This week's North East appointments: Featuring Robson Laidler Accountants, Groundwork North East & Cumbria & Aon plc

This week’s round up of North East appointments includes Robson Laidler Accountants, Groundwork North East & Cumbria & Aon plc . Read on to find out more.

Jack Spoor, Robson Laidler Accountants

Robson Laidler Accountants in Newcastle and Durham has announced the promotion of Jack Spoor as new associate director.

Jack, 32 from High Heaton, Newcastle has worked at the firm since he qualified in 2015 as a Chartered Certified Accountant. Starting his career in Robson Laidler’s audit and assurance team, Jack then developed and grew business advisory services at the firm, in particular research and development, cashflow mapping and business coaching.

Speaking of his success, Jack, who was shortlisted in the North East Accountancy Awards Accountant of the Year category and the North East’s Young Professionals Awards said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed director at Robson Laidler. I have been privileged to work as part of an innovative and forward-thinking team since the start of my career and to now have made it as a director of the firm is a dream come true.

“The continued aim with our advisory services is to increase revenue in the department by providing the best service possible to our clients in helping them find clarity and achieve success in their business and personal lives.”

Robson Laidler managing director Graham Purvis said: “With Jack at the helm, our advisory services has an exciting future and he will now also join the rest of the Directors in contributing to the strategic direction of RL and the shape of the business going forward.”

Steven Roberts, Groundwork North East & Cumbria

Steven Roberts starts the New Year as Chief Executive of leading environmental and community charity, Groundwork North East & Cumbria as the organisation continues its efforts to tackle rising levels of poverty, the energy crisis and addressing environmental concerns across the region.

Steven Roberts will ‘hit the ground running’ this year, as he has worked for the organisation for 21 years, joining as a volunteer before progressing to the post of Director of Youth, Employment & Skills. Under his management, the division has expanded to now employ over 135 people and works with partners across the public, private and voluntary sector.

Commenting on his role, Steve explained: “ I am committed to leading Groundwork to be ever more creative and resourceful in tackling the growing challenges we all face… our chance to make the greatest impact lies in our ability to tap into the potential of those people and communities that have been overlooked.“

“To achieve and deliver all of our charitable objectives, we recognise that much of our work needs to be done in partnership. Whether we deliver projects directly, or work with businesses and other partners to advance our goals, then we are fulfilling our mission.

Christine Wood, Aon plc

Aon plc a leading global professional services firm has announced the appointment of Christine Wood to head of office for Newcastle and Stockton. Reporting to Tracey Threlfall, Aon’s regional managing director North, Christine assumes overall responsibility for the firm’s North East offices and its 30-strong team of knowledgeable and experienced client directors and advisors.

Christine joined Aon in 2013, serving most recently as regional sales director and spearheading the sales strategy for Aon’s nine regional northern offices. Prior to joining Aon, which provides clients from SMEs to large corporates with commercial risk solutions, health solutions, reinsurance solutions and wealth solutions, Christine held senior leadership roles with Newcastle Airport and John Lewis in Newcastle.

Tracey Threlfall said: “Since joining Aon, Christine has played a vital role in growing the northern offices, significantly raising our profile and establishing Aon as a key member of the local business community in the North East. She is well-placed to lead Aon’s Newcastle and Stockton teams as they continue to deliver excellence for our clients.”

Christine Wood said:“I am very pleased to have been appointed head of Aon’s Newcastle and Stockton offices. I have lived and worked in the North East my entire life and I am proud of its strong and thriving business community.

“In my new role I am keen to build on our strong client relationships, develop new partnerships, and to nurture my talented and experienced team to ensure that we continue to deliver the best service.”


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

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →

Enjoy the read? Get Bdaily delivered.

Sign up to receive our popular North East morning email for free.

* Occasional offers & updates from selected Bdaily partners

Our Partners

Top Ten Most Read