This week's North East appointments

Your latest roundup of appointments from across the region is here.

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Hannah Williams and John Barron, Bright Recruitment

The Chester-le-Street firm, Bright Recruitment has confirmed it will continue to build its team and reputation in the North East, with the recent appointment of two senior consultants.

Earlier this year, Bright recruited Hannah Williams to lead its IT recruitment opportunities throughout the UK and Europe and Bright has now appointed John Barron as its lead accounting and finance consultant.

Reacting to his new appointment, John Barron, said: “I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in at Bright Recruitment.

“It’s evident that the leadership and I are like-minded in our pursuit for excellence in delivering a service to clients. There’s a passion and drive amongst all at Bright that is refreshing and infectious.”

John’s appointment will see Bright move into the commercial finance and accounting practice spaces with the aim of delivering the highest quality candidates and exceptional client experience.

With a growing team in place and further expansion planned and founder Paul Copley, added: “The recent appointments of both Hannah and John signals our intent to hire only the very best talent the region has to offer, as we continue our exciting growth and quest to make Bright the ‘go-to’ recruitment agency in the North East.”

Robin Purves, Sadler Brown Architects

Sadler Brown Architects has appointed Robin Purves, as its new development director to support the growth plans of their practice.

Robin, who previously worked for the ESH Construction group, brings 40 years of experience to the Newcastle-headquartered company where he will use his experience and local market knowledge to help further develop the business in all sectors of the construction market.

Robin commented: “I am delighted to be joining Sadler Brown at a time when they are driving the business towards further expansion.

“We have a great team of experienced staff, I’m very much looking forward to developing project opportunities using my industry experience and contacts to ensure that the business goes from strength to strength.”

Managing director, Tony Harmieson, said: “This a real coup for us. SBA have grown quickly in recent times and I’m delighted to announce Robin as our new development director, who I have no doubt will aid in the companies further growth.

“This is a newly created position as we look to expand our commercial footprint and client base. Robin has a fantastic reputation in the construction industry, truly second to none.”

Sadler Brown has come together following a series of mergers and acquisitions through its creative director, Kevin Brown and Tony Harmieson, who joined the company in 2015.

With its new development director in place, SBA is now looking to break through the £2m turnover barrier and reach 40 employees over the coming year.

Raihan Uddin, Holgate HR

A North East-based HR and training consultancy, Holgate HR, has appointed Raihan Uddin.

He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge within the HR field and is very much looking forward to challenging himself in the next chapter of his career.

As a fully qualified HR professional, Raihan is equipped with years of HR experience in the private sector, and he prides himself upon driving businesses forward, delivering people solutions through engaging with the workforce at all levels.

He commented: ’’The values at Holgate HR underpin my core principles as a HR professional, hence moving to Holgate HR was such an easy decision for me.

“The emphasis here on people being key to increasing your competitive advantage couldn’t be truer and is in line with my personal ethos. It’s simple, if you look after your workforce they will look after your business.”

Donna Jones; Julie Wood; Donna Wass, St Martins Care

St Martins Care (SMC) has promoted several staff from within its ranks.

Promoted to registered manager of Windermere Grange, in Linthorpe, is Donna Jones, while Julie Wood takes the helm at Guisborough Manor in Guisborough and Donna Wass is named the registered manager at Woodside Grange, Stockton-on-Tees.

Donna Jones takes over at Windermere Grange and will oversee 68 staff. The home specialises in residential, learning disabilities, memory and respite care. Windermere Grange is part of six homes managed by SMC.

Donna said: “My manager transferred to a sister home and I was offered the opportunity to become the home manager.

“I didn’t hesitate, all the hard work and dedication had paid off and I felt honoured that the company had faith in me and my staff to continue to deliver high levels of person-centred care.”

Julie Woods, also formerly of Helen McCardle, has become the registered manager of Guisborough Manor. She worked her way up from carer to her current role at SMC, after starting as a care assistant at the Pines Nursing home in Eston, Middlesbrough in 1994.

She added: “Having been on the front line really gives you great insight into what good care is. I really want to bring my experience in customer care here. The impression a resident or family gets starts from the moment they come through the door.”

