Partner Article

This week's North East appointments

Richard Leckie, Sarah Stainsby, Ian Hopkin; BCS Preservation

Darling-based property preservation business, BCS Preservation, has added three new faces to its team following a year of ‘exceptional growth’.

The firm, which specialises in providing environmental and building services throughout the UK, has welcomed Richard Leckie, Sarah Stainsby and Ian Hopkin to its team as it looks to capitalise on the 40% growth in sales orders it has experienced in the last 12 months.

Hopkin and Leckie both join as surveyors while Stainsby joins the company as contract administrator, representing 70 years’ experience between them in their respective fields.

Following his appointment, Ian, who is a former Managing Director, said: ““The skills I gained in my previous roles as a plasterer and surveyor will enable me to help enhance the team.

“BCS Preservation is continuously growing and I’m excited to play a part in the further development of the Company.”

Managing Director of BCS Preservation, Aaron Davidson, added: “It’s a very exciting time for BCS Preservation and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

“This is set to be a busy year for us and looking forward, we plan on expanding the team further by recruiting several technicians to help with the ever increasing workload.”

Kieran Kelly, Watson Burton

Commercial law firm Watson Burton has appointed Kieran Kelly as its latest graduate trainee who will join five other graduates already undergoing their traineeship at the Newcastle-based office.

Bringing experience as a paralegal at another North East firm, along with his law degree from Northumbria University and the Legal Practice Course at BPP Leeds which he completed in 2016, Kelly has developed his legal knowledge in property, lender services, insolvency and personal injury.

Kelly commented: “I am delighted to have been selected for the Watson Burton graduate programme. The firm’s strong commercial awareness alongside its engagement in various sectors and industries is particularly impressive.

“I initially undertook Watson Burton’s spring vacation programme in April 2016. This experience was invaluable and I found the enthusiasm of Watson Burton’s team very appealing. It provided an excellent opportunity to discuss the firm’s ethos with other trainees and develop my experience of practise in a commercial legal setting.”

Paul Clarke and Jane Hardy, Godfrey Syrett

North East furniture designer and manufacturer Godfrey Syrett has appointed a new business development manager and project sales manager.

Paul Clarke will be joining as Godfrey Syrett’s new regional business development manager, bringing his extensive experience in the commercial furniture sector to the role, where he has predominantly worked with international companies.

He commented: “As a proud North Easterner I am passionate about our great region, but having worked within the commercial furniture industry for over twenty years, largely for companies who are not headquartered in the UK, I have always had a desire to work for a furniture company with its heritage in the North-East.

“As a true North East furniture manufacturer, Godfrey Syrett was the natural choice and fortunately they have provided me with a fantastic opportunity to develop new business across the region within the commercial sector. I look forward to working with local companies who may be considering relocating, refurbishing their offices or growing their head count.”

Meanwhile, Jane Hardy has joined the local business as its new project sales manager from interior company Zero Point Eight, where she was responsible for project managing large furniture fit-outs throughout the UK.

Darren Davidson, Siemens

Siemens Power Generation Services, Power and Gas UK has announced the appointment of Darren Davidson as its new Managing Director.

Taking over from former Managing Director, Graham Hartley, Davidson will be tasked with steering the Newcastle-based business, which is responsible for servicing large gas turbines, Parsons steam turbines and generators in the UK and around the world.

Specifically the new MD will be overseeing a push to diversify the business, providing innovative energy solutions through digital technology, whilst creating and delivering a long-term strategy for the organisation.

Originally an apprentice at the CAP Works site in Newcastle, Davidson joined Siemens 11 years ago and has sinced worked his way up through various leadership roles.

Darren Davidson said: “I am delighted to be returning to the North East to be taking on the position of Managing Director. When I started my career back in 1998 as an apprentice on this site, I wouldn’t have dreamt that one day I would be given the opportunity to lead the business.

“In the last three years, the energy market in the UK has evolved significantly; we’ve witnessed changes in energy policy, market dynamics and the emergence of evolving digital technologies.

“At Siemens, we continue to adapt our services to meet the demands of our growing client base which include the likes of Rolls-Royce alongside a range of leading energy customers.”

Peter Atkinson, Cushman & Wakefield

Global property firm Cushman & Wakefield has announced a new appointment at its Newcastle office as part of programme of 53 partner promotions across its EMEA business.

Peter Atkinson, previously of the Newcastle office’s investment team, has been made Partner following the rigorous selection process overseen by the firm’s EMEA Board.

Atkinson has built up his reputation in the region following his relocation three years ago, in which time he has worked for clients including Orchard Street IM, London & Capital, Helmsley Group, Northumberland Estates and Hanro Group.

David Wilson, Head of the Newcastle office of Cushman & Wakefield, commented: “I’d like to congratulate Peter and all those promoted to Partner level for taking this significant next step in their careers.

“They are trusted Partners and future leaders who excel both in generating and executing business and in inspiring and supporting their teams. Each new Partner is being recognised for consistent excellence and their readiness to play a vital role in the future growth of our business.”

John Davis, Sintons

Newcastle law firm Sintons have revealed that appointment of a highly rated personal injury lawyer, John Davis, as a consultant.

Joining in May, Davis was previously Regional Managing Partner at Irwin Mitchell, and is recognised as one of the leading lawyers in North representing people with brain, spinal cord and other life-changing injuries.

Mark Quigley, Managing Partner of Sintons, said: “John is one of the very best lawyers in his field and the fact he is joining us is a clear indication of our ambition as we look to continue to grow and develop the business.

“Our vision as a firm is to set the standard for legal excellence and in doing so to become the law firm of choice for individuals, businesses and organisations regionally and nationally. John’s arrival will strengthen our already first-rate personal injury department, and I am certain will have a hugely positive effect on the firm as a whole.”

Davis added: “Sintons is a first-rate law firm with a strong reputation for expertise and quality across the board.

“They are known for the unrivalled service they offer to clients and that was a hugely important factor in me coming here – in handling the claims of people who have suffered life-changing injuries, as well as the expertise to secure access to early rehabilitation and treatment and the best possible settlement, an outstanding law firm must also appreciate the value of a deeply personal service. There is no doubt Sintons does that.”

James Cullen, Building Surveyors Ltd

Newcastle-headquartered Building Surveyors Ltd has promoted James Cullen to senior chartered surveyor.

Cullen joined the firm back in 2015 as a chartered surveyor, providing expert advice on services such as party wall, dilapidations, building surveys and defect analysis.

Now in his new role, he will support the business on its next stage of growth where he will work with both new and existing clients to deliver all aspects of the Building Surveyors’ portfolio of services.

Chris Jude, director at Building Surveyors Ltd, said: “James has been with us for over two years and has aided the development and growth of the company by building and forming new client relationships, developing the business brand and helping to expand the range of commercial and residential services the company offers.

“He’s made a significant contribution to the success of the firm and I’m delighted to recognise this with a well-deserved promotion.”

Cullen added: “The news of promotion is incredibly rewarding and a positive sign that the company is growing and developing a greater market share in the north of England. I’m delighted to be part of this development and will continue to pursue new client relationships and build upon our existing client relationships.”

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