EMG Solicitors , which operate from offices in Durham, Newcastle, Darlington, Penrith and Manchester, has welcomed Deborah Jude, a new director within the Court of Protection (COP) and private client team.
As panel deputy for the Court of Protection, Ms Jude’s appointment extends EMG’s specialism further in supporting those without capacity, with the company becoming one of only a limited number of law firms in the country to offer the panel deputyship service. Also joining EMG Solicitors is Joanne Shearer, legal secretary, and Lauren Gray, trainee legal executive.
Ms Jude said: “It’s a real privilege to be part of the EMG team. They have a fantastic reputation in the market, not least for their COP work, so I was delighted to have the opportunity to join them. COP is an area that I find incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to supporting them further in this field, alongside my private client work.
“I was also equally attracted by the firm’s culture, values and commitment to both their clients and people.”
The Education Network has appointed Genna Sinclair as a dedicated special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) recruitment manager to cover the Northern region. The Newcastle-based specialist recruitment agency for the education sector said Ms Sinclair has hit the ground running at a time when there is a massive shortage of SEND teaching and support staff across the Ƶ.
She said: “I was thrilled when I was approached to take up this dedicated SEND role for The Education Network because it is an increasingly important aspect of education and not all recruitment agencies specialise in it as we do.
Finding suitable candidates is one of the most pressing challenges. You are dealing with a wide range of disabilities – profound learning difficulties, wheelchair users, social, emotional and mental health problems and behavioural challenges - the situation has deteriorated since the pandemic.”
Graduates Adam Lawson and Tom Wignall are celebrating after passing qualification tests while at planning consultancy Avison Young in Newcastle. Mr Lawson qualifies as a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Tom Wignall qualifies as a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
Mr Lawson joined Avison Young in 2022 and specialises in office and industrial agency, and during his time at the firm he has worked on projects including Bank House, the new office development on Pilgrim Street, and the Integra 61 industrial scheme in Durham. Meanwhile Mr Wignall, who also joined in 2022, has worked with public and private sector partners, including National Grid, Vastint Hospitality and Taras Properties where he has assisted on the ongoing regeneration at Pilgrim Street.
Gordon Hewling, principal and managing director, Newcastle said: “This is great news and just reward for their ability, hard work and attitude – both client-facing and within the office generally. Adam, Tom and others are the future of the office and it is fantastic to see them realising their potential.”
Newcastle creative agency Jump has made three appointments. Annabel Furness has been appointed head of design and has moved from London to the North East, and is working alongside creative director Andy Baxter to oversee the seven-strong design team.
With a background in illustration and experience working as a freelance designer for leading London agencies and for organisations including national charity Stonewall, she will support the day-to-day running of the design team and the delivery of design projects. The other appointments include content marketing assistant Lucy Middleton and designer Connor Reed. The three hires bring Jump’s total headcount to 18.
Rob Brown, managing director at Jump, said: “We’re pleased to welcome Annabel, Lucy and Connor to the business, it’s great to have them onboard.”
Gradon Architecture has strengthened its team with the appointment of Graeme Kirkley as technical director – four years after he previously worked for the company. Mr Kirkley’s expertise and technical knowledge of construction design will support Gradon’s future growth and the development of the company’s dynamic young team of staff. He rejoins the practice after spending four years as a design manager at a large national contractor.
He said: “I’m thrilled to get the opportunity to rejoin the team at Gradon and work on an exciting variety of projects at the delivery stage both in the Ƶ and overseas.”
Graham McDarby, MD of Gradon, said: “We’re really excited at the prospect of having Graeme back on board. He started his career in the industry at the tender age of 16, and his wealth of experience will be invaluable as we look to grow the business and develop our exciting young talent.”
Civil and structural engineering firm RWO has announced several new appointments. Andrew Doyle comes in as senior structural engineer, bringing extensive steel structures and civil engineering industry experience to the role, and he is joined at the firm’s Seaton Burn head office by senior structural technician, Ben Gill.
The Leeds office has also welcomed Nabeel Arshad, who comes in as a senior civil engineer alongside newly appointed assistant civil engineer, Saif Rehman.
Managing director Ross Oakley said: “Our strength lies in our people, so I’m delighted to welcome Andrew, Ben, Saif and Nabeel to RWO. Their experience and knowledge in the world of engineering will help to drive forward our offering, joining up parts of the business to ensure we always deliver the best for our clients and projects.”
