This week’s North East appointments: Featuring NEPO, Evelyn Partners and Gateshead College

This week’s round-up of North East appointments includes NEPO, Evelyn Partners and Gateshead College. Read on to find out more…

Graham Kelly, Olu Fafure and Emanuela Codara, NEPO

NEPO has strengthened the team that will deliver its Open e-procurement platform. Graham Kelly has been appointed as Open product owner to ensure the platform delivers the ambitions of both buyers and suppliers. Graham will oversee the support, maintenance, and future development of Open.

The support team for Open has also been bolstered with the appointment of Olu Fafure and Emanuela Codara as Open customer service coordinators.

Nicola Shelley, managing director, NEPO, commented: “There’s no doubting the role that procurement plays in delivering economic growth. We’re an ambitious organisation that will showcase the potential of public procurement.

“I’m delighted with the appointments we’ve made to strengthen the Open team. Graham, Olu and Emanuela will help us build on the progress we have made with Open since its launch.

“We have a great track record of helping local and regional suppliers win public sector procurement opportunities. Through the Open platform we will be able to go further by helping more suppliers win more contracts.”

Graham Kelly commented: “This is an exciting time for public sector procurement. The Procurement Bill will allow us to ensure public sector procurement opportunities deliver wider regional economic and environmental ambitions.

“Open will help us to go further and faster by transforming the public sector procurement experience across the region. Built on world leading technology, Open will be at the heart of delivering a seamless experience for both buyers and suppliers.”

Rajat Nayyar, Evelyn Partners

Evelyn Partners, the leading integrated wealth management and professional services group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rajat Nayyar as a tax director in the firm’s Newcastle office.

Rajat has over 15 years experience advising clients on a broad range of tax issues and works with a wide range of businesses from start-ups to large multinational business. He joins Evelyn Partners from PwC where he spent four years working in its private business tax team and latterly leading the North East Innovations relief team.

Prior to that he spent four years as a tax manager at UNW LLP in Newcastle where he advised a portfolio of businesses ranging from SMEs to large corporates. Rajat brings experience working with owner managed businesses and large corporates advising on tax issues throughout the lifecycle of businesses, from inception to exit.

Sian Steele, head of tax at Evelyn Partners commented: “I’m delighted to welcome Rajat to Evelyn Partners to help support the growth strategy for our professional services business in the North of England. Rajat’s appointment comes at an exciting time for the group as we invest in our team to enable us to work with more clients in the region.

“Rajat’s extensive experience across a broad range of corporate tax areas will complement our national teams offering specialist advice on R&D tax relief, capital allowances and M&A tax. I look forward to working with Rajat as we continue to build our professional services business in Newcastle.”

Rajat added: “The prospect of being able to help shape Evelyn Partners’ growth for its professional services business in the North East was extremely compelling. I have been hugely impressed by the firm’s vision for the region and look forward to working with my new colleagues to deliver business tax advice to the vibrant, local business community.”

Michael Wood Williams, Gateshead College

Experienced entrepreneur and solicitor Michael Wood Williams has been appointed as the new chair of Gateshead College.

He brings a wealth of business experience to the role, including a successful record of working in the computer software industry, and expertise in business planning, corporate finance, company law and the implementation of software and systems. Over recent years, he has also held a number of non-executive director positions.

Michael, who has been vice-chair at Gateshead College since 2021, commented: “I’ll be focused on supporting colleagues so that everyone feels empowered in the boardroom, working together to make sure it feels like the safest space possible to explore ideas so we can continue to challenge ourselves to deliver on the college’s ambitious vision.”

He succeeds North East business leader, Sarah Stewart OBE DL, who has held numerous board positions in private, public and third sectors. Sarah, a former High Sheriff of Tyne and Wear, and former CEO of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, had been in post for over three years.

Michael continued: “The college is in a strong place because of Sarah’s leadership and our governance is in great shape. I’ll continue to build on this to maintain our strength and depth, whilst ensuring we have the agility to get the most out of the many opportunities impacting the college and our region as the skills landscape changes.”

David Alexander, principal at Gateshead College, concluded: “Michael assumes the role at an exciting time in the development of Gateshead College. We’re in a strong position focused on meeting local and regional skills needs.”

“I look forward to working more closely with Michael in delivering on our new strategic plan. Our vision is simple; to be at the heart of a thriving community, helping people to achieve their full potential and gain the employment edge.”

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