This week's North East appointments

Chris Ion, Newcastle International Airport

Newcastle International Airport has appointed Chris Ion as an aviation development executive.

Chris moved back to the North East after spending the last five years working with airlines and airports all over the UK, most recently at Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

At Newcastle, his role will encompass all facets of aviation development, including managing, measuring and procuring airlines and services.

Chris said: “I am so pleased to have been given the fantastic opportunity to come back home and carry out this job in the North East.

“I have always been interested in aviation and I am so lucky in that I can combine my passion with the commercial aspect of the role.”

He continued: “To me, Newcastle International is the benchmark of all regional airports in the UK when it comes to customer services and the choice of routes and airlines – which is why I wanted to work for this fantastic business.”

Leon McQuaid, the airport’s recently promoted head of aviation development, commented: “Chris shares our passion for the North East and we are thrilled to welcome him to the team.

“His experience and knowledge of the industry will be an invaluable asset to Newcastle International Airport.”

Leon added: “Now, we are looking forward to getting started, and will be working on securing some new and exciting routes for the future.”

Four appointments, Clive Owen LLP

Accountancy firm Clive Owen LLP has appointed four new trainees at its Darlington office.

Under a three-year training contract, three of the new recruits receive full study support for the ACA qualification with the ICAEW: Elizabeth Rae, from Saltburn; Oliver Bainbridge, from Newton Aycliffe; and Lydia Dawes, from Richmond.

The fourth trainee, Paige Robson, will work towards AAT Level 3 and 4 before embarking on the ACA training.

Clive Owen managing partner Tony Luckett said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome our new recruits, who are taking the first steps on the accountancy career ladder.

“Taking on trainees is a direct investment in the future development of our workforce and it’s a fantastic way to support local, talented individuals who are keen to start their careers.”

He continued: “Professional firms in towns like Darlington can offer a high quality of work and training, with the added benefit of a less-stressed lifestyle and more affordable property prices.

“We believe we have recruited four young people who will be an asset to the firm, proving that the town can compete with the bigger cities of Leeds or Newcastle in terms of training and retaining the best people.”

Paige commented: “I’m delighted to have joined an award-winning accountancy firm.

“I know that Clive Owen will offer me opportunities in the future to grow my career and I can’t wait to start working towards my qualifications.”

Jon Fisher, Communicate Technology PLC

Tees Valley technology business has appointed Jon Fisher as cyber sales manager.

Jon Fisher, who is based in Communicate’s West Yorkshire office, has over 20 years’ experience in the IT industry. He has specialised in cyber security since 2015.

Commenting on his new role, Jon said: “Working with Communicate was a no brainer, they have experienced significant growth in the past few years and have a great proposition for clients, as well as a fully formed capability and excellent prospects.

“They fully understand what cyber security means and it is clear they are eager to grow this division. We’re building on solid foundations, with an experienced team of security experts and a portfolio of leading vendor partners.”

He continued: “We already have a lot to offer our clients, and our focus on further developing our capability will enable us to provide additional innovative ways we can help our clients protect themselves from the increasing and evolving threat landscape.”

Communicate CEO Tony Snaith commented: “We are in the midst of expanding and it’s important to have the right people to make the transition manageable. Jon’s wealth of experience and skills are exactly what Communicate require moving forward.

“We are recognised as a trusted partner by our clients and we firmly believe Jon will add expertise to our ability to solve their business challenges.”

Marc Atkinson, Chris Garbutt and Lucy Tyreman, Just Williams

Sales outsourcing company Just Williams has appointed three new members to its team.

Marc Atkinson has taken on the role of non-executive director to support managing director Jessica Williams as the business enters a new phase of growth.

New appointee Chris Garbutt, meanwhile, will provide sales solutions for businesses through the design, development and implementation of sales strategies and activities..

Just Williams has also taken on Teesside University graduate Lucy Tyreman in a marketing support role.

MD Jessica said: “It’s certainly an exciting time at Just Williams with 2018 having seen the business expand considerably.

