This week's North East appointments

Caroline Oswald, Luminous Group

Mixed reality specialist Luminous Group, has appointed Caroline Oswald as head of sales.

Caroline has over a decade of sales experience, with seven years in SaaS (software as a service).

Caroline commented: “The digital solutions that Luminous Group produces are so progressive that I couldn’t wait to be a part of the team and grab the opportunity to educate different markets on the groundbreaking technology.

“Watching clients experience the technology for the first time is very exciting. Simply putting on a headset or trying out the mobile app blows them away. It is clear that we are on the crest of something special.”

Ben Bennett, managing director at Luminous Group, added: “Caroline’s combination of her passion for technology, sales expertise, and creative thinking makes her an invaluable addition to the team as we continue to identify and drive new avenues for the business.

“We are anticipating a rapid expansion as we officially bring traXR to market in 2020 and Caroline will be integral to growing global sales relationships.

“All of our products and services complement each other and have the potential to be utilised in many sectors and applied to many operational challenges, so mapping out how we can optimise this is fundamental to the growth of the company.”

Abigail Simpson, Eve Cuthbert, Jo Lamb and Emma Courtley, Baldwins

Accountancy and business advisory firm Baldwins has appointed four new members of staff to its North East team.

The firm has taken on three associates, Abigail Simpson, Eve Cuthbert and Jo Lamb, in its accounts and audit department, and apprentice Emma Courtley joins their accounts team.

Joanne Regan, partner for the Wynyard office, commented: “Given our increased service lines, growing client base and internal promotions, we needed additional staff who were enthusiastic to develop their skills and careers. We’ve always been ahead of the curve when it comes to digital and cloud accounting and we needed to bolster our team with people who had experience in this area.

“The appointments will allow us to ensure that we continue to respond to clients’ needs effectively. “New staff always bring fresh energy to the team and we hope they will bring with them innovative ideas and efficiencies.”

Apprentice Emma, who is a former student of Hartlepool College of Further Education, added: “It is great to be given the opportunity to work with such a dedicated and hardworking team of individuals.

“I am really looking forward to studying the AAT qualification and expanding my knowledge in accounting, and I am excited to see what the future brings and to develop my skills within the firm.”

Jo, who has worked in accountancy for nearly a decade, said: “I’m most looking forward to getting the chance to work in areas that I’ve not explored before and to broaden my knowledge within the industry.

“It’s exciting to be working for a company that has so much room for expansion, and where there’s room for all team members to grow.”

Chris Dixon, youngsRPS

Property consultancy firm youngsRPS has appointed Chris Dixon as business development consultant.

Chris brings with him a range of commercial property experience, having spent over 30 years at Sanderson Weatherall running the firm’s asset management division.

Michael Blake, Director at youngsRPS, commented: “Bringing Chris into the fold is a strategic move for us as we drive our expansion plans forward at a regional and national level.

“As businesses adapt to a post Brexit world, we’re fully prepared for unpredictability but, so far, the property market is showing great resilience and remains strong.

“Chris’ expertise, experience, and leadership qualities are an asset to YoungsRPS and I’m excited about the opportunity that lies ahead.”

Chris added: “It’s great to join youngsRPS and their progressive, motivated and driven team.

“I think I will bring a fresh approach to the way we secure business and I’m relishing the prospect of attracting new clients and growing our reputation among the City’s business community.”

Daniel Brown, Activ Technology

IT and telecommunications service provider Activ Technology has appointed Daniel Brown as business development manager. Daniel returns following a period of self-employment.

Daniel has returned to the company after a period of self-employment, and worked with Activ for a number of years.

Daniel commented: “Activ Technology is a family-owned business and the welcome I have received on returning has been great, I feel as though I am coming home.

“The company has grown significantly, both in the number of customers and staff. This is testament to the outstanding quality of service and commitment of the whole team. In 2020, I will help to drive growth further by cultivating new customers and developing existing relationships.

“It is marvellous to be back with the team, and, in particular, with sales manager, Dean Cowens, who I have worked alongside for many years.”

