This week's North East appointments

Gavin Bennett, Queensway Orthodontics

Dental practice Queensway Orthodontics has appointed Gavin Bennett as managing director.

Gavin joins the firm following 13 years at his previous employer where he managed a national team.

Gavin will help lead the development and strategic direction of Queensway Orthodontics, supporting its plans to grow further sites, while working alongside partner and specialist Orthodontist, Dr Guy Deeming.

Dr Guy Deeming, managing partner at Queensway Orthodontics, commented: “We are incredibly pleased that in the middle of such a challenging period for business, the world and local community we can provide some stability and hope for our growing team, as well as increase access to the services and care we have had much pride creating over the last decade.

“Bringing an individual of Gavin’s calibre and experience on board at this time is an essential step to smooth and accelerate these changes to bring our mix of NHS and private care to our new sites in Consett, Bishop Auckland and Darlington.”

Gavin added: “Joining Queensway Orthodontics as Managing Director is one of my greatest achievements and is the highlight of my working life.

“I have been working for 27 years and I am really excited about being here. It is a fantastic opportunity to join an established and dynamic business while working alongside a great team of people.

“Together over the coming months and years we will grow the business into a market leader in the orthodontic industry.”

Paul Bent, Boiler Plan

Home heating specialist Boiler Plan has appointed Paul Bent as sales and operations director.

Paul Bent joins the business from British Gas, where he spent more than 16 years, rising to a senior level within both the operations and commercial departments.

Paul, who was responsible for generating growth and driving multi-million pound sales revenues, will head up its national operational and sales teams delivering new boiler installations, boiler servicing and repairs.

Paul, who started his career as an apprentice gas engineer, said: “I was impressed by Ian’s [Henderson, managing director] entrepreneurial skills and his ability to disrupt the market with an innovative and customer-focused business model.

“He has created an excellent structure centred on value for money, customer service and a digital platform which makes the whole process of buying and installing a boiler simple and convenient.”

Managing director Ian Henderson added: “I’m delighted to welcome Paul to the business in such a crucial role and I’m certain his wealth of experience will complement our existing team and prove pivotal in growing the business.”

Joanne Durham, CellNutrition

Sunderland-headquartered CellNutrition has appointed Joanne Durham as sales and marketing manager.

With some 20 years’ experience in the marketing arena, Joanne has held advertising and marketing roles both in the United Kingdom and South Africa across a range of brands in the FMCG and retail sectors.

Joanne commented: “I was fortunate to have joined the team at the start of lockdown. I am not only grateful; I am also more driven than I’ve ever been. Joining CellNutrition at this critical time has meant that I’ve had the privilege of being involved in a meaningful initiative aimed at assisting our heroes.

“It is a humbling experience to be a part of a company that has so freely provided its incredible range of forward-thinking health supplement products. Products and supplements that are pure, natural and innovative. After overcoming a recent cancer scare personally, CellNutrition and our company ethos resonates with me deeply.”

Founder and CEO of CellNutrition, John Kelleher, added: “Joanne’s enthusiasm and can-do attitude is matched by her market knowledge.

“Her drive for success and vision for our brands which resonate with her own. Joanne joins us at a very important time.

“Our products are created to meet the needs of our customers. Our ethos is based on natural, pure and innovative, and the latter is where Jo adds the most value.”

Debra Taylor, Richard Reed

Law firm Richard Reed has appointed Debra Taylor as legal executive.

Debra, who is a specialist in family law, began her career at the firm 30 years ago before working for a range of legal practices in the area. First starting at Richard Reed as a secretary, Debra was then trained by one of the firm’s solicitors to be a legal executive so she could see clients.

Debra has built up a range of experience of family law including divorce and separation, financial resolution, domestic violence issues and cases relating to children over the years.

Debra commented: “I’ve stayed in touch with people at Richard Reed and it just seemed the right time when this came up, along with knowing I was going somewhere where I’d be valued and would be able to use my expertise.”

“I’m really looking forward to going back and using my years of experience at Richard Reed.”

Sarah Reid, managing director at Richard Reed, added: “It’s fantastic to see someone who started her career with us coming back after doing so well over the years.

“We are sure Debra will be an integral part of our family law team and will be using all her expertise in supporting our clients.”