This week's North East appointments

Your latest roundup of North East appointments is here.

Peter Lauener, NCG

One of the country’s most respected public servants, who previously led the Education and Skills Funding Agency, has been appointed by NCG as chair.

After a long and distinguished career, Peter Lauener retired from the Civil Service in November 2017.

He advised numerous secretaries of state on education and skills policy, and most recently led the Education and Skills Funding Agency, where he was the accounting officer for a budget of more than £60bn.

Since retiring, Peter has been undertaking a short term interim role as chief executive of the Student Loans Company. Peter will join NCG in the spring.

He said: “I am looking forward to taking up this new role at NCG and getting to know the different colleges and organisations in the group.

“There is nothing more important than developing the skills of all our people and NCG has a critical role in supporting learners, businesses and communities.”

Joe Docherty, NCG’s chief executive, said: “Peter has played a leading role in the shaping of education and training in the UK for some years now.

“He has steered a course for the Skills Funding Agency and the Education Funding Agency through a period of great political and economic change, and consequently made a positive impact on the education and training of people across the country.”

Jonathan Sabarre, CIM

CIM has appointed Jonathan Sabarre as its new vice chair for the North East, a role with a focus on driving engagement with the next generation of marketing leaders.

Jonathan has over 14 years of multinational experience leading digital strategy and communications across a range of sectors including hospitality, entertainment and events.

During his time with Cairn Hotel Group to date, Jonathan has helped to establish a marketing team, bringing a strong set of specialist skills into the business around him, as well as a number of partner agencies as an extension across the UK.

Jonathan said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be officially appointed as vice chair, it is an honour and a privilege.

“I’ve had an incredibly exciting journey so far in my marketing career, and I would not have been here today without the support and guidance given to me by CIM.

“I believe there is no greater role than the opportunity to give back, and to help the next generation of marketers. I look forward to working with other organisations, universities and business schools to explore, advance and help students succeed in their marketing career.”

David Ferguson, Sintons

David Ferguson, a property finance specialist, has joined the growing banking team at Sintons.

A leading real estate finance specialist has joined the growing team at law firm Sintons.

David Ferguson, who has over 19 years of experience in acting for major high street banks and commercial lenders and investors, has moved to Newcastle-based Sintons from Womble Bond Dickinson, to take a position as senior associate.

He joins Sintons’ banking team at a time of growth for the department and the firm as a whole, with Sintons recently unveiling its ‘Strategy for Growth’. The firm is also taking on a number of new senior figures.

David said: “I am very pleased to join Sintons, a firm which is regarded throughout the region and beyond for its strength, capability and outstanding client service across all of its practice areas.”

Chris Dent, Sanderson Weatherall

Newcastle-based property consultancy Sanderson Weatherall has appointed agent, Chris Dent as an associate partner.

Chris brings with him over five years of experience in the Newcastle commercial property market, having worked previously in industrial agency at ES Group and as an office agent at Cushman and Wakefield.

Chris will work within Sanderson Weatherall’s agency team, where he will oversee the team’s industrial instruction portfolio throughout the North East, dealing with developments, disposals and acquisitions.

Commenting on his appointment, Chris said: “I am thrilled to be joining Sanderson Weatherall at what is a really exciting time for the firm and the wider North East property market.

“I look forward to building on Sanderson Weatherall’s strong national presence and hope to develop the industrial team to take advantage of a positive industrial market.”

Head of agency at Sanderson Weatherall, Robert Patterson, added: “I am pleased to announce Chris’s appointment as he will undoubtedly be a great addition to our team and to the office as a whole.”

Stuart Miller, Construction Alliance North East

CAN has appointed a new chairman, Stuart Miller, who is a popular figure within the construction and contracting sector.

Stuart has taken over the two-year appointment as chair, from Jeff Alexander of Surgo Construction.

CAN was formed to highlight the need for organisations to adopt intelligent procurement practices, so that regional SMEs get a better chance to compete for contracts in the open market.

Speaking about the challenges of his new role, Stuart said: “I was born and bred in the North East and I am pleased to have the opportunity to support the local economy in this way.

“The quality of civil engineering and construction projects we are delivering in the region is impressive and with the potential opportunities afforded by the Northern Powerhouse agenda, I am keen to ensure that, whenever possible, North East companies have the best possible opportunities to secure North East projects.”

Adrienne Lawson and Emma Liddle, Mincoffs Solicitors

Newcastle-based Mincoffs Solicitors has announced two promotions within the residential property team.

Solicitor, Adrienne Lawson, and legal executive, Emma Liddle, have both been promoted to associate level recognising their dedication and expertise in their field.

Both have a wealth of experience in all aspects of conveyancing including sales, purchases, re-mortgages and transfers of equity.

Adrienne commented: “I am delighted to have been promoted to an Associate Solicitor. I am very passionate about what I do and am excited for the future!”

Emma added: “Since joining Mincoffs in 2013, I have already had an exciting journey and this promotion certainly adds to that! It is a great way to start the year and I am looking forward to what 2018 will bring.”