This week's North East appointments

Sarah Wong, intu Metrocentre

Shopping and leisure destination intu Metrocentre has appointed Sarah Wong as its new digital marketing coordinator.

Sarah previously worked in the London-based digital team at retailer Soap & Glory, and more recently as social media and content editor at designer retailer Psych in Middlesbrough.

She said: “Working at Soap & Glory and Psyche, as well as running my own online boutique for six years, gave me invaluable insight into what customers expect from their shopping experience.

“Most people have become accustomed to engaging with brands in real time so it’s vital that the information they receive is accurate, relevant and creative.”

Sarah added: “I’m excited and proud to be part of the team at intu Metrocentre, it really is a dream job.”

Helen Atkinson, intu Metrocentre’s marketing manager, commented: “At intu Metrocentre we have unique insight into what our shoppers want from their retail experience and, thanks to our skilled team, we create compelling experiences both on and offline.

“Sarah’s passion for retail, her innate creativity and understanding of the industry really shine through her campaigns and we’re sure that everyone will find her content exciting, engaging and enticing!”

Helen continued: “She’s is a great asset to the shopping centre and we’re delighted to welcome her to the team.”

James Holloway, The North East Fund Limited

The North East Fund Limited has added to its business team.

The Newcastle-based funding provider, responsible for managing the delivery of the £120m North East Fund, appointed James Holloway in the role of external engagement officer.

James previously worked as a growth advisor at Business Northumberland. Before that, he helped organisations access finance during a stint at a fund management company.

With The North East Fund Limited, he will work with businesses, councils and professional networks to ensure the region’s companies know how to access the right type of funding.

James said: “I’m delighted to be joining the team at The North East Fund Limited.

“The funding opportunities available to SMEs operating across the region through the North East Fund are going to make such a huge difference to so many different businesses.”

He added: “It is exciting to be working alongside the team as these funds are delivered and also with the operators themselves to help them gain access to the information they need to help take their businesses to the next level.”

North East Fund Limited chief exec Andrew Mitchell commented: “James’ appointment will reinforce the great work that the fund managers are doing across the North East.

“His energy, experience and commitment to supporting local businesses will help to ensure that all eligible companies have the opportunity to access the right type of funding to fulfil their potential.”

Tim Spratt, Techquity

Software company Techquity has hired a new senior developer.

The Stockton-based company appointed Tim Spratt (pictured left) to design new applications that will help it offer a more efficient, effective service.

Tim’s salary has been part-funded by Innovate Tees Valley, the Teesside University-led programme that supports SMEs in the area as they create and improve services, products and processes.

Techquity is currently working with the university’s business team on a bid for innovation funding.

Co-founder Richard Bendelow (right) said: “The university has understood our business model and worked with us throughout the whole process. It’s all gone very smoothly.”

Laura Woods, director of academic enterprise at Teesside University, commented: “Techquity’s technical expertise is giving startups a vital platform for growth.

“Digital capability in our businesses is crucial for performance and competitiveness.”

She added: “We’re delighted to have helped the company with talent and expertise through Innovate Tees Valley and DigitalCity.”

Kieran Blaydes, Richard Swann and Musa Choudhary, Barton Willmore

Planning and design consultancy Barton Willmore has added to its Newcastle team with three appointments.

Senior planners Richard Swann and Musa Choudhary and graduate planner Kieran Blaydes will work with a wide range of housebuilders, businesses and energy and infrastructure providers in the North East.

Richard has joined the company from engineering consultancy Cundall and Musa Choudhary from Leeds-based RSK ADASbrings.

Kieran Blaydes, a Newcastle University graduate, completed a year in industry at ELG Planning in Darlington.

Barton Willmore partner James Hall said: “I’m delighted that we’ve continued to strengthen the team in Newcastle.

“Richard and Musa both bring with them a great knowledge of the region and fantastic experience in handling the kind of complex planning challenges that Barton Willmore specialises in.”

He continued: “We’re committed to developing the next generation of planners, and Kieran’s appointment is evidence of that.

“As Barton Willmore continues to grow its client base we’re delivering a wealth of exciting projects that show the North East is buoyant and growing. With planning director Stuart Natkus and I, the new additions make our team even stronger.”

Sean Sinclair and Chandan Siyag, Luminous Group

Newcastle tech company Luminous Group has welcomed Chandan Siyag and Sean Sinclair to its team.

The firm, based at the Toffee Factory in Ouseburn, provides 3D mapping, virtual, augmented and mixed reality products for use in a range of industries, including health and safety, training and food processing.

Chandan has joined Luminous as a computer vision engineer and Sean as a mixed-reality developer.

Ben Bennett, the company’s founder, said: “It’s great to have Sean and Chandan on board with us here at Luminous Group.

“We have huge ambitions to expand the team to 20 by the end of 2019. It’s an exciting time for virtual, augmented and mixed reality in the UK and we’re glad that Luminous Group is leading from the front in creating meaningful commercial applications.”

Marianne Whitfield and Keith Langford, MSP

metrology software products ltd (MSP) has bolstered its leadership team with two appointments.

Marianne Whitfield is joining the advanced manufacturing software firm as director of development and Keith Langford as UK technical account manager in its commercial team.

A member of the MSP board, Marianne will be responsible for managing five product development teams.

Keith will oversee the expansion of MSP’s products in the UK, including developing new business and managing customer relationships.

MSP technical director Peter Hammond said: “On behalf of the whole of MSP, I am thrilled to welcome Keith and Marianne to the team.”

“They are both experts in their fields and will bring invaluable knowledge and skills to progress the business forward and expand our reach.”

He added: “I look forward to working closely with them both.”

John Marshall, Bradley Hall Chartered Surveyors and Estate Agents

Bradley Hall Chartered Surveyors and Estate Agents has appointed businessman and solicitor John Marshall (pictured right) as chairman of its newly launched advisory board.

The role will see John working closely with Bradley Hall’s senior management to support its ongoing expansion.

The firm’s turnover has grown 87% in the last three years under MD Neil Hart (left), alongside the opening of additional offices and a rise in staff count.

Bradley Hall has operations in Alnwick, Morpeth, Newcastle, Gosforth, Sunderland and Durham, but plans to increase its network further.

John said: “I am delighted and proud to be appointed as the chairman of the advisory board for Bradley Hall at such an exciting time in its development.

“The firm has displayed significant growth across every aspect of the business and has become one of the region’s leading, and most dynamic organisations.”

John built his career in law from 1989 to 2016 at Dickinson Dees LLP, which went on to become Bond Dickinson LLP in 2012 following a merger. He was elected senior partner at the firm in April 2010 and became vice chairman in 2012.

John is also chair of destination marketing agency NewcastleGateshead Initiative.

Neil Hart said: “We’ve had an absolutely outstanding few years in terms of growth and business success, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.

“We have a very talented and dynamic team with a great deal of passion and experience behind them.”

He added: “The advisory board has been appointed to further add to that knowledge of the regional and national marketplace and to support us with growing our network and opportunities moving forward.”