This week's North East appointments

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

Michael Cattermole, Sintons

The specialist wills and probate team at law firm, Sintons is expanding further with the appointment of a new solicitor.

Michael Cattermole has joined Newcastle-based Sintons from a firm on Teesside and will advise on a range of matters including wills, trusts, estate planning, lasting powers of attorney and estate administration.

The wills and probate team at Sintons has expanded significantly in recent months and is one of the most highly rated departments of its kind in the region, working with high net worth individuals and families across the region and beyond, often over the course of several generations.

The team is headed by Paul Nickalls, who was hailed by Legal 500 as one of the leading lawyers in the North of England.

Michael said: “I am delighted to join Sintons. I have wanted to join the firm for a long while and have always been impressed by its commitment to its private client work and its outstanding reputation in the market - the fact the team are highly recommended by Legal 500 was a very big factor for me in wanting to join.”

Alison O’Neill, Cal Partners

The team at specialist marketing consultancy for professional services, Cal Partners, has expanded with the appointment of marketing executive, Alison O’Neill.

Alison is a former forensic scientist who moved into professional services marketing over ten years ago and is a recent graduate of the Chartered Institute of Marketing’s Certificate in professional and digital marketing.

Cal Partners, now in its third year, has gone from strength to strength. Founded by Chartered Marketer and former practising solicitor, Chris Lucarelli, Cal Partners specialises in delivering marketing, digital marketing, social media and business development solutions to professional services firms.

Alison, who also manages marketing for forensic science consultancy, Keith Borer Consultants, joins the Cal Partners team alongside Chris and marketing manager, Rachel Wright.

She said: “I am proud to join Cal Partners and its unique offering. It is an exciting time given their growth ambitions and expanding client base.”

Alex Cook and Rachel Peacock, Gateshead Council

Alex Cook has been appointed as digital innovation manager at Gateshead Council to drive business innovation and growth through the adoption of emerging digital technologies across all industries.

A key part of his role is in relation to PROTO: The Emerging Technology Centre. PROTO, Europe’s first emerging technology and digital innovation centre is set to open in Gateshead this summer.

Alex said: “Businesses across all sectors, not just the digital industry, are seeking to capitalise on the potential of emerging technologies so it’s vital they have access to the tools in order to do this.

“PROTO will not only offer space for tech companies to grow, but will also provide a unique R&D facility housing specialist and hard to access kit, helping businesses to create new products, services and experiences.”

“Technology continues to change the way we live and work in profound ways, and businesses in this part of the UK are at the bleeding edge of these developments. I’m excited to play my part in the innovation process and help businesses and students across the North East.”

Joining Alex in Gateshead is Rachel Peacock appointed as tech specialist at Gateshead Council. As part of her role within the economic development team, Rachel will be working closely with strategic partners to support and promote the tech and digital sector in Gateshead.

Rachel added: “I’ve admired the work Gateshead Council have done to develop the quayside and other parts of the area over the last few years as well as their real commitment to companies based here.

“With the redevelopment of the Baltic Quarter, and the opening of PROTO this summer, it’s a really exciting time to join the team and I’m keen to capitalise on the spotlight which will be shone on the region with the Great Exhibition of the North.”

Rachel Roberts, Claire Turnbull and Briony Cragg

Creative marketing agency, Narrative has appointed three new members of staff as part of its growth plans.

The client partnership team has welcomed Rachel Roberts, while Claire Turnbull and Briony Cragg have joined the creative delivery team.

Rachel has joined the team as client partner, with over 15 years of experience marketing prestigious brands in the automotive industry including BMW, Audi and Mercedes- Benz.

Claire has joined the creative delivery team as media buyer. Prior to joining Narrative, Claire spent the last 24 years working in North East agencies, planning and buying media for various clients such as Dame Allan’s Schools, TyneMet College, Hays Travel and NE1.

Briony began her career in charity communications. Specialising in PR, online content and social media management, Briony has joined the Narrative team as PR and communications executive.

Managing director, Kieron Goldsborough, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Rachel, Claire and Briony to the Narrative team.

“We have exciting plans for growth and on the back on some new client wins we needed to bolster our capacity. There has been a real appetite from clients for our full-service model and our new team members will enable us to expand this still further.”

Rachael Cook, Smart Resourcing Solutions

Rachael Cook has joined graduate recruitment consultancy, Smart Resourcing Solutions, as finance and administration manager to enhance their growth plans as a participant on the Scale Up North East programme.

Smart Resourcing Solutions works with employers, students and universities on specialist solutions supporting graduate and apprenticeship recruitment and employability.

Rachael will be responsible for all finance and administrative activities, providing a huge support to employer and university clients and the first point of contact for enquiries. Rachael previously worked for the John Lewis Partnership in an office manager role.

She said: “I am delighted to be joining the Smart Resourcing Solutions team and look forward to supporting the delivery of high impact graduate recruitment solutions for all our clients.”

Debbie Reay, Absolute Quality Consultancy & Training

Absolute Quality Consultancy & Training has appointed a new business development manager as it continues its ambitious plans for growth.

Debbie Reay joined in April to help the company, which specialises in business management systems and training, to develop new business opportunities, expand its associate referral scheme, and support the growing team.

Her career spans 38 years in a wide variety of roles, the last 18 of which were in professional services environments including self-employment, management and financial roles.

Debbie’s appointment follows 12 years of friendship with Absolute Quality Consultancy & Training’s managing director, Helen Short, through their shared long-standing love of basketball with the Newcastle Eagles Team.

Helen said: “Recruitment can be a difficult task and ensuring we appoint the very best calibre staff that we know who can forge great relations with us and our clientele is of utmost importance.

“I have always known Debbie as ultimately professional and very friendly so when she applied for this new role with us I wasn’t at all surprised that she was the perfect match. She shares our values and ethos, and her experience, attitude and commitment are exactly what we need to continue our ambitious business expansion plans.”