This week's North East appointments

Maddy Houghton, Unwritten Group

Integrated communications agency Unwritten Group has appointed Maddy Houghton as head of delivery.

Having spent two and half years with the agency as account manager, Maddy returns from a year of travelling to lead the new branch of the group, set to launch in July.

Maddy commented: “I’m delighted to be returning to Unwritten Group to take on this new challenge as the organisation continues to go from strength to strength.

“During a time of such uncertainty, it’s both a pleasure and privilege to be given the opportunity to help drive the business forward and to be welcomed back into such an uplifting and ambitious team.”

Lisa Eaton, managing director of Unwritten Group, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Maddy back to Unwritten.

“This year Unwritten has worked on some incredible campaigns under our new integrated offering and launching a new division of the business is particularly exciting given the current climate.

“Maddy has always been a brilliant asset to our agency and her skillset is perfectly aligned to drive this area of the business forward. It’s an exciting venture so watch this space for updates.”

Sam Bloor and Helena Peat, Definition IP

Intellectual property specialist Definition IP has appointed Sam Bloor and Helena Peat as senior associates.

Sam is a chartered UK patent attorney and European patent attorney and joins the engineering, electronics and software team, with particular knowledge in consumer products, energy systems, and automotive engineering.

Helena, a chartered Trade Mark attorney joins the firm’s Trade Mark team.

Definition IP’s director and co-founder, Claire Rutherford, commented: ’We are delighted to be expanding the team and the appointment of both Sam and Helena adds real depth of technical knowledge and expertise.“

Co-founder and director, Dan Mercer, added: “To be expanding the team further during this period of uncertainty is a really positive sign. Our client base is already innovative and used to pushing forward in new and resourceful ways.

“The current crisis is, in many cases, proving just how innovative and resilient they can be as they rise to the challenges and opportunities coming out of the situation.”

Andy Castle, FW Capital

Capital finance firm FW Capital has appointed Andy Castle as investment executive.

Andy’s role will see him support growing SMEs in the North of England, with funding solutions between £100k and £750k

With over 15 years commercial banking experience with both Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Bank in Yorkshire, Andy has worked with business clients across a broad range of sectors, with specific experience in credit and risk analysis.

Andy commented: “I am delighted to be joining the FW Capital team. I am always looking to support clients and help them grow and this role will allow me to really do that.

“Despite the unprecedented situation that we find ourselves in due to the Coronavirus pandemic, my ultimate aim is to help as many businesses as possible in the North of England successfully achieve their long term objectives.”

Joanne Whitfield, fund manager at FW Capital, added: “FW Capital is passionate about supporting Northern businesses to access the investment they need through our funds.

“Andy’s appointment demonstrates that we are open for business, investing in staff, and remain dedicated to helping businesses through this difficult time.

“Andy and the team are accepting applications for new loans and I would urge any business that would like to find out more to get in touch.”