This week's North East appointments

Daniel Walker, MHA Tait Walker

Independent accountancy firm MHA Tait Walker has welcomed Daniel Walker as a data insight manager.

Having completed a Masters in Maths and Statistics at Newcastle University, Daniel secured a place on the Knowledge Transfer Partnership as an associate. The KTP programme sees individuals form a partnership between a university and a business, where Daniel began his career with Engie.

In his time there, he delivered three projects focusing on machine learning and optimisation methods, before moving on to MHA Tait Walker.

Daniel said: “I joined MHA Tait Walker because I saw how the Data Insight team were really making a difference to businesses in the North East, and that it would give me the chance to continue to develop my own skills and expertise.

“As a team we instantly clicked, with our skill sets complimenting each other perfectly, I’m really looking forward to working with Graham and the team.”

The expansion of the data insight team supports MHA Tait Walker’s growth strategy and development of services for clients. Graham Dotchin, associate partner said: “Daniel’s appointment is an exciting addition to the team. His data science background is key to the progression of our services.”

Graham said: “The pandemic has cemented how business critical our service is. Many businesses found themselves scrambling for information when the pandemic hit, which we were able to provide them with.

“We are working with clients at all stages of the business lifecycle and addressing a range of challenges and opportunities that they face, but the common theme throughout is the value data is playing in supporting their decision making. With Daniel’s skills, we can expand our unique services to SME’s in the region.”

Matt Telling, Middlesbrough College Group

Middlesbrough College Group has appointed Matt Telling as group director of business engagement and partnerships.

Having worked in recruitment for more than 20 years, Matt brings his cross-sector experience from previous roles in operational management and business development with both regional SMEs and multi-nationals.

He said: “Although relatively new to the education sector, I’m very much up for the challenge. I’ve forged close relationships with some of this region’s biggest employers, and I know their strengths and opportunities.

“Through my commercial experience, local knowledge, and network of contacts across a range of sectors, I’m well positioned to support not only the businesses looking to build or improve their workforces but also the learners that want to build high quality careers in the industries driving Tees Valley’s success.”

The role will see Matt develop the employer engagement and partnerships strategy for the Group, which comprises a core further education college, the technical skills training provider TTE and the apprenticeship training specialist Northern Skills Group.

He added: “We already engage with more than 2,000 employers across the group which includes Northern Skills Group and TTE, and a significant part of my role will be to develop these relationships even further.

“Middlesbrough College Group has a strong reputation, and its facilities are second to none. The College recently announced £20m of investment into its campus – including a new Digital Centre, Construction Centre and expansion of its already impressive STEM Centre.”

Gavin Walker, Silverstone Building Consultancy

Silverstone Building Consultancy has appointed Gavin Walker as a chartered building surveyor to assist in its Newcastle office.

Gavin, who previously worked at Hollis Global will work on all aspects of building surveying with specialisms in dilapidations, technical due diligence and contract administration.

Richard Farrey, director at Silverstone Building Consultancy added: “We are pleased to welcome…James to the team here at Silverstone.

“We are committed to employing the best candidates who share our passion for delivering a high level of professional advice to our clients and I have no doubt our new recruits will fit perfectly with our company ethos.”

Josh Brown also joined the Silverstone team earlier this year as Chartered Building Surveyor.

Hannah Johannson, Better

North East brand agency Better has awarded Hannah Johannson a creative internship.

Hannah Johannson, who studied on the School’s UAL Extended Diploma in Graphic Design, has joined the creative team at the agency’s Middlesbrough office on a fully paid programme designed to provide an opportunity for young designers to kickstart their design career and get their first real taste of agency life.

Hannah is now embarking on a six month programme working in Better’s design team, under the guidance of creative director John Taylor, to learn about creative process, agency culture and gain an understanding of specialist industry tools.

Hannah said: “This opportunity is very special to me as I was reluctant to follow the usual path of university that most students take. This position provides me with a direct insight into how the industry operates and the inner workings of a design studio.

“So far, I think it is going really well. I have already learned so much and I am currently working on my first live brief.”

The Northern School of Art’s graphic design course leader Tom Burton said: “We are extremely proud of Hannah’s success and wish her all the best with her career at Better.”