MediTek Stairlifts has appointed Nikki Rotherham as business development manager.

Nikki has been brought onboard to target sales direct to the consumer in the UK. And with a new showroom, customers and occupational therapists can try their stairlifts before they buy.

Philip Carmedy-Pye, the recently appointed manager director of MediTek, said: “Nikki joins us at an exciting time in the business as the new strategy of offering direct sales to the North East is a key part to the growth of our company.

“People can buy direct from us, the manufacturer. We design it here, make it here and so we can ensure that the customer is getting exactly what they want.”

Nikki said: “It’s great to be working for a company such as MediTek and I’m looking forward to building on the hard work which has been done.”

Clare Savory, intu Eldon Square & intu Metrocentre

Clare Savory has been appointed as community manager for intu Eldon Square & intu Metrocentre.

Clare, 31, joins intu from The Sunshine Fund charity, where she worked as head of fundraising for over 3 and half years.

Clare has over 10 years’ experience across marketing, social media and PR channels within both the public and private sector. Clare started her career at a marketing agency, but soon developed a taste for the charity sector and became a volunteer for Diabetes UK. From there she went onto work for Disability North, until she landed the role at The Sunshine Fund charity.

Clare, said: “I have lived in the region my whole life, I’m very passionate about the area as it really is a fantastic place to live.

“I’ve joined intu at a very exciting time with the new dining development Grey’s Quarter opening in the autumn and the success of the Qube at intu Metrocentre going from strength to strength.

“I feel privileged to be working with two fantastic teams to develop our community and charity partnerships in the North East.”

James Robson MBE and Simon Lenney, NEL Fund Managers

Two well-known North East businesspeople have been recruited to further strengthen the investment committee at regional fund management firm NEL Fund Managers.

Established by holding fund manager North East Finance (NEF) in 2010, the £159.5m Finance for Business North East (FBNE) programme is a suite of seven venture capital and loan funds which provide investment for start-up and growing businesses in the North East of England.

James Robson MBE (pictured above) and Simon Lenney have become part of the team that makes decisions on which investment applications to the Finance For Business North East Fund that NEL manages are going to be successful.

James Robson set up successful Hartlepool-based contract chemical processing company Exwold Technology in 1993, and currently runs Alexander Jewitt & Co, a business advisory partnership providing business support to SMEs from across the region on issues including strategic business planning, market analysis and finance raising.

James is also currently on the leadership team of the NEPIC, is a board member of the Entrepreneurs Forum and sits on the Tees Valley sub-committee of the IoD.

He is also a non-executive director/chairman of four regional SMEs, in several of which he has personal investments, and was awarded an MBE in 2011 for services to North East business.

Simon Lenney has more than a quarter of a century’s experience in the banking sector, and was managing partner of Yorkshire Bank’s North East operations until the end of 2015.

He is now head of finance for Union Property Services, a Newcastle-headquartered, family-owned property development, management and investment business which has assets across the UK worth in excess of £400m.

Commenting on the appointments, Yvonne Gale, chief executive at NEL Fund Managers, said: “Having access to experienced external voices that they trust is crucial for businesses of all kinds, and adding Simon and James to our investment committee will make our decision-making processes even more robust.

“They are both very well connected and respected individuals, and have a depth of knowledge about the North East business community that will contribute strongly to our focus on making intelligent investment decisions.”

Antonia Brindle, Forward Ladies

Forward Ladies, the business organisation dedicated to unlocking potential in professional women, has appointed a regional director for the North East.

Antonia Brindle, of Whitley Bay, will become the face of the organisation in Newcastle and the north east and will work with businesswomen in the region.

She joins the company as one of three regional directors working alongside MD and owner of Forward Ladies, Griselda Togobo, based in Leeds.

Antonia will add the regional director role to her career portfolio, which includes Get Brindled. After nearly 10 years of co-owning her own agency, Antonia set up Get Brindled 18 months ago to work as a freelance PR, social media and crisis management consultant.

Antonia said: “Forward Ladies is well establish in other parts of the country and whilst there are many networking opportunities for women in business in the region, I believe that being part of a national network gives Forward Ladies a different offering.

“I am delighted to take the role of regional director and look forward to growing the membership and helping women in the region nurture and grow their businesses.

“We have many outstanding business women in the region, and to know there is a support network where we can both relax a little and do good business is important.”

Brian Adcock, Dame Allan’s Schools

Dame Allan’s Schools have appointed Mr Brian Adcock as Chair as Mr Elliott Ward stepped down after a decade of service to the Schools.

Mr Adcock has a broad and varied background, with the vast majority of his career spent in marketing for companies such as Procter & Gamble, Tyne Tees Television and Robson Brown in the North East.

Speaking about his appointment Mr Adcock said: “I am of course thrilled to be the new Chair of Governors and am in a very fortunate position as Elliott Ward has left the Schools in such a healthy condition. I am looking forward to carrying on his work and making sure that Dame Allan’s continues to be innovative and challenging.”

The Schools have now appointed Mrs Deborah Cunningham as Vice Chair of Governors. Mrs Cunningham’s background is in HR, she also sent her four children to Dame Allan’s and is a member of the Schools’ parents’ association.

Dr John Hind, Principal of Dame Allan’s Schools said: “Dame Allan’s Schools are indebted to Elliott Ward for the work he has done. He has given his constant, unwavering support and helped with a vast range of projects. His vision and drive have been an inspiration to us all and he will always be an important member of the Dame Allan’s family.

“We are however thrilled to welcome Brian Adcock and Deborah Cunningham as Chair and Vice Chair and we know they will show great enthusiasm and passion in their roles.”

Graeme Cochrane, Owen Pugh

The Owen Pugh Group has welcomed Graeme Cochrane as Managing Director of Civil Engineering in a role which sees him head up the division following the implementation of a new business structure designed to position the company for further growth.

The North Tyneside headquartered company, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, has established Owen Pugh Civil Engineering and Owen Pugh Services as divisions to incorporate all of the company’s civil engineering operations and associated services.

Graeme, who is a Chartered Engineer and has over 10 years’ experience in the sector will have responsibility for the civil engineering team as part of the new structure. The new division covers all areas of civil engineering including infrastructure projects, highways, structures, coastal, earthworks, demolition, drainage and public realm works.

Graeme, who lives in Wynyard, joins the team from his post as Head of Construction Projects at Capita Property and Infrastructure having previously worked at Laing O’Rourke for more than seven years in various roles including working in Australia on Sydney Port Botany Terminal 3.

He said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the team at a time when operational processes are being sharpened. I look forward to helping to integrate the individual parts of the business to enable Owen Pugh to capitalise on future growth in the civil engineering sector.”