This week’s North East appointments: Featuring Lowes Financial Management, CENE and British Chambers of Commerce

This week’s round-up of North East appointments includes Lowes Financial Management, Constructing Excellence in the North East (CENE) and British Chambers of Commerce. Read on to find out more…

Barry Hopper, Lowes Financial Management

North East financial advisory firm, Lowes Financial Management, has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of its first commercial director. Barry Hopper takes up the new role after working in various positions within the multi-award-winning Newcastle based IFA for almost 20 years.

His experience within Lowes means he has a strong knowledge of the business, with a unique understanding of the needs of clients and the role advisers play in their lives, helping them achieve their financial goals.

He also brings valuable corporate experience to the role having previously worked as a Financial Director for Sage plc, and before that within British Airways for around eight years.

Barry commented: “It’s an exciting time to be taking up this new role. With a degree in accountancy, I bring a combined understanding of corporate and personal finance to the job. I believe I can add some value to the board while appreciating the vital role our advisers play in growing the firm.

“Pre-pandemic I was advising Lowes clients across the UK, from Glasgow to Southampton, and of course the North East. Since early 2022, I have been more involved in Business Development strengthening our professional connections.

“My new role will see me maintain a business development focus, while supporting Ian Lowes and the board more. I will be helping drive the business forward with a renewed emphasis on clients, our people and company value.”

Kathryn Gardner, Iain Garfield and John Cartwright: Constructing Excellence in the North East

Constructing Excellence in the North East (CENE) has announced a trio of appointments to its board. Kathryn Gardner, regional director at Faithful+Gould, joins the board and has also been appointed as chair of the CENE value group, one of four sector themes showcasing good practice. People, Innovation and Climate being the other sector themes.

Iain Garfield, director of estates and facilities at Newcastle University, who leads on the construction clients’ group and John Cartwright, head of construction and the built environment, Hartlepool College, and member of the people group, also join the board.

John Cartwright commented: “The North East construction sector places a huge focus on education and I see my role as a conduit between education and industry.

“As such, my aim is to help build a sustainable long-term dialogue and bring educational expertise to help grow and support the relationship between Hartlepool College and Constructing Excellence in the North East to the benefit of employers and learners, by assisting the sector get to grips with the people agenda when it comes to attracting, retaining and developing the workforce.”

Catriona Lingwood, chief executive at Constructing Excellence in the North East, added: “The CENE board looks to drive change and improvement across our sector and our new appointments will help strengthen our existing board, as they are armed with a wealth of experience within their respective fields.

“As a group we need to continue to collaborate and innovate, to tackle issues such as the skills gap and climate emergency and really amplify our voice in the region as a leader for net zero.”

Gill Hunter, British Chambers of Commerce

A North East businesswoman has been selected to chair the British Chambers of Commerce’s (BCC) flagship Workplace Equity Commission.

Square One Law’s Gill Hunter joins leading national experts and businesses on the newly launched commission, tasked with producing recommendations for government and business to progress the equity, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) agenda in the workplace.

The commission will examine workplace equity from several angles including age, disability, race, gender and LGBTQ+, while also considering the intersectionality of these factors. It will also look at how employers can be supported to unlock the talent and potential of all individuals in the workforce.

Gill, managing partner at Square One Law, commented: “With the creation of their Workplace Equity Commission, the BCC is establishing itself as a leading voice in the progression of equality, diversity and inclusion across UK businesses.

“I am delighted to be chairing the commission which will see top class experts and business leaders develop real solutions to the challenges we come up against on our path to a truly equitable, inclusive and representative economy.”

Shevaun Haviland, director general of the BCC, added: “This commission will look at how employers are currently addressing ED&I issues in the workplace, and the impact this has on the recruitment, retention and progression of a skilled workforce, an issue of particular relevance given today’s incredibly tight labour market.”

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By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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