Adderstone Living has appointed two senior professionals to head up its Midlands expansion. The Newcastle business has appointed Tim Hart as development director and Will Marshall-Murray as regional director for the Midlands.
Their appointments come as the company opens its new Midlands regional office, based in Birmingham. Mr Hart has over 20 years of experience in the housing and development sector, having held senior leadership roles at Morro Partnerships and Countryside Partnerships. He will be responsible for spearheading Adderstone Living’s pipeline across the region.
Mr Marshall-Murray brings over 25 years of experience in land, planning, and housing delivery. He will support the company’s growth across the Midlands by helping to identify new opportunities, build the regional team, and shape the next phase of growth.
Adderstone Living director Stephen McCoy added: “We always say that our strength lies in our people, which is why we’re so delighted to welcome Tim and Will to the team. They not only bring a huge amount of experience and deep knowledge of the Midlands, but they also share the energy and values that really define who we are.”
Two business owners from North Tyneside have voluntarily taken up key leadership roles within the North Tyneside Business Forum. Angela Tuplin, who runs NE Display on the Chirton Industrial Estate, has been appointed chair of the forum. She is joined by Chris Wilson, owner of the Square and Compass Bar in Whitley Bay, who steps into the role of vice chair.
They take over from outgoing Chair Michael James, of NE1 Web Design, and outgoing vice chair Sangeeta Loomba, who runs Namaste: A Taste of India at Newcastle Quays Outlet Centre. Ms Tuplin said: “North Tyneside is full of entrepreneurial talent, and I’m passionate about helping those businesses grow and thrive through collaboration, support, and shared opportunities.”
Mr Wilson added: “As a business owner and an operations manager at Network Plus, I know how valuable it is to have a platform like the Forum to turn to for advice, networking, and development. I’m excited to work alongside Angela and the wider team to make a real difference for businesses across the Borough.”
Jeff Breen has joined the Percy Hedley Foundation as head of fundraising, bringing over 15 years of experience to the role. Mr Breen was the previous head of fundraising at Teach First and spent over 12 years as managing director of Cornerstone Fundraising and Development Ltd, where he helped raise over £40m for charities of all sizes.
His expertise spans both capital and revenue campaigns, managing projects ranging from thousands to tens of millions of pounds.
John Preston, chief executive of the Percy Hedley Foundation said: “Jeff brings a depth of experience and a strong track record in fundraising, making him a valuable addition to the Percy Hedley Foundation. We’re confident his leadership will strengthen our fundraising efforts and support our long-term goals.”
EY has appointed three new partners in the Newcastle office’s tax team. Caroline Peters has been promoted after more than 25 years with the firm. Ms Peters started her career in assurance, before moving to her current role in finance operations. She has worked with companies throughout the Ƶ and globally across a broad range of sectors, and has also gained experience from a secondment to Melbourne.
Kate Holland joined the firm more than 20 years ago and has held a variety of tax roles with EY and her current role in global payroll operations will continue to be her focus.
Elizabeth Neale has over 20 years of experience at EY, having originally joined as a tax assistant. She has worked with internationally mobile employees as well as high net worth individuals. She currently works with large financial institutions, supporting their customers with personal tax services, and is also a partner sponsor of the EY Women’s Network in the North East.
Michael Scoular, EY’s Newcastle office managing partner, said: “Caroline, Elizabeth and Kate are assets to our firm and it’s wonderful to see their significant contributions and commitment over many years with EY recognised and celebrated through these promotions.”
Lauryn Hellewell, who was part of the first cohort to study at Northumbria University through the North East Solicitor Apprenticeship (NESA) scheme, has now qualified as a solicitor. Ms Hellewell has qualified into the banking and restructuring team at North East law firm Muckle LLP after six years of study and on-the-job training, which included more than a year’s secondment on a part basis with one of Muckle’s Teesside-based clients.
The newly-qualified solicitor was also shortlisted for the North East Chamber of Commerce’s Inspiring Females award and Young Apprentice of the Year Award at the Insider North East Young Professionals Awards.
She said: “The reason I applied for the apprenticeship was that I felt like full-time university wasn’t the right choice for me, I wanted to gain real-life experience from day one. If I hadn’t discovered the apprenticeship route, I might not have chosen to pursue law, so it’s an incredibly important opportunity for those like me, who prefer to learn by combining studying and on-the-job training.”
Louise Duffy, partner and head of banking and restructuring, said: “Lauryn has impressive skills which are always noticed and praised by our clients. Since starting her apprenticeship back in 2018, she has become an asset to the team and the firm.”
Changes have been unveiled at the top at a Northumberland law firm after its managing director announced he is stepping down after more than a decade. Peter Stafford will retire from Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, which has offices in Hexham and Haltwhistle, at the end of September and he will be replaced by Joanne Stronach, a director and head of employment and HR.
Mr Stafford, who has been at Cartmell Shepherd for more than 25 years, said Ms Stronach’s promotion would ensure a smooth transition and reflected the firm’s investment in the future. He said: “It’s been an honour to lead the team for the past 10 years but the time is right for me to step down and enjoy my retirement. I’m delighted that Joanne will be taking over as managing director and bringing her expertise, experience and people skills to the role."
Ms Stronach joined Cartmell Shepherd in 2018 and is one of the North’s leading employment lawyers. She brings more than 30 years’ experience of working with businesses across the North to the role and plans to continue advising employers, with the support of the employment law team. She will become the first female managing director of Cartmell Shepherd when she takes over, with her appointment receiving the unanimous support of the firm’s board of directors.
She said: “Having the confidence of the board and the wider Cartmell Shepherd team that I’m the right person for the job is hugely important to me. I’m proud to have an expert, dynamic, innovative board of directors supporting me who understand that the legal industry is evolving rapidly and who are committed to embracing new technology to help us move with it."
