This week's North East appointments

Paul Brady and Geoff Harmer, Pryme Group

A private-equity backed manufacturing firm has announced two appointments.

Pryme Group has named Paul Brady as operations director for its North Tyneside facility, while Geoff Harmer has returned to the business as the area’s head of sales for fabrication and welding.

Kerrie Murray, CEO at Pryme Group, commented: “We’re pleased to welcome Paul and Geoff on-board and they have certainly added fresh impetus to our North Tyneside operation over the past few challenging months.

“Their industry knowledge and combined years of experience are already proving to be important assets to our business and customers, as well as complementing the talented workforce we have in place in North Tyneside and across the rest of the group.”

Paul said: “It’s great to be back in an engineering workshop and I look forward to working with my new colleagues to realise the potential that we have here at Pryme Group.

“Clearly, there are things that are out of our control as a business, but we’re taking a long-term view towards coming out of this crisis in as strong a position as possible. The key things that we can influence at present are building confidence, developing relationships with our customer base, and providing on-time delivery of quality, machined parts.

“I’ve been impressed with how the whole team has pulled together and risen to this unprecedented challenge and, over the coming months, we’re aiming to empower colleagues to make decisions, learn and develop so that we continue to have a sustainable business.”

Geoff added: “Our fabrication and welding workshop continues to experience strong demand – having seen activity ramp-up over recent months – and we are actively looking at ways of further enhancing our service offering in this area.

“The business has successfully adapted to accept and deliver projects in sectors that wouldn’t previously have been our primary focus. We’ve engaged with clients and listened to them to understand their challenges and how our skills and expertise can help them through this period.”

Andrew Buchanan, Materials Processing Institute

The Materials Processing Institute has appointed resource efficiency specialist Andrew Buchanan as its group manager for the Circular Economy.

He is experienced in working across a range of sectors across the globe in identifying opportunities to design waste and pollution out of the industrial process, with a particular interest in low carbon technology and carbon capture and storage.

Andrew joins the Teesside-based Institute from consulting and engineering firm Mabbett Ltd, where he was regional manager and principal environmental consultant, based in the Tees Valley.

Chris McDonald, the Institute’s chief executive, commented: “Andrew joins us with a wealth of experience within the low carbon and environmental protection sectors, including leading technology start-up ventures from concept through to delivery stage.

“His 21-year career has spanned a number of industrial and business sectors from mining and petrochemicals through to renewable energy regeneration and his expertise makes him a perfect choice to lead innovation for the development of a circular economy which is crucial both for the economy and our planet.”

Andrew added: “I’m excited at this opportunity to contribute to the internationally-acclaimed innovation which takes place here at the Institute and to help shape its long-term strategy.”

Michael Sinclair and Mark Walt, Tech Projects

Tech Projects has strengthened its in-house design team with the addition of two project engineers.

The two project engineers, Michael Sinclair and Mark Walt, bring with them more than 50 years of combined manufacturing expertise to Tech Projects’ design team.

Michael Sinclair has more than 20 years’ experience working in stainless steel fabrication and steel engineering. He previously held a series of positions at Tech Projects and started his career on the shop floor, where he gained valuable knowledge of the manufacture and implementation of conveyor systems and structural access and material handling solutions.

Mark Walt brings with him extensive experience in the food and beverage sector. His knowledge of health and safety regulations is particularly important for Tech Projects’ work in creating solutions for environments where hygiene is of paramount importance, such as food processing plants, bottling plants and dairy plants.

Michael commented: “Roles I have held both on the shop floor and in the office, supporting procurement, have contributed greatly to my current level of experience.

“Bringing my technical knowledge to the office, I began supporting the design team by drawing up access and material handling solutions such as access platforms and mezzanine floors.

“I enjoy the challenge of being able to create bespoke designs for specific requirements and helping businesses meet their objectives.”

Mark added: “I’ve been working my way up in this industry for almost 30 years and bring architectural specialisms to the design team.

“Having worked with balustrades and staircases for use in the hospitality sector, such as pubs and hotels, I’ve gained both a decorative and a practical perspective when it comes to installing solutions.”

Michael Donachie, general manager at Tech Projects commented: “Mark and Michael have an excellent relationship with our customers and are well versed in the delivery of our projects, from the initial design concept through to design stage, manufacture and installation.

“Their extensive practical experience will be used to produce designs that take into consideration our clients working environments and their challenges, ensuring that ergonomic practicality is taken into account.

“Despite the current economic landscape, we are seeing high demand from key industries including food processing, and it’s fantastic to be playing a part in supporting those sectors with innovative solutions.

“I’m extremely proud of the Tech Projects team for their continued ability to swiftly meet the changing needs of our customers.”

Louise Stones, H&H Land & Estates

H&H Land & Estates has welcomed Louise Stones to its Durham office as a graduate surveyor.

Louise has recently graduated from Harper Adams University with a BSc (Hons) in Rural Enterprise and Land Management. Having completed her placement year with H&H Land & Property Durham, Louise returns to the office now to work towards her APC and full membership of RICS and CAAV.

As graduate surveyor, to gain in depth knowledge, Louise will work across all divisions of this rural and commercial business which will include valuations, farm business consultancy, property sales and letting, development advice, compensation claims, landlord and tenant matters and GIS mapping.

Tim Sedgewick, associate director and chartered surveyor for H&H Land & Estates, commented: “As a business, we are committed to supporting the next generation of rural surveyors.

“During her placement Louise really impressed us with her grasp of knowledge of the rural sector, and her enthusiasm will be a real asset to the team as we continue to expand the business.

“We look forward to seeing Louise gain a wide range of experience and are excited to support her in completing her qualifications to become a fully-fledged Chartered Surveyor.”

ouise commented: “I am really looking forward to returning and taking up this full- time role with H&H Land & Estates again.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my 14-month Assistant Surveyor work placement during which time I learned so much from senior surveyors across various projects. In continuing my journey on the land agency path, my aim is to successfully complete my APC, as this will be integral to my career going forward.

Nicola Turner, Bannatyne Health Club

The Bannatyne Health Club Chester-Le-Street has appointed a new general manager to supervise operations at the club.

Nicola Turner joined the club as it prepared for reopening on 25 July for the first time since the UK went into lockdown.

She has worked there for 15 years since 2003, starting in reception and progressing to general manager, before taking up a managerial position in the brand’s Belfast site.

Nicola said: “I’m so pleased to be back at the Chester-Le-Street club, it’s like putting on an old pair of shoes. It’s great to see many of the same faces, both staff and members, that were here before my brief move to other clubs.

“Though I am familiar with the club, coming back in time for re-opening has been a challenge in itself, as there’s so many processes in place that we didn’t have before.

“Keeping our members and staff safe is our main priority, and I have every faith in the team that they will continue to provide the best level of customer service.

“Our members have given us lots of wonderful feedback about their experience of being back at the club, and I am looking forward to welcoming more people back in the coming weeks.”