This week's North East appointments

Laura Nolan, Ryan Dunn, Leanne Metcalfe and Lucy Morris, Baldwins

Accounting and business advisory firm, Baldwins has expanded its accounting and audit team due to service demand.

Laura Nolan, accounts senior; Ryan Dunn, accounts senior; Leanne Metcalfe, audit manager; and Lucy Morris, accounts senior, have joined the accounting and audit team at the Wynyard office.

Speaking about the latest appointments, Joanne Regan, partner for the Wynyard office, said: “We are thrilled to welcome these new starters to the team.

“We look for the very best talent that the North East has to offer, and we are committed to helping the team develop their existing skills, both for their progression and to ensure that we meet the ever-evolving needs of our diverse client base.”

Gary Lumby MBE, JDM Earth Limited

Hartlepool-based electrical contracting and electric vehicle charging specialists, JDM Earth Limited, has appointed business consultant Gary Lumby MBE as its first non-executive director.

The appointment has come at a time of substantial growth for JDM Earth, which has increased its turnover to over £250k in 2018 with plans to further grow that to £500k within this financial year.

Gary, said: “I am delighted to be joining JDM Earth at this important part in its growth journey and hope that my experience, knowledge and contacts can further accelerate its revenue and profitability growth.”

Jade McKiernan, The Biscuit Factory

The Biscuit Factory, the UK’s largest independent commercial art, craft and design gallery located in the Ouseburn valley, has appointed Jade McKiernan as its new wedding and events coordinator.

In her new role, Jade will be taking the lead on weddings, liaising with couples and converting enquiries into confirmed bookings.

She will also coordinate each couple’s wedding and manage their entire client journey - from the initial enquiry through to their menu tasting, final details appointments and then running their big day.

Jade said: “I am extremely excited to have joined such a unique North East venue and look forward to selling all that The Biscuit Factory has to offer.

“From the truly unique backdrop of the gallery and exceptional in-house catering to our beautiful purpose built Biscuit Room and quirky urban location in the Ouseburn - it really is a city venue like no other.”

Katy Ames, Watson Burton

Newcastle-headquartered commercial law firm, Watson Burton has appointed Katy Ames as a solicitor following her completion of its two-year graduate training programme.

She joins the firm’s professions and insurance team - renowned for providing specialist advice to businesses including engineers, architects, surveyors, insurance brokers, financial advisers and accountants.

Richard Palmer, partner and head of the professions and insurance group at Watson Burton, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Katy into the team as part of our planned growth.

“We spotted Katy’s potential when she worked in the team as a trainee solicitor and we were very keen to offer her a future career at Watson Burton upon qualification.

“We have recently been instructed on a number of high profile matters and we have identified further exciting opportunities for the near future, so Katy is joining a vibrant, dynamic environment. I have no doubt that she will play a key part in our future success.”

Laurie Wilson, Hay & Kilner Law Firm

Laurie Wilson has returned to the region to take up a solicitor role with Hay & Kilner Law Firm in Newcastle.

After graduating with a law degree in 2008, Laurie left the region to first of all work in Austria before returning to the UK, settling in Chester and joining Liverpool law firm Weightmans LLP as a paralegal.

She also studied part-time at Chester Law College for both her Legal Practice Course, a required qualification for anyone wishing to practice as a solicitor, and also a Masters degree in Law.

Having completed all her qualifications, Laurie has now returned to the North East to join Hay & Kilner’s commercial property team, and is working with a range of regional clients.

She said: “I always knew that I’d eventually want to come home to be closer to family and friends, and when I started researching my North East employment options, Hay & Kilner was soon high up on my list.

“The good feeling I got at interview has very much been matched by the warm welcome I’ve had into what is a really supportive environment, and I’m already working with a range of ambitious, high quality clients.

“Hay & Kilner is a growing firm which will provide many opportunities for me to build my career, and I’m enjoying being part of a very friendly team.”

Goncalo Liz, Accapi Group

County Durham-based premium dog equipment distributor, Accapi Group has appointed Goncalo Liz as European sales manager for its dog travel safety brand, Kurgo.

Goncalo, who has 16 years of experience in sales, is a former professional footballer and spent five years at Sporting Club Portugal and two years at Football Club Porto under Jose Mourinho.

He began his sales career in 2002 after an injury saw the end of his sporting career. Goncalo’s move to Accapi Group’s Kurgo division will see him focus on the brands continued expansion into the European pet and motor transport industry.

Goncalo Liz said: “When investing in dog travel safety products, there’s no better brand to purchase from than the one that invented them.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be working with my new team and look forward to working with retailers on Kurgo’s great category-building opportunities.”

Dr Gerard Stephens, Anders Jersby and Carol Patton, The Materials Processing Institute

The Materials Processing Institute has announced three new directors, which includes the promotion of two members of staff from management positions.

Dr Gerard Stephens has been named as director, operations, having previously held the title of director, client services.

Anders Jersby has been promoted from business development manager to director, commercial.

Carol Patton has been promoted from business services manager to the newly-created position of director, business services.

Chris McDonald, CEO of the Materials Processing Institute, said: “These latest appointments will further strengthen our position as a world leading research and innovation centre, as well as support the Institute’s long-term growth ambitions.

“I’d like to welcome Anders and Carol to the executive team, where they will play instrumental roles in our continued development, while complementing Gerard’s key operational duties.

“I am confident that these appointments will provide us with the capability to enhance our support for clients, whether this be local regional businesses and startups, or national and international organisations.”

Lee Gilder, Emmersons Solicitors

Law firm, Emmersons Solicitors has appointed commercial law specialist, Lee Gilder during a time of growth and success for the company.

The firm has appointed the graduate legal executive to oversee both residential and commercial legal work, including support for clients purchasing and selling property, assisting landlords in acquiring commercial tenants, and tenants taking on new leases as well as assisting clients who are dealing with commercial refinance.

Emmersons Solicitors’ managing director, Jacqueline Emmerson, who launched the firm in 1998, said: “Lee is a fantastic addition to our commercial team as we look to continue to grow this department regionally and nationally.

“He has brought his enthusiasm and skill set to Emmersons Solicitors where he has settled into our team very quickly.

“The firm is consistently growing and we have experienced an impressive period of expansion, which we are looking forward to continuing. Now is an important time for us to be making key appointments in line with our growth strategy, and we are confident that Lee will continue to adapt professionally alongside the firm’s development.

“Lee’s appointment and personality has allowed us to develop further relationships with local businesses, which has in turn increased our work flow and client base.”