This week's North East appointments

Joe Ridgeon, Hedley Planning Services

Hexham-based planning specialist Hedley Planning Services has promoted Joe Ridgeon to director.

With more than 10 years of experience in planning, Joe will be focusing on the firm’s growth and expansion into Teesside and Yorkshire, new business development and strategic planning for residential and commercial clients.

Managing director Sean commented: “Joe’s promotion is well-deserved. Since joining us, our clients have benefitted from his strategic insight, development management experience, and creative approach to finding sustainable solutions for developing estates, land and assets.”

“He has a commitment to quality and has given a vast contribution to both our existing and new clients.”

Marie Roe, Beyond Housing

Housing association Beyond Housing has appointed Marie Roe as its new director of strategy and change.

Joining from the position of executive director of business and development at the Gateshead Housing Company, Marie will be supporting the newly merged organisation (formerly Coast & Country Housing and Yorkshire Coast Homes) with its change agenda.

In previous roles Marie was also involved in the establishment of County Durham Housing Group in 2015 and Dale & Valley Homes in 2006.

Commenting on her appointment, Marie said: “Opportunities to join such a forward thinking new company from its very beginning don’t come along very often,”

“Drawing upon my career experiences so far, which have required me to work through periods of often unprecedented change, I look forward to working with colleagues to help deliver Beyond Housing’s bold ambition.”

Rosemary Du Rose, Beyond Housing chief executive, added: “I’m delighted to welcome Marie to Beyond Housing, her expertise will be vital to facilitating the integration of the business and taking our new strategy forward.”

Scot McHarg, Jackson Hogg

Recruitment firm Jackson Hogg has appointed Scot McHarg as its new head of executive search.

With over 12 years of experience in the recruitment industry, Scot has worked with public and private sector clients across a range of industries.

Richard Hogg, Managing Director of Jackson Hogg, said: “Scot is a fantastic addition to our team, and we’re glad to welcome him as our new Head of Executive Search. He brings with him a wealth of experience in board-level recruitment and will certainly be an asset to the team at Jackson Hogg.”

“I am personally looking forward to working closely with Scot as we continue to build on our established client base whilst we pursue our ambitious growth plans on a regional, national and global level.”

Scot McHarg added: “Having really enjoyed my time working with two of the larger regional recruitment businesses, I was really excited by the opportunity to join Jackson Hogg at a time when they are growing so rapidly.”

Stephen Robinson and Jane Fiddes, Samuel Phillips Law

Newcastle-based law firm Samuel Phillips Law has promoted head of wills, probate and trusts department Stephen Robinson and head of residential property Jane Fiddes to partners.

Stephen joined the firm as an assistant solicitor in family law, before being promoted to associate in 2016. He commented: “It’s rewarding to be recognised by the firm as a partner, and I look forward to helping the firm grow further in the future.”

Jane began her career at the firm as a trainee, qualifying in 2002 and returning after a period in other regional law firms. She said: “I’m very happy I made the decision to return to Samuel Phillips Law and to be acknowledged for the hard work which lies behind my department’s rapid growth.”

Robert Gibson, senior partner at Samuel Phillips Law, said: “Jane and Stephen thoroughly deserve their appointments, having both made important contributions to Samuel Phillips Law’s growth and success, and to their clients for whom they carry out work.”

Joanne Wraith and Emily Russell, Walton Robinson

Newcastle City Centre property consultancy Walton Robinson have appointed two new tenancies consultants.

Joanne Wraith and Emily Russell will be joining the New Tenancies team, responsible for assisting landlords and tenants with a range of documentation, referencing and checks.

Joanne brings several years of administrative experience to the role, while Emily is currently studying for an apprenticeship in business administration.

Mark Walton, MD of Walton Robinson commented; “Walton Robinson has a very successful history of working with apprentices and are happy to be continuing this in 2019 along with hiring experienced professionals to boost our talented team even further.”