This week's North East appointments

Jens Rahmann, Martin Clay and Adam Lee, Pod Newcastle

Architecture firm Pod Newcastle confirmed three senior promotions in its 12-strong team this week, with Jens Rahmann, Martin Clay and Adam Lee all elevated from senior architects to directors.

Craig Van Bedaf, who co-owns Pod with fellow equity director Ruth Van Bedaf, said: “The promotion of these key staff members represents recognition of the vital contribution each individual has made over a sustained period with the practice.

“Pod is entering an exciting time in its development and we recognise that for us to grow as a practice, that we acknowledge the talent in our team and promote key members to take on greater responsibility.”

Craig continued: “The promotion of each director provides Pod with a diverse senior skill base and the ability to deliver a range of projects of various scale. We’ve had a great 10 years and look forward to the future with excitement and optimism as a consequence of the practice restructure.”

Yasmine Taylor, Venture Stream

Digital agency Venture Stream has strengthened its senior team with a new business development manager.

Yasmine Taylor joined the Newcastle-based company from email marketing agency Communicator, where she covered an international client portfolio.

She has worked in business development for eight years, with experience spanning the ecommerce, tech, environmental and construction sectors.

Venture Stream MD Vic Morgan said: “As we enter an exciting new growth phase, we recognise the need to add to our business development function.

“Yasmine’s skill set complements the needs of the business perfectly and will ensure we continue to grow and deliver successful website development projects and marketing campaigns for our growing client portfolio.”

Yasmine commented: “I’m really excited to join Venture Stream. I’m passionate and driven and really want to make a difference and see the business grow and be elevated to new heights.”

Sophie Craggs, Digital Catapult North East & Tees Valley

Digital technology hub Digital Catapult North East & Tees Valley (NETV) has taken on a new project engagement manager.

Sophie Craggs will lead on the delivery of Digital Catapult NETV’s offering for manufacturers in the North East, including workshops and consultancy services.

The aim is to help businesses explore emerging technologies such as Low Powered Wide Area Networks (LPWAN) and Internet of Things (IoT).

Sophie, who spent the last few years delivering service design projects in the UK and Australia, said: “I’m really excited to be involved in the work that the Digital Catapult is doing.

“The North East has a widely celebrated manufacturing sector and it’s important that specialized support and expertise are available to encourage growth and development.”

She continued: “With the arrival of the Fourth Industrial Revolution it’s vital that industries that have traditionally been ‘non-digital’ are not left behind. I’m looking forward to working closely with organisations to show just how valuable the adoption of emerging technology can be.”

The head of innovation and project lead at Digital Catapult NETV, Naomi Morrow, commented: “The manufacturing sector is one of the region’s largest employers, and it is important that we work hard to maintain that.

“Sophie will be responsible for engaging with the industry, both on a corporate level and with local SME’s, with the aim of helping to future-proof the sector so it continues to thrive.”

Andrew Craddock, Darlington Building Society

Darlington Building Society has appointed Andrew Craddock as its new chief exec.

With more than 30 years’ experience in the industry, Andrew will join the organisation from Buckinghamshire Building Society, where he has been chief executive for four years.

Jack Cullen, chairman of Darlington Building Society, said: “We are extremely pleased to have appointed someone with this level of experience and calibre who shares the values of the Society.

“We firmly believe that in Andrew we have someone who can lead the Society to the next stage of our clearly-defined strategy.”

Andrew commented: “I am looking forward to joining a thriving regional building society that has strong ambitions for the future.”

Colin Fyfe will leave the post at the end of September. He has been the Society’s chief exec since 2014,

Andrew will take up the role on December 1, subject to regulatory approval.

Louise Stewart and Phillip Bone, Silverstone Building Consultancy

Newcastle’s Silverstone Building Consultancy has promoted two senior staff.

Louise Stewart, formerly associate director, is now a director in the firm, while Phillip Bone moved into the role of associate director from senior building surveyor.

Louise has worked at Silverstone since 2014. Projects she’s managed include a £700k refurbishment and fit-out for a high-end retailer and a £2.5m new-build residential development in Alnwick.

Phillip joined Silverstone in 2011 as a graduate and became chartered in 2014. He delivers the company’s full range of building surveying services for clients including Harworth Estates, Crown Promotional Packaging and RPU Group Plc.

Silverstone director Richard Farrey said: “As a company we have ambitious growth plans, so it is essential that we have a strong and capable senior team to support us in all areas of the business.

“Louise and Phil have the skills, knowledge and positive work ethics required to be successful in their new roles and are both invaluable assets to our long-term strategy.”

Isaac Sharp, Forrest Digital

Stockton digital consultancy Forrest Digital has added a new digital marketing executive to its team.

Teesside University graduate Isaac Sharp was recruited as part of a push to increase the firm’s marketing capacity.

Forrest Digital MD Iain Forrest (pictured left, with Isaac and marketing exec Steph Shenava) said: “Initially the gap in the business that we were looking to fill was primarily focused on analytics.

“The way that we operate, we don’t just send users to a client’s website and hope for the best, we make sure from the outset what is important to the client ensuring we have a system in place that is capable of measuring that.”

He continued: “Isaac was brought in to expand that area of the business and our capacity and abilities and to take us in new directions. I hope he can find his own place with us and grow to be the best he can be.”

Isaac commented: “I want to use this opportunity to learn as much about the business and find my strengths to focus on to help build a sustainable career and to make Forrest Digital as successful as I can.”

Kevin Ayrton, George F. White

Chartered surveyors and property consultancy George F. White has hired Kevin Ayrton for the role of associate technical planner.

The Northumberland-headquartered business made the appointment to enhance its range of planning and development services and broaden its client base.

Kevin is a chartered town planner with experience spanning the public and private sectors.

George F. White’s head of planning and development, Richard Garland, said: “We’re delighted to expand our planning team, which now accounts for 25% of the business’ turnover.

“Kevin’s skills and local knowledge perfectly complements our niche offering of the highest quality planning advice aligned to the delivery of value to clients. Kevin’s expertise, and past experience, has enabled him to hit the ground running. It’s great to have him on board.”

Kevin previously worked at Hambleton District Council and will be based out of George F. White’s Bedale office.

Neil Donkin, Mesma

Gateshead firm Mesma has appointed Neil Donkin to lead on new product development.

Working alongside his fellow directors, Neil will strengthen the company’s software building and development capabilities.

Mesma is targeting additional growth for its online education software and consultancy services.

In his new role, Neil will initially focus on the design and delivery of Mesma’s new Observe module, launching this month.