This week's North East appointments

Jon Bolton, Materials Processing Institute

Middlesbrough research and innovation centre the Materials Processing Institute has appointed Jon Bolton as its new chairman.

He replaces retiring chairman Bob Ruddlestone, who will continue his long association with the institute by remaining as an executive consultant to advise on ongoing capital development and capability enhancement projects.

Scarborough-born Jon, who lived on Teesside for more than 20 years, is internationally recognised as an advocate for the steel and metals sector.

He has worked closely with government both as chairman of trade association UK Steel and as the first chairman of the UK Metals Council. He has also co-chaired the UK Steel Council with the secretary of state, providing strategic leadership for the sector.

With more than 40 years’ experience in the sector, he has led steelmaking and downstream facilities in the UK, USA, and Europe, including as senior executive with British Steel, Corus, Tata Steel and Liberty Steel. Since 2020 Jon has been advising steel and metals sector companies globally as an industry consultant.

Chris McDonald, the chief executive of the Materials Processing Institute, said: “We are indeed fortunate to have attracted a globally recognised industrial leader as our chairman.

“Jon has enjoyed a long and distinguished career and continues to be sought after internationally as an industry consultant, advocating the move towards zero carbon steelmaking.

“He has a reputation for strong and sound leadership and is perfectly aligned to the institute’s aim of transforming the sector through research and innovation.”

“I’d also like to thank outgoing chairman Bob Ruddlestone for his valuable contributions and insight over the past six years, and I’m delighted that he is continuing his long association with the institute.”

Jon Bolton said: “I’m honoured to be appointed chairman of the institute, which I have had a long association with, and which is recognised as a global centre for the innovation, development and commercialisation of technology.

“Steel underpins virtually every aspect of our lives and I hope to be part of the institute’s mission to reshape the sector, making it relevant to a modern, low carbon economy.”

Helen Bartle and Lauren Hodges, Tribe Recruitment

North East recruitment consultant Tribe Recruitment has appointed two new senior executives to deal with a “substantial” increase in demand for its services.

The Darlington company, whose headquarters are at Morton Palms Business Park where it employs more than 150 staff, has brought in Helen Bartle as the firm’s operations manager, and Lauren Hodges as divisional manager with special responsibility for Transport and Logistics.

Both Helen and Lauren are highly experienced, with at least 15 years in the recruitment business.

Lisa Spark, managing director, commented: “I can’t tell you how delighted we are to have attracted two such accomplished professionals as Helen Bartle and Lauren Hodges.

“Their appointments to these key roles are a big step forward for our company, which has defied the Covid pandemic and, indeed, prospered and expanded during it.

“As we plan ahead, it’s crucial that the senior management team is strengthened so that we can continue this exceptional growth.

“Currently our five sectors - construction, engineering, healthcare, transport and logistics and electrical wholesale - turn over £6m, and the plan is to increase our income to £10m per annum over the following three years.

“Our intention is to bring in another three recruitment consultants over the next two or three months as our business continues to move forward.”

Chris Hughes, Mincoffs Solicitors

Mincoffs Solicitors has announced four new promotions following a strong start to the year.

Associate solicitor Chris Hughes has been made a partner within Mincoffs’ corporate team, while solicitors Ashleigh Warne and Denise Arnott from the firm’s residential conveyancing team and Wills, Probate and Trusts solicitor Victoria Richer have all been promoted to the role of associate solicitor.

Chris Hughes joined the firm as a trainee solicitor and since qualifying into the corporate team in 2014 has risen through the ranks.

Ashleigh Warne and Denise Arnott of Mincoffs’ residential conveyancing department handle complex residential property matters and support the whole team with technical queries whilst also providing managerial support.

Wills, Probate and Trusts solicitor, Victoria Richer, has also been promoted to associate following 3 and a half years with the firm.

Victoria primarily deals with high value, complex estates and Court of Protection matters, while also supporting her colleagues with training and management.

Andy Woodhouse, chief executive, commented: “The promotions are richly deserved and are a reflection of their hard work, talent and dedication and the contribution they have made within their teams and to the firm.

“I’m sure Chris, Ashleigh, Denise and Victoria will thrive in their new roles and I wish them the very best of luck.”

Andy Dodds, Robertson Homes

Housebuilder Robertson Homes has boosted its North East construction team with a new director appointment.

Andy Dodds has joined the privately-owned firm as construction director England and will be based at its Gateshead regional headquarters.

Andy, formerly head of construction at Duchy Homes and contracts manager at Bellway, will be responsible for overseeing construction activity at Robertson’s current North East developments at Wynyard Estate in Stockton-on-Tees, Low Coniscliffe near Darlington and Nunthorpe near Middlesborough.

Andy said: “Robertson Homes produces the most fantastic, luxury product and with the full support and backing from the Robertson board, we are growing a construction team in the North East which is 100 per cent focused on the customer journey.

“Our aim is to ensure complete customer satisfaction at every single touchpoint, from visiting the show homes for the first time to becoming well-established residents.

“The team we have assembled treat every development as their own and it is this attention to detail, care and consideration for our customers which will set us apart. I am convinced we will see Robertson Homes being recognised for performing to the very highest industry standards.”

Kathryn Nicholson, Malhotra Group

Leading North East property, leisure and care company Malhotra Group plc has boosted its board with a new appointment.

The group has recruited Kathryn Nicholson to the position of head of finance.

Kathryn who qualified as a chartered accountant with PricewaterhouseCoopers in 1998, has held several senior finance roles in industry in the region over the last 20 years.

Recent appointments have included AIM listed Zytronic PLC, where she was interim Finance Director and, most recently, at the private equity backed CAV Systems Group Limited.

Kathryn is due to take up her position at the beginning of July and will work alongside newly appointed group chief financial officer, David Elliott.

She said: “I am thrilled to be joining such a well-known and respected North East group and looking forward to supporting its growth plans.”

David Elliott said: “We are absolutely delighted Kathryn has agreed to join us to as our Head of Finance following the departure of Andrew McColl, our Finance Director.

“She has a wealth of experience gained in senior finance positions in industry and this experience will be invaluable in strengthening our finance function as we implement our strategic growth plans.

“This is a time of great excitement for the group with expansion happening both in the UK and India.”