Renewable energy developer OnPath Energy has appointed of Andy Bilclough as its new grid and operations director.
Mr Bilclough brings almost 30 years’ energy industry experience to his new role, in which he is responsible for managing the firm’s health and safety, operational and grid teams and contributing to OnPath’s wider business growth strategy. He began his career as an apprentice linesman with National Grid and spent 12 years with the firm before moving to Northern Powergrid working his way up to director of field operations over 16 years.
He said: “Being responsible for the 24/7 operation of essential power infrastructure has given me a huge amount of experience, knowledge and insight that is directly relevant to the role I’m now playing at OnPath. Moving to the energy generation side of the power industry for the first time gives me a fantastic opportunity to continue learning while also using my knowledge and network help secure the best grid connections for OnPath’s growing project portfolio.
"When OnPath first approached me, I had a really positive gut feeling about the role that was on offer and it’s proved to be an accurate one. It’s a business with a real sense of purpose that’s full of very talented, dedicated people and there’s a great deal of ambition around what we can achieve in the coming years."
The Port of Tyne has appointed Elaine Scott as innovation partnerships manager.
Ms Scott brings experience from her time at Space North East England, where she led the development of the region’s space sector with support from Business Durham, the Ƶ Space Agency, and local universities.
In the newly-created role for the 2050 Maritime Innovation Hub, Ms Scott will build and nurture relationships with external partners across industry, academia, and Government to help businesses and start-ups to accelerate their ideas into commercial success.
She said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to join the Port of Tyne at this pivotal moment, as we are making a step change for both the Port itself and the 2050 Maritime Innovation Hub. The ambition is truly inspiring and the team here is amazing. I am excited to help take the Hub as a significant innovation asset in the North East and the Ƶ to the next level along with colleagues and our partners.”
Travel business Travel Counsellors has appointed entrepreneur and businesswoman Sara Davies as the brand’s first growth and entrepreneurship partner.
Ms Davies will provide tailored coaching on entrepreneurship to the company’s 2,100-strong community of business owners, as well as prospective franchisees, helping them to launch and scale their businesses. .
She said: “Helping ambitious entrepreneurs build and grow their business is incredibly important to me. Being a Travel Counsellors customer myself, I’ve seen first-hand the dedication, passion, and support that defines this business. It’s truly inspiring to witness how they uplift one another to achieve success, and I look forward to sharing my life lessons and perspectives on entrepreneurship.”
Steve Byrne, CEO at Travel Counsellors, said: “We’re so pleased to be welcoming Sara as our first-ever growth and entrepreneurship partner. Her track record as an entrepreneur, coupled with her passion for empowering others with energy, positivity and authenticity makes her the perfect fit for our community."
H&H Land & Estates has promoted Robert Jauneika to director, heading up its land agency business throughout the North East and Yorkshire.
Mr Jauneika joined H&H Land & Estates six years ago and has provided advisory and agency services from the company’s Durham office. Having helped to develop the business, the company’s geographical spread and client portfolio he was promoted to associate director in September 2023. Now, his promotion to director of the company recognises his achievements and the firm’s commitment to growing in-house talent.
He said: “Over the past six years, I have seen the company grow and change enormously, and I am immensely excited to help lead the company going forwards, across all areas of the business. It’s a fascinating time for land agency in general, with constant new challenges we are helping our clients to meet, and I look forward to supporting the success of more and more clients alongside the fantastic team of experts here at H&H Land & Estates.”
Mr Jauneika will continue to act on behalf of a growing number of clients in agency work including residential, commercial and renewable energy development sites, landlord & tenant matters.
Sedgefield technology provider Filtronic has appointed Paul Clowes as business development director.
Mr Clowes, who recently joined from Global Invacom Group, is responsible for expanding the company’s presence in telecoms, particularly in ground station technology for satellite communications. He brings over 30 years of experience in telecoms and wireless infrastructure, having worked with leading vendors, mobile operators and system integrators across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Nat Edington, CEO of Filtronic, said: "Paul’s appointment comes at an exciting time for Filtronic as we aim to expand our footprint in the satellite communications and ground station markets. His proven track record in driving process development and his focus on continuous improvement will be crucial in reinforcing our commitment to delivering innovative, market-leading solutions."
Mr Clowes added: "Joining Filtronic at this exciting time is a great opportunity. I’m excited to use my experience in telecoms and satellite communications to build strong partnerships and help develop innovative, high-frequency solutions that will support global connectivity.”
