This week's North East appointments

This week’s round up of North East appointments, in association with the North of Tyne Combined Authority Good Work Pledge includes appointments from Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing, Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter & IGNIFI. Read on to find out more.


Keith Peddieson & Paul Taylor, Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing

A multi-million-pound business support programme has made two key appointments as it looks to step up its support for North East manufacturers. The £10.9m Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing (SAM) Project has appointed Keith Peddieson and Paul Taylor as its new business development executives.

Speaking about his new role, Keith said: “I met SAM’s project lead, Roger O’Brien, at a networking event and decided to take him up on his offer of a site visit and I was blown away by the support they provided.”

Paul added: “Joining the SAM Project really is an opportunity to go back to basics advising and supporting SMEs to maximise their opportunities for growth. It’s a unique regional project to work on, as it blends the hands on the experience of the SAM team with access to the academic expertise of the University of Sunderland.

Roger O’Brien, Project & Technical Lead at the SAM Project, added: “We are delighted to welcome the pair to the team. Their wealth of experience working among the region’s manufacturers will be key to helping ensure we are able to engage with more businesses as we progress with phase two and continue increasing our level of support.

Andrea Wylie, Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter

After five fulfilling years as a trustee, Andrea Wylie has taken up a new voluntary position at Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter as chair of the board of trustees.

The charity, which is celebrating 125 years of providing care for animals in need this year, has also appointed Nick Manson as the new Vice Chair. With a base at Claremont Road and a rehoming centre at Benton Road in Newcastle, Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter reunites lost animals with their owners and finds new homes for those no longer wanted.

Andrea, aged 50 from Jesmond, says: “Everyone here at the Shelter shares a great passion for animal welfare and I’m very proud, not just to be part of this team, but to be taking on this new responsibility. Like everyone, the Shelter is now facing hugely increased energy bills, which is a significant issue for us heading into the winter and with so many animals to keep warm.”

Chris Bray, chief executive of Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter, adds: “There can be no doubt, it’s going to be very difficult for pet owners who are struggling financially when heating bills really start to bite. We’re already working with local food banks to provide support where we can, and we’re looking at ways to do more to support concerned pet owners who are understandably worried about the future.

“Thankfully, Andrea is an experienced trustee and her commitment to this charity made her the obvious choice for this senior role. We were thrilled when she accepted the position and grateful to her for continuing to volunteer her time.”

Matt Perry, Amy Lee & John Mares, IGNIFI

Sunderland based healthcare marketing agency IGNIFI has expanded its studio team and digital, design and creative capabilities with the appointment of Multimedia Designer Matt Perry and Designer Amy Lee last month along with John Mares earlier this summer. The latest additions will support the increase in demand from global clients for digital campaign creativity and assets.

Matthew Perry joins IGNIFI with seven years of design experience and brings with him a strong set of design and digital skills for both print and digital media, including developing motion graphics and video editing.

With over 8 years of design experience Amy Lee joins IGNIFI from a Durham-based design agency. Amy has extensive experience in branding with a keen interest in multimedia design.

John Mares, an experienced designer of 12 years also joined IGNIFI from another local agency. In his few months at IGNIFI, John has made a significant contribution to the team with both his digital and print related design skills.

IGNIFI managing director, Dave Watson, commented, ‘After two years of outstanding performance during the recent pandemic, IGNIFI is now establishing its growth trajectory for the future by adding even more great people to a very talented team. This will further enhance the services our national and international healthcare clients depend on us for and enable new opportunities too.’


Would you like to see your businesses new hires or promotions featured in the Bdaily appointments news?

Send your submissions to: editor@bdaily.co.uk with ‘APPOINTMENT:’ In the subject.

Submissions should:

  • include the name and job title of the appointee and the business name
  • be no longer than six paragraphs/250 words
  • include a landscape photograph of the appointee
  • include a quote
  • detail the respective businesses social media handles.

Appointments are published entirely at the discretion of the Bdaily team. Submission does not guarantee publication.



By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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