“Winning the recent Best Newcomer award for the inaugural Tees Women Business awards has cemented our ambitious growth plans.”

She continued: “I am delighted with our recent appointments within the business, each bringing a new dynamic, personality and character to compliment our ever-expanding client base.”

James Kennedy, Lookers Mazda (Sunderland)

Lookers, the new name for North East auto dealer Jennings, has appointed a sales executive at its Mazda showroom on Stadium Way, Sunderland.

James Kennedy joined the dealership as a sales executive for new and used cars. He holds a degree in theology from Queen’s University in Belfast and later pursued photography, running his own business for five years before turning to a new career in car sales.

James said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me and a challenge I am very much looking forward to.

“I’m particularly looking forward to learning about the range of Mazda products and services available to customers, through various training programmes which are being arranged both in-house and through the manufacturer.”

Franchise manager James Chorlton commented: “I would like to welcome James on board. Already he’s proving to be an asset to the team.

“He’s joining the company at a very exciting time, following the recent take over from Lookers – one of the top three motor vehicle retailers in the UK.”

Alex Hill, Bibin Johnson and Paul Herriott, Dow Schofield Watts

Advisory firm Dow Schofield Watts (DSW) has announced two appointments and a promotion at its office covering Yorkshire and the North East.

Alex Hill joined the company’s transaction services team from professional services giant KPMG, where he worked on clients in manufacturing, construction, retail and other sectors with revenues of between £40m and £100m.

Bibin Johnson has joined DSW’s corporate finance team from PwC, where he worked with clients in the industrial, manufacturing and retail sectors. He studied finance at Queen’s University in Belfast.

DSW has also promoted Paul Herriott to director and co-owner in its corporate finance team. Paul has worked with the firm since 2013, when he joined from EY.

Transaction services partner Sophie Colloby said: “We are delighted to welcome Alex to the team. With 15 completions for the Yorkshire transaction services team so far in 2018 and a strong pipeline, he joins us at a really exciting time for the business.”

Roger Esler, head of the corporate finance team, commented: “It’s fantastic to be joined by such great talent as we grow our business in the region.

“Paul is an example of a professional that has thrived and excelled in this environment and has made a considerable contribution to the firm over the last five years.”

Keith Handy, Howarth Litchfield

North East architectural practice Howarth Litchfield has announced a senior appointment.

Keith Handy, the firm’s new director, qualified in 2000 and has since worked across the residential, education and extra care sectors for a number of practices.

According to Howarth Litchfield, Keith will add an extra dimension to the team with his knowledge and experience of both off-site manufacturing and modern methods of construction.

Keith said: “Not only here in the region, but other parts of the UK, Howarth Litchfield has an excellent reputation for designing imaginative buildings and interiors.

“With many awards to its credit, the practice has developed a wide portfolio that spans leisure, education, bespoke residential and student accommodation as well as commercial buildings.”

He added: “To have the opportunity to join the team and make a positive contribution to the practice’s growth and ongoing success was one not to be missed.”

Managing director Jonathan Yates commented: “Keith’s experience as both designer and project lead mirrors the talent of our existing team and for that reason, I am confident that he will fit in seamlessly and support our future growth.”

Scott Cable, St James’ Square

Newcastle-based law firm St James’ Square has promoted Scott Cable from senior associate to partner.

Scott, a commercial litigator with more than 10 years’ experience, is head of the company’s dispute resolution department.

Paul Monaghan, managing partner at St James’ Square, said: “We are delighted to have made Scott a partner.

“He has been with the firm for a year now and his hard work and dedication has contributed enormously to the growth and success of St James’ Square.”

The appointment has taken St James’ Square’s partnership team to five, with Scott joining Paul Monaghan, Andrew Carser, Martin Wilson and Mark Lynn.

Scott commented: “I’m so pleased to have been made a partner. I joined St James’ Square because I totally believe in what the team is achieving, and I wanted to be part of that.

“As a partner, I can be even more involved in the continued development of the business. The future is exciting indeed.”