This week’s North East appointments

This week’s round up of North East appointments includes Access Training, Tier One Capital and Thirteen Group. Read on to find out more.

David Armstrong, Access Training

Team Valley based training company Access Training is reporting “strong growth and an ambitious trajectory for expansion” under the helm of a new managing director and senior management team.

After 38 years with the company, Malcolm Armstrong stepped down as managing director and was succeeded by his son, David Armstrong who was formerly finance director.

Malcolm is now chair of a new senior leadership team comprising managing director, David Armstrong; director of training, Sharon Wallace, and Valerie Green who heads up business development and marketing.

David said: “Taking over from my father was daunting because it was big boots to fill - he’s been here for so long and he knows the sector inside-out but I’ve navigated the transition with the support of a great, close-knit team and I’m delighted to be announcing healthy growth and expansion.

“We remain focused on supporting our learners and businesses with their training needs and also on being as responsive as possible to the changing requirements of the North East business community, whilst ensuring we are adding value.”

Chair, Malcolm Armstrong, added: “The way the team has responded in such a dynamic and agile way to industry and working practices changes created by the pandemic has proved that the company is in good hands. As Chair, I will continue to work with the management team to support, advise, and be a critical friend.”

Bianca Chibanda, Tier One Capital

Independent wealth management and fund management specialist Tier One Capital has grown its team further with the appointment of Bianca Chibanda.

As wealth management support, Bianca (pictured right) will work closely with Tier One Capital’s team of highly experienced financial advisers who deliver independent, personal and bespoke financial advice to the firm’s growing client base.

With experience in the wealth management sector, Bianca is the latest addition to Tier One Capital’s expanding team. The Newcastle based business is planning on further growth in coming months aiming to attract more experienced financial advisers and support staff.

Paul Blight, head of wealth management at Tier One Capital (pictured left), said: “Bianca is a great example of the talented people we are attracting to Tier One Capital with the intention of providing a tangible and rewarding career path.

“She is a welcome addition to the team and will play an important role working alongside our financial advisers in their support of our growing client base.”

Bianca added: “Tier One Capital has a strong reputation for its financial advice and client support, and I am very pleased to have the opportunity to join the team. I am keen to develop a career in financial services and look forward to progressing and gaining more experience with the business.”

Matt Forrest, Thirteen Group

North East housing association Thirteen Group has announced the appointment of its new chief executive. Matt Forrest will join Thirteen from Home Group, where he is currently executive director of operations and previously their executive director of business development.

Having lived and worked in the North East for nearly 30 years, the former teacher and chartered accountant has held a number of executive and senior roles. He brings exceptional knowledge of the sector with a wealth of experience from social housing and the private sector.

Matt said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to further develop the great services being delivered for customers by Thirteen and I’m very much looking forward to working with customers, colleagues and partners to build on the work that I’ve already seen.”

Jane Earl, chair of the Thirteen Board, added: “Following a rigorous recruitment process carried out with leadership team colleagues, board members and involved customers, Matt clearly demonstrated that he is a proven leader, shares Thirteen’s values and he will bring a breadth of experience to the role.”

“He is undoubtedly the right person to take forward our ambitious plans to grow and to continue to improve services for our customers. I’m very much looking forward to working with Matt who I know will take the organisation from strength to strength.”

Chris Smith will continue as interim chief executive, following the departure of former CEO Ian Wardle this summer until Matt takes up his role in December.

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