Commercial property consultancy Knight Frank has announced five promotions at its 76-strong team in Newcastle.
Property asset management specialist Elizabeth Fletcher has been promoted to partner after 11 years in the business. Fliss McDermott has won a new position as senior service charge accountant and David Anthony has been promoted to senior client accountant – both work alongside Ms Fletcher in the property management team.
Joining them in the climb up the career ladder are Nathan Douglas and Will Prowse who are now senior surveyors, working in the office agency and building consultancy teams, respectively.
Ms Fletcher said: “I am absolutely delighted to be acknowledged in this way for doing the work that I love. I would like to thank our clients and my colleagues for their support over the years and I am looking forward to seeing what the next chapter with Knight Frank in the North East will bring.”
Head of office Peter Bowden said: “It’s always a happy time of the year when Knight Frank announces its promotions across the Ƶ. Beth, David, Fliss, Nathan and Will are thoroughly deserving of their new positions and I’m looking forward to seeing what they can achieve.”
Recruitment consultancy Talentheads has promoted three staff members and hired five new people after growth in the last year.
The Morpeth business, which moved into larger offices in the town at the end of last year, has promoted existing team members Lesley Gordon, Alison Jobson and Judith Armatage to head up their own departments, including customer excellence and learning, developing talent and supporting the daily direction of all accounts.
Meanwhile, new starters include Chloe Hills and Hannah Mueller who have joined as talent partners, Owen Potts as a talent engagement advisor and Laura Barker, who is the new lead talent and learning partner. Meanwhile, Kelly Sheldon joined the company in the role of office support, providing assistance to Sam and the senior leadership team while helping new hires in their induction.
Company founder Sam Spoors said: “It is so rewarding to be able to make three promotions and hire seven new people so far this year. I can’t wait to see the impact all of them make in their new roles. If the business continues to grow in the way we are anticipating, we will be hiring even more staff this year. We are already ahead of our growth plans due to organic growth.”
Durham based Hargreaves Services plc has announced the appointment of Stephen Craigen as group finance director designate and as a director of the board of Hargreaves.
Mr Craigen has been with the group for 10 years and has held the role of group financial controller since 2017. John Samuel, the current group finance director, will step down from his role and the board following the announcement of the group’s preliminary results for the year ended 31 May 2023, expected to be on 9 August 2023.
Acting group chair Nigel Halkes said: “The Board has great confidence in Stephen and welcomes his appointment. The transfer of responsibilities has gone smoothly, and I look forward to working with Stephen as Hargreaves progresses.”
North East financial advisory firm Lowes Financial Management has appointed Barry Hopper as its first commercial director.
Mr Hopper takes up the new role after working in various positions within the Newcastle-based IFA for almost 20 years. He also brings a 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.
He said: “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. 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.”
Ian Lowes, MD, said: “For a successful business with a 50-year history under our belt, we need a dynamic board and team to drive the business forwards, to cement Lowes as the largest and best IFA in the North East. Barry will be important to ensuring Lowes continues to expand our client base while strengthening our growing national reputation. It is important that our advisers constantly add value and help clients build and maintain their wealth. It’s important that in the next few years we make Lowes the ‘go to’ company for financial advice.”
Expanding digital marketing agency ROAR has appointed Chris Graham as head of sales to drive further growth.
Tyneside-based ROAR Digital Marketing has recruited Mr Graham, who has extensive sales experience at various well-known companies within the industry and in sports travel, to develop and grow a new sales division at the company. The appointment coincides with significant growth for ROAR which has increased its client base by almost 50% in the past three months.
Mr Graham said: “I was looking for an opportunity where I could come into a company like ROAR and fully utilise my past experience. I met with ROAR managing director Michael Knowles and his ambitions and enthusiasm matched mine, and one thing which really appealed to me was being given the freedom and trust to stamp my own authority on the new sales division. I’m really excited about the upcoming challenge and I’m looking forward to being able to use my experience and skills to develop such an ambitious and upcoming company like ROAR Digital Marketing, and play a part in driving further growth.”
Managing director Michael Knowles added: “Welcoming someone as knowledgeable and talented as Chris into the ROAR Digital Marketing team will help elevate the business to new heights and help drive us towards achieving our ambitious growth plans.”