Donna Wass has been promoted to the registered manager of Woodside Grange.

She also said: “I was contacted by St Martins Care for a position and have had great support and training to be elevated to this important role. I have enjoyed my time within St Martins Care and long may it continue.”

Sasha Tuck and Tris Douglas, GetFilm

Video production company, GetFilm is increasing the size of its Newcastle-based team. Two new colleagues, Sasha Tuck and Tris Douglas have just been appointed.

Originally founded to produce corporate videos in the North East, GetFilm now provides corporate, wedding, special event and promotional film-making services to UK clients.

Sasha has joined GetFilm to manage the wedding video side of the business. Demand for wedding videos has grown swiftly over the last year, with the GetFilm team capturing hundreds of weddings throughout the North East and beyond.

Sasha previously worked in the sales team at Stag and Hen specialists, Last Night of Freedom.

Tris has joined GetFilm from Tynedale Golf Club, where, as assistant manager, he helped increase membership numbers. Tris has joined the expanding business development team, driving corporate videography.

Managing director, Josh Kerr, said: “We are pleased to welcome Sasha and Tris to the team. The last year has been an exciting time for GetFilm and this dynamic duo have the skills and experience to help us develop the company even further over the coming months.”

Ross Haggie, Silverstone Residential Surveys

Newcastle-based Silverstone Residential Surveys has appointed a new building surveyor following a sustained increase in demand for its surveys since it launched in July 2017.

Ross Haggie has joined the team to help deliver specialist residential building surveys for homebuyers, including full building surveys, homebuyer reports and party wall surveys.

Haggie previously worked as a building surveyor at Gateshead-based Billinghurst George & Partners, and has a wealth of experience working within the residential sector throughout the North East.

In his new role, he will be undertaking detailed building inspections of all types of residential properties to identify any issues and report back to clients in accordance with RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) guidelines.

Commenting on his new role, Haggie said: “I am really pleased to be joining Silverstone Residential Surveys at this exciting time.

“The team is well known for its considerable expertise and high quality service and I look forward to working with them to ensure these high standards are maintained.”

Silverstone’s directors identified a gap in the market for a local independent residential surveying business that offers the same high level of expertise, experience and commercial awareness as their established commercial building consultancy practice.

Annette Gallagher, Cairn Group

Newcastle-headquartered Cairn Group has created a new senior role within its sales team.

Annette Gallagher has joined as national sales manager for leisure and will focus on building relationships with coach and tour operators, wholesalers and group travel organisers, representing the company at various travel shows and events this year.

Bringing over 25 years of experience of working in the hospitality industry to her new role, Annette has held positions with the likes of Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Accor Hotels and National Holidays.

Commenting on her appointment, she said: “I’m passionate about the importance of group business, and keen to further establish both Cairn Group and The Cairn Collection hotels as key players in this sphere within the leisure industry.

“All with their own character and style, located in popular cities and towns with nearby attractions, there is huge untapped potential.”

Cairn Group’s sales director, Tina O’Hara, added: “Our properties are versatile and boast credentials ideally suited to group visits, so in line with our growth plans this year we will increase our presence in this market.

“It’s an area where Annette’s knowledge and vast experience is second to none, and we’re excited about what she will bring to the team.”

Neil Thomson; Zoe King; Gerard Hosford, The Forum for the Built Environment

Following on from the recent appointment of Chris Jude as its regional director for the North East and Cumbria, The Forum for the Built Environment (FBE) has announced a new committee is taking over the running of the Newcastle branch.

Neil Thomson - a director with consulting engineers, Patrick Parsons - is taking up the role of chair. Supporting Neil is treasurer, Zoe King - a senior cost manager with cost consultancy, Turner Townsend - and secretary, Gerard Hosford, an associate director with Patrick Parsons.

Further committee members include Chris Scott, the director responsible for chartered surveyors and structural engineers, Smithers Purslow’s North East office and Keith Handy an associate director with spacegroup, one of the region’s well-established architecture and design practices.

Further PR and marketing support will be provided by Leigh Chelton of Clothier Lacey & Co.