Strategic brand communications agency Gardiner Richardson has appointed Jen Hallam as managing director.
Ms Hallam's appointment comes as agency co-founder Lucy Gardiner retires, leaving a senior team also including co-founder and creative director Darren Richardson and strategic communications director Matt Forster. Gardiner Richardson was founded in 1998 and has gone on to work with clients such as Akzonobel, Muckle and Dicksons, among others.
Ms Hallam joined the Newcastle-based agency in 2022 as business development director, having previously been associate director at Tangerine Communications in Manchester. In her newly created role she will lead the strategic direction of the business.
She said "I’m looking forward to working with Darren, Matt and our brilliant team as part of this next exciting chapter. We have developed expertise to create brands and deliver strategic communications campaigns, not many agencies can offer that breadth of knowledge and experience. In these times of change, we are increasingly sought out by businesses seeking clarity.
"We provide that through strategic thinking, creative ideas, and clear communication, enabling organisations to navigate and thrive in the rapidly evolving business landscape.”
Lucy Gardiner said: "I’ve lived and breathed Gardiner Richardson for 27 years, and this is the right moment personally and professionally to retire from the role. I’m proud of the business that myself and Darren first set up in 1998, and this is the right time for the business to start a new chapter with a managing director role.
"I’ve worked closely with Jen for the last 3 years and I know she’s got the ideal mix of commercial and industry experience to take the business from strength to strength. I’m looking forward to seeing the business take on this next chapter."
Property consultancy GFW (formerly George F. White) has made six key new hires alongside significant client and partnership growth.
Among the appointments at the North East firm is partner Simon Heydecke who joined from Greggs and associate surveyor and RICS registered valuer Dan Matthews. Mr Heydecke said: "Joining GFW has been really exciting from the start. Everyone on the team brings incredible expertise and a collaborative spirit, which is helping us create real opportunities, not just for our clients, but for each other as well. We’ve got big plans for the rest of this year and into 2026, with plenty of exciting projects and opportunities on the horizon."
GFW says it continues to invest in training and development across its key areas of farm business management, strategic land promotion, planning and property management. Richard Garland, Managing Partner said: “When we rebranded as GFW last year, our aim was to refresh our brand to reflect who we are today, keeping a nod to our heritage but showcasing the breadth of expertise we offer and our forward-looking approach. A year on, we’re proud to say we’ve achieved exactly that.
"This has been a year of opportunity and resilience. We’ve widened our team, strengthened our services, and built on trusted relationships that are opening doors to projects of regional and national significance. The economic backdrop may be challenging, but our depth of expertise means we are well placed to help clients navigate uncertainty and unlock growth."
Law firm Slater and Gordon has appointed experienced industrial disease expert Simon Matthews to its North East team.
With almost 30 years in industrial disease work, acting for both claimants and defendants, Mr Matthews has developed deep insight into the highly specialist area of law. At Slater and Gordon he will support people across the North East whose lives have been affected by industrial disease, including conditions associated with exposure to asbestos and Silica dust, along with Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome and Repetitive Strain Injuries.
Mr Matthews has been involved in major cases with North East-based businesses including Vickers, British Steel, ICI, and many of the region's shipyards. He also sat on the steering group in two high-profile group litigation cases involving miners taking action against British Coal.
Mr Matthews said: "Slater and Gordon is a well known and highly esteemed name in industrial disease work, and for its commitment to fighting on behalf of the former workers and their families they represent. Over the past 30 years, I have acted separately for both employees and employers, giving me invaluable insight into what may be happening on the other side of the fence, which we will always use to our advantage.
"The North East is a region I know well, and I have acted for many families during my career in helping them find the answers and justice they deserve. I look forward to working with even more through my new role with Slater and Gordon."
Newly established Lantern Building Consultancy has appointed two surveyors.
Max Bertin, senior building surveyor, brings nearly 20 years of expertise gained at chartered level, while assistant building surveyor Dominic Fernandes, a recent graduate of Northumbria University’s MSc in Building Surveying, received a commendation from the institution ahead of securing this new role.
Mr Fernandes said: "It’s a very varied profession, which is fantastic. No two jobs are the same and there’s huge variety between dilapidations, design, and pre-acquisition, not to mention the raft of services I haven’t covered yet, such as party wall, rights of light, and green consultation.
“It’s a career rather than a job, with clear and structured progression, and I felt during my interview that myself and Lantern’s co-directors, Alex Carter and Martin Smith, had a good rapport. I was also impressed with the APC support offered. I’m at the start of my career, so having knowledgeable and experienced people who are willing and able to teach me is key."
Mr Bertin, who joins from Sunderland University and has previously worked for Space Group and Faithful+Gould, said: "I’ve been impressed by how rapidly Lantern has grown as a business, with like-minded staff that really show a team spirit. I feel privileged to be part of this journey and look forward to supporting our junior team members to become chartered surveyors."
North East lighting manufacturer, Artech Lighting, has added a new face to its rapidly growing team.
Junior lighting designer, Harrison Jones, 22, recently graduated from Northumbria University, is based at the firm's Durham headquarters. During his studies, Mr Harrison developed a keen interest in exploring and understanding the creative potential of lighting and connection to architectural design.
He said: "I really enjoyed the creative freedom of architecture, but I became increasingly fascinated with the industries that run parallel to it, while still allowing me space to be creative, which is what initially drew me to lighting."
In his new role, Mr Harrison will work with the lighting design and estimating team to create efficient lighting plans for a range of projects. He added: "I’m really excited about joining this great team and grateful for the opportunity to work on landmark projects with renowned brands and Artech’s approach to innovation, and collaboration, as well as bringing people with different skillsets together is something I’m really looking forward to being a part of."
Gary Ainsworth, lighting design and estimating manager, said: "We’re pleased to welcome Harrison on board and he’s off to a flying start working closely with the team to learn the many different aspects of the role. We’re excited to see what his future at Artech holds, and we know his passion and energy will be a huge benefit to the business."
Salutem Care and Education has appointed Jessica Storey as deputy manager of its East Farm House operation in Consett.
Ms Storey joined Salutem - a specialist in support for people with learning disabilities, autism, mental ill health and physical disabilities - in September last year as a support worker. Within 12 months she had progressed rapidly to deputy manager.
Ms Storey said: “This job has truly changed my life. When I first joined Salutem, I was unsure of what I was good at or where I belonged. With the support of my manager, colleagues, and the training opportunities offered through Salutem, I’ve developed confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging. The most rewarding part is working alongside the incredible young people at East Farm, they are the reason I come to work every day. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited for what’s ahead."
John Godden, chief executive of Salutem Care and Education, said: “Jessica’s journey is a fantastic example of what is possible with the right support, training, and belief in your own potential. At Salutem, we are passionate about providing opportunities for our colleagues to thrive and progress their careers. Jessica embodies the values of our organisation and demonstrates the incredible impact that our development programmes can have, both for individuals and for the young people they support.”
