Newcastle digital agency Squidgy has made three new appointments to its growing team. The firm has welcomed Amy Robinson as SEO executive, Amy Rowell as paid media executive and Hannah Lymn as paid media manager, strengthening its range of social media services.
Founder and agency director Andy Robson, said: “Hannah, Amy, and Amy add to that expertise and help us continue delivering the high-quality work we pride ourselves on. Thanks to these new hires, we can better respond to the increasing demand for our services, taking on new clients while expanding our existing portfolio.
“As a business, our goal is always strategic growth. For us, that’s about working with the right people, for the right reasons. I certainly feel that Hannah, Amy, and Amy share our values and will support our future ambitions.”
A new chair and four new board members have been appointed by the Northern Housing Consortium. Charlie Norman, chief executive of Mosscare St Vincent’s Housing Group (MSV) takes on the role of chair, replacing outgoing chair, Paul Fiddaman, chief executive of Karbon Homes. Chair of outward housing and Newlon Housing board member, and former Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) civil servant Jane Everton will step up to be vice chair.
Rachael Dennis, chief executive of incommunities; Tracy Gordon, lead officer for housing partnerships at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority; Steve Hepworth, chief executive of Ongo Homes; and Noel Sharpe, group chief executive officer of Bolton at Home, all take on the role of board members.
Chief executive Tracy Harrison said: “We feel incredibly lucky to be able to appoint such an experienced and knowledgeable group of people, who bring with them many years of expertise from the housing, environmental sustainability and public sectors.”
Newcastle PR agency Moja have welcomed two new members to the team. Maxwell Earnshaw joins Moja as a copywriter, bringing experience from ITV and BBC alongside radio and podcast work. Tiyanna Mistry is joining as an account manager, having previously worked with DESIblitz and Leicester Gazette.
The firm said the two are thrilled to be using their skills to raise the profiles of some of the most notable senior executives in the region.
Fitness brand Team RH has appointed Liam Rafferty as its new CEO. Mr Rafferty has 25 years of experience across large corporate and SME businesses, including 15 years at Aldi where he played a key role in its digital transformation and operational strategy. His expertise in both digital solutions and large-scale business operations will be instrumental as Team RH continues to enhance its app, expand its member base, and scale the business over the coming years.
Founded in 2014 by Richie Howey, Team Valley based Team RH has grown to become a leading fitness platform supporting close to 500,000 members in achieving sustainable weight loss.
Mr Rafferty said: “I’m thrilled to join Team RH at such a pivotal time. The company has built a strong foundation, and I’m excited to help drive its future success. The opportunity to combine my experience in digital transformation and operational efficiency with Team RH’s unique fitness approach is incredibly exciting. I look forward to working with the team to reach even more people and deliver