This week's North East appointments

Alan Falshaw, Vickers & Barrass

North East land agents and chartered surveyors Vickers & Barrass has appointed Alan Falshaw as a farm business consultant.

Alan Falshaw brings relevant experience having previously worked for a leading regional firm of consultants. He has an understanding of the regional agricultural sector together with knowledge of subsidy and payment schemes and the challenges that they are currently bringing.

He also has experience in completing countryside stewardship applications since the scheme was launched in 2016, as well as knowledge around assessing diversification opportunities for rural businesses and funding applications through the Rural Development Programme England (RDPE) among other schemes.

Adam Barrass, managing director, commented: “We are making the necessary investments now, during this difficult time for the agricultural sector.

“This includes boosting our operations with investment in a new farm business consultant to extend the range of services we can offer to clients.”

“Alan will be based at our new DFAM office and will be a key addition to the team as we continue to develop our regional presence, while delivering the highest standards of service and expertise to our new and existing clients.”

Nick Cryer, RWO Associates

Civil and structural engineering firm RWO Associates has appointed Nick Cryer as a principal structural engineer..

A member of the Institution of Structural Engineers and the Institution of Civil Engineers, Nick brings a range of project management experience to the position. He previously worked on North East projects such as Newcastle University’s new sports centre and Proctor and Gamble’s production facility in Seaton Delaval.

He will be involved in the firm’s regional and national commercial and residential structural engineering work as well as supporting the senior management team in project planning and development.

Managing director Ross Oakley commented: “We are committed to hiring the best industry talent to support our growth and ambitions, so it’s fantastic to have Nick on board.

“He is a key addition to the team as we continue to develop our regional and national profile over the next 12 months, while also delivering the highest standards of service and engineering solutions to current clients.”

Ron Ashtiani and Danni Pratt, SockMonkey Studios

SockMonkey Studios has appointed Ron Ashtiani as chairman and non-executive director and Danni Pratt as marketing and communications manager.

Ron will use his 22 plus years of experience to assist SockMonkey Studios as they work to release their own IP later in the year.

Ron has worked on a range of digital and creative projects during his career for the likes of Marvel, J.K. Rowling and Sony.

Marketer Danni brings experience of curating, managing and representing a range of national brands, both digitally and in physical advertising efforts.

CEO Bob Makin commented: “Welcoming Ron and Danni to the SockMonkey team has been an absolute pleasure, with Ron’s calibre and Danni’s creative prowess meaning they are great additions to the team.”

Michael Downey, Sanderson Weatherall

Property consultancy Sanderson Weatherall has appointed Michael Downey as partner in its North East agency team.

Michael joins the firm with ten years’ experience in the property industry, having previously worked as head of office agency at Lambert Smith Hampton in Newcastle for the last five years.

Kevin McGorie, partner in the North East agency team said, “Michael has a fantastic reputation in the Newcastle office market, having completed around 25% of all office transactions in the city over the past three years, as well as setting the headline rent, which currently stands at £24.50 per square foot.

“We’re delighted to welcome him to Sanderson Weatherall and gain such an asset to our agency team.”

Commenting on his appointment, Michael said: “Sanderson Weatherall is a leading SME in the property industry and holds strong regional roots in the North East. Being privately owned, the opportunity to work alongside the partners and shape the direction and future growth of the business is exciting.”

Nick Hart, Hart Door Systems

Door designer and manufacturer Hart Doors has appointed Nick Hart as managing director.

Nick will take over the role from his father Doug Hart, who has stepped down as MD and instead taken the role of chairman.

In his new role Nick will be responsible for further driving the company’s export strategy forward and strengthening the company’s presence in key markets including food and drink processing, pharmaceuticals, airports and waste management.

With a degree in mechanical engineering from Northumbria University, Nick has been working for the company since he was 16 years old.

Through his degree he had the opportunity to design doors, which gave him the experience of prototyping, testing and developing the products, including designing a 14-metre high door for Rolls Royce in Hucknall.

Nick then spent a decade in various roles in the company – including production manager and quality control manager.

Commenting on his appointment, Nick said: “It has certainly been an interesting start to my role, as taking over during the coronavirus pandemic was not how I’d planned my first few weeks in charge!

“I’m looking forward to taking the company through the changes that the pandemic will no doubt dictate but also building on our recent export successes and serving key sectors that we work with, including food and drink, pharmaceuticals, airports and energy from waste.

“It’s a real honour to take over the family business, as it has always been my ambition to further the work that my father and grandfather have done in establishing a company with true global reach.”

Doug Hart, chairman at Hart Door Systems, added: “It is such a monumental occasion to be handing over the role of managing director to my son. I’ve watched him grow up with this company and he has taken every opportunity to really get involved with all aspects of the business.

“It’s his knowledge and passion for the company, its employees and customers that make me certain that he will do a fantastic job of leading the company and taking it forward.”

Alison Walton, Muckle LLP

Law firm Muckle LLP has appointed Alison Walton as partner in its procurement team.

Alison, who left DAC Beachcroft to join Muckle, is a senior commercial contracts and procurement lawyer with over 17 years’ experience advising senior management teams on procurement strategy and risk management.

Sitting within Muckle LLP’s multidisciplinary commercial team, Alison will manage a 6-strong group of lawyers with experience advising both public and private sector clients on procurement issues. She will also support the firm’s expanding commercial contract practice.

Alison commented: “I am excited to join Muckle at a time when the public sector is likely to be leading the way in rebuilding the economy against a backdrop of a changing procurement landscape.

“As someone who is passionate about our region, working for a forward thinking law firm which is dedicated to the North East was the natural choice for me.”

Alex Craig, partner and head of commercial at Muckle, said: “I am thrilled that Alison has joined us. She is a genuine leader in her field who understands every aspect of EU procurement and the issues public and private organisations face.

“At Muckle we like to do things differently and challenge the norm in search of better solutions for our clients. Alison is someone who really embraces that spirit, as a creative and strategic thinker who is also incredibly easy to work with.”

“We have advised on procurement matters for many years, and Alison’s expertise allows us to build on that experience and take our procurement practice to new heights.”