Dean Cowens, sales manager, added: “Daniel is well-respected and we welcome his return to a role that he is so well accomplished in. He is an excellent team player and knows what it takes to drive the business forward.

“The long-standing relationships we cultivate means that Daniel worked with many of our existing customers when he was previously with the company and so already has an excellent rapport with them.”

Erik de Greef, Go North East

Bus company Go North East has appointed Erik de Greef as finance director.

Erik previously worked as commercial finance director of UK and Ireland at FTSE 100 company, Sage.

Erik was also formerly head of group financial planning and analysis at the Sunderland headquartered pan-European transport operator Arriva and started out his career as a trainee auditor with KPMG.

Erik will head-up the bus operator’s finance team, which is responsible for management accounting and revenue administration, IT, insurance and also provides payroll operations for the wider Go-Ahead Group.

Commenting on his appointment, Erik said: “It’s an honour to be part of a team that has such a great reputation within the industry, and beyond. “The board has ambitious plans and I’m looking forward to getting started and playing my part.”

Martijn Gilbert, managing director at Go North East, added: “We’re delighted to have Erik join our team. He’s a strong appointment, bringing valuable financial leadership experience and I’m looking forward to working with him to take our company to even greater heights.

“I’d like to thank the whole of our finance team for their exceptional efforts over the last few months in the interim prior to Erik’s arrival.”

Stacey Gray, Square One Law

Commercial law firm Square One Law has appointed Stacey Gray.

Stacey has worked with magic circle law firm Slaughter and May, and as legal counsel with the Bank of England.

At Slaughter and May, Stacey dealt with commercial contracts, including negotiating a suite of documents in relation to the purchase of a number of aircraft by British Airways. She also spent time in Brussels, working within the competition and regulatory group on a range of competition matters.

In 2016, Stacey went on to join the Bank of England as legal counsel, advising the markets, banking and notes divisions on a range of complex commercial, corporate and financial aspects of the bank’s operations.

Gill Hall, head of the commercial team at Square One Law commented: “We are delighted that the Square One Law brand attracted Stacey.

“She has had a very impressive career to date and her European and specialist financial experience will add an extra dimension to our talented team.”

Stacey added: “I am originally from the North East so I know it is a great place to live and work, however I have really enjoyed working in the city and I’ve had great opportunities to work on high profile international projects and I can now bring that experience to Square One Law’s impressive client base.

“I was attracted to Square One Law for two reasons. I liked the passion and drive of the people and the firm’s focus on key sectors. I am keen to help support businesses in the region strengthen their position in the UK and international markets and Square One Law provides an ideal platform from which to do so.”

The team at North East marketing and public relations agency DTW is expanding with the addition of three new members of staff to kick off 2020.

Anthony Doyle, Rebecca Dew and Richard Johnston, DTW

Marketing and public relations agency DTW has made three new appointments to its Tees Valley-based team.

Anthony joins as a senior strategist, specialising in digital marketing, data analysis, SEO and website development.

A Teesside native who has worked around the world, Anthony brings a combination of strategic, technical and development knowledge to the DTW team, and will be leading on the development of the company’s growing digital offering to clients.

He has 20 years’ experience of working in marketing, having led enterprise marketing teams for major multi-national organisations, such as Frog Education and QS Unisolution in the software and education sectors.

Rebecca joins as a public relations and digital engagement specialist, and will be providing media relations, copywriting and social media content services to clients.

Rebecca has a National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) diploma in multimedia journalism and a BA (Hons) in english language and linguistics from York St John University.

Richard joins as the lead creative in DTW’s growing film and digital content team, having previously worked at the prestigious Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity in Canada. He graduated in 2016 with a BA (Hons) First Class in film and television production from Teesside University.

Chris Taylor, Managing Director of DTW, commented: “Our vision is very simple – it is about creating meaningful campaigns that are world-class, make a difference and help our clients succeed.

“I’m delighted to welcome Anthony, Rebecca and Richard because they will really strengthen our hugely talented team and are already making a difference to the work we are delivering for our clients.”