This week's North East appointments

Mark Dixon, Jackson Hogg

Jackson Hogg has appointed experienced engineer and entrepreneur, Mark Dixon as its non-executive chairman.

Mark Dixon, an MBA qualified chartered engineer, has joined Jackson Hogg alongside the executive management team and non-exec directors. He will support the company in realising its business aims and evolving its strategy.

As a proven non-exec and chairman, Mark has worked at C-level across a range of industries around the UK for more than twenty years.

Richard Hogg, managing director at Jackson Hogg, said: “Mark and I share similar routes from the power generation sector and I’m delighted to welcome him to the board.

“I am personally looking forward to working closely with Mark and the other board members as we undertake the next period of growth.”

James Reid, Miller Homes

Miller Homes North East has recruited a senior planning expert to support its growth plans to bring more new homes to the region.

James Reid has joined the housebuilder as strategic land and planning manager for the north following the creation of the new position. As part of his role, James will be responsible for the identification and delivery of longer-term development opportunities.

The 27-year-old from Cramlington will work under the leadership of Scott Chamberlin, divisional managing director - strategic land, whose appointment was announced in the summer.

James said: “Miller Homes’ reputation and five star rating for customer satisfaction were a real draw, so I didn’t hesitate to take this new role with the company as it goes from strength-to-strength in the region.

“Growth is firmly on the agenda and having the opportunity to help drive that is really exciting.”

Astrid Clough, Coleman James

Newcastle-based Coleman James has welcomed on board recruitment specialist Astrid Clough to head up the facilities management team and work alongside company founder Andrew Mackay to shape the future of the business.

The specialist recruitment firm, which focuses on the construction and built environment sectors, has experienced rapid growth since it was founded in 2016.

In just over two years, it has gained more than 80 clients, created eight new jobs and is forecasting a turnover of £1.6m in this financial year - more than double the previous year.

Astrid joins the company hot on the heels of its move to a brand new office space at Hoults Yard, Newcastle, in October.

Founder and managing director Andrew Mackay, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Astrid on board at this exciting time for the business. She brings with her a wealth of experience in the facilities management sector and knows the industry inside out.

“Astrid is dedicated to building relationships with the people she works with, she’s a strategic thinker and will play a key role in driving the business forward.

“Our focus is on attracting and retaining the best staff and we’re fortunate to have some of the most talented in the business working here at Coleman James.

“It’s our aim to create a great ethos and culture with a team which is passionate about recruitment and we’re all about investing in our people.”

Shaun Fooy, The British Business Bank

The British Business Bank has appointed Shaun Fooy to a new position as senior manager, UK Network for the North East.

Shaun will represent the UK Network across the North East and will engage closely with business finance stakeholders in the region. He will be supporting Geoff Whiteland, the recently appointed UK network director, North of England and the Midlands.

Shaun has spent the majority of his career supporting smaller businesses in the North East providing funding solutions as a relationship manager and business development manager.

Geoff Whiteland, UK network director, North of England and the Midlands said: “I am very happy to welcome Shaun to the UK Network, where he will be able to build on his existing network in the North East to enhance and build our relationships with key SME finance stakeholders and to help identify and reduce imbalances in access to finance for smaller businesses.”

Holly Charlton-Rowell and Morgan Pearce, Walker Filtration

North East manufacturer, Walker Filtration has welcomed two apprentices to its facility in Washington, in a bid to tackle the national engineering skills shortage and help boost youth employment in the industry.

According to a recent report by Engineering UK, to close the ever-increasing skills gap in the engineering sector, the industry must focus on effectively harnessing the talent pool of young people.

The UK needs 1.8 million new engineers and technicians by 2025 but the report reveals that only 39 per cent of 16 to 19-year olds would consider a career in engineering.

Holly Charlton-Rowell and Morgan Pearce joined Walker Filtration in October, after completing an engineering apprenticeship access programme with TDR Training over the summer. Both Holly and Morgan will spend four years with the business, while studying for a Level 3 Apprenticeship.

Julie Robinson, operations director at Walker Filtration, said: “We are delighted to have Holly and Morgan onboard and look forward to welcoming a further two apprentices, Travis Smith and Jack Sutton, in the New Year.

“Walker Filtration recognise the value a diverse team can bring to our business and we believe strongly in investing in the talent of tomorrow and promoting equal opportunities.”

Tom Hall, Talbot Jones Risk Solutions

Brokerage, Talbot Jones Risk Solutions has appointed chartered insurance broker, Tom Hall to its team, as non-executive director.

At this exciting time of change and growth, the charity insurance specialist firm welcomes Tom’s expertise and 25 years of experience to help guide its continued growth and development and to provide accountability for the dynamic family firm.

Richard, MD of Talbot Jones Risk Solutions, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Tom to the team.

“Our clients will benefit from a broader, more enriched board which will provide new ways of ensuring that they receive the highest and most efficient standards of advice and service.”

Rosie Spours, YoungsRPS

The Alnwick branch of YoungsRPS has appointed Rosie Spours as a valuer manager of its estate agency division.

This is the latest development for YoungsRPS, which recently relocated to larger premises due to increasing demand in property services. Based at its town centre premises in Bondgate Within, this newly created position will see Rosie dedicated to offering a complete range of estate agency services which will include residential sales and lettings.

Born and raised in Northumberland, and a former student of the Duchess High School, Rosie grew up on the family farm near Alnwick, which she is still actively involved in.

Rosie started her career in London, working for an estate agency and has since established her foundations and built up knowledge in residential property. After London, Rosie returned to Alnwick.

Graeme Bruce, YoungsRPS’ director, who heads up the office, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Rosie as full time Manager and Valuer to our estate agency team.

“This appointment further improves the wide scope of services we offer to clients throughout the area and is an important step for us in our strategy for growth across North Northumberland.

“With many years of experience, invaluable local knowledge and a passion for the industry, Rosie will be a fantastic addition to our expanding team.

“I know that she will be integral to providing our growing customer base with professional support, and advice and developing our estate agency division.”