Tyneside Cinema has appointed a new chair and board of trustees in the lead up to its 90th anniversary.
The CEO of St Oswald's Hospice, Steph Edusei is the independent cinema's new chair. She said: "Tyneside Cinema is a key institution in our city and holds a special place in people's hearts. Joining at such an exciting time for the creative industries in the North East is wonderful, and I look forward to supporting access to great films and inspiring careers to more and different communities over the coming years."
The newly appointed board features influential figures from across the region, including: Lindsey Adams, founder and creative lead of Daily Madness; Deborah Evans, head of Business Transformation at Advance Northumberland; Emma Lawson, TV executive and commissioning editor at BBC Comedy; Erinn Roocroft, senior TV production executive at Apple TV; Sean Nicholson, trustee and audit and risk committee member; Elaine Taylor, ecommerce and digital marketing director; Iain Watson OBE, visiting professor at Newcastle University and cultural consultant, and Iain Wright, managing director of reputation and influence at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, who join existing board member, Nicola Short, marketing and communications manager at Soil Machine Dynamics Ltd.
The cinema has pointed to its female majority board as a signal of its new director. Nic Greenan, CEO and Custodian, Tyneside Cinema, said: "What makes this moment so powerful is that it’s not just about governance, it’s about vision. As Tyneside turns 90 in 2027, we’re looking ahead. This new board is a cracking team, bringing knowledge, networks, and above all, deep passion for the cinema and our region. Together, we’re laying the groundwork for a future where Tyneside is a space for the next generation of creative talent."
Accountancy and advisory firm Azets has appointed Claire Needham as its new regional managing director for Yorkshire and the North East.
Ms Needham has been promoted from her role as Azets’ York office managing partner and head of the Ƶ technical accounting team. She will succeed Russell Turner, who is retiring from the business at the end of July after a successful 25 years in the business. She brings 23 years of experience to the role, including 19 years at a big four firm where she was a director.
Peter Gallanagh, Azets Ƶ chief executive officer, said: “Congratulations go to Claire on her appointment. She has a wealth of experience, demonstrates strong leadership skills and, of course, knows Yorkshire and the North East region very well. Claire will bring great energy, a new perspective and the utmost commitment in the service of our many valued clients in the region.
"Russell has led with commitment, vision and a genuine passion for our people and business. We are incredibly grateful for his contribution over the years and wish him all the very best for the future."
Ms Needham added: "I am thrilled to become Yorkshire and North East regional managing director. It is an incredible opportunity to contribute to both the success of the region and the wider Azets Ƶ business. I will work hard to continue to build on Russell’s legacy and I look forward to working with Azets’ other regional managing directors as well as service line heads to support the many brilliant businesses we have in the region."
The Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) North East has appointed Dan Hutton, group commercial director at MGL Group, as its new chair.
He succeeds Ross Markwell, business development director at Esh Construction, who steps down after two years in the role. Mr Markwell will remain on the board after 15 years of service, including terms as vice chair and chair of the organisation which represents about 80 regional and national civil engineering contractors. He now moves into a national leadership role as chair of the CECA Chairman’s Strategic Forum.
Mr Hutton said: "There are clear opportunities ahead for CECA North East and our members as new funding comes into the region and infrastructure projects gain momentum. It is essential members have access to reliable information about upcoming work so they can plan, invest and grow with confidence.
“The recent announcement of nearly £2bn for roads and public transport is a significant step that provides a solid foundation for sustained growth in the sector. CECA North East will continue to engage closely with government and regional partners to improve transparency and ensure members can connect directly with decision-makers. Our focus is on unlocking potential and supporting our members to deliver the infrastructure that strengthens the North East economy."
Stuart Miller, director and company secretary of CECA North East, said: “This is a significant moment for CECA North East. Ross has shown real leadership and commitment during his time as chair and I want to thank him for the contribution he has made. Dan steps into the role with a strong grasp of what our members need right now, particularly around workload confidence and visibility."
Accountancy and business advisory firm Clive Owen LLP has appointed a head of tax.
Chartered accountant and chartered tax advisor David Baggaley will lead the firm's tax offering. He joined the North East business in 2022 as a tax partner, having spent 15 years at a big four firm. Mr Baggaley progressed to associate partner where he led the private tax team across the North East and Yorkshire.
His appointments follows what is said to be a period of strong growth for Clive Owen in the last year, including the launch of its fifth office in Newcastle and growth in its workforce to about 150 people. The firm's tax department has made several appointments, including tax partner Stephen Harris; tax directors Elizabeth Rothery and Angela Mikola, as well as tax managers Aaron Larvin and Matt Killen. More roles are expected to be recruited across the firm's five offices in Durham, Darlington, York, Newcastle and Middlesbrough.
Mr Baggaley said: “I am very proud to have been appointed to this role. I am excited to have the opportunity to work closely with the team to build an environment where everyone can thrive and develop professionally whilst at the same time providing clients with a first-class service. We have built arguably one of the strongest tax advisory teams in the region, reflecting both the strength of our people and breadth of our expertise, and this latest expansion will help us capitalise on future growth opportunities across multiple sectors.
"It is an exciting time for the firm as we continue along our strategic growth journey, buoyed by an unwavering commitment to investing in our people, reinforcing further the size and quality of our offering to clients."
Housebuilder Lovell Homes has appointed Rebecca Darby as head of sales for its North East region.
The firm, which is part of the Morgan Sindall Group, is currently developing one site in the North East, Edward’s Birch in Morpeth as well as two in Yorkshire: Saints Green in South Otterington and the Later Living by Lovell scheme, Sandcastles, in Scarborough.
Ms Darby said: "I’m excited to be a part of a new and up-and-coming developer in the region. I want to achieve success, provide good quality homes that make customers happy, and for the sales team to achieve their targets."
She added: "You’re taking customers through the journey. You get to know your customers and their families really well. They will open up to you, and by the time they move in, you feel like you’re moving friends in."
Berwick-based accountancy firm Greaves West & Ayre has appointed Joseph Findlay and Matthew Taylor as partners.
Both joined the firm at the same time in 2019 and qualified as chartered accountants in 2022.
Mr Findlay said: “Having set out to become a chartered accountant following university, my goal has always been to assist local businesses and individuals which Greaves West & Ayre has been doing successfully for over 100 years. I am delighted to be joining the partnership and look forward to contributing further to both the firm, and the wider business community.”
Mr Taylor said: "I joined Greaves West & Ayre because I wanted to assist clients with all aspects of accountancy, tax planning and business consultancy which this firm offers. I have enjoyed supporting the partners in advising our clients and I am looking forward to taking the next step in my career and being a direct point of contact for our clients and their businesses."
Colin Frame, partner at GWA, added: "Joseph and Matthew are great examples of our approach to recruiting and training. Both of them joined the firm as trainees, and through their hard work, with support from our wider team, they have earned this promotion. As partners, they will continue their professional development for many years. I wish them many congratulations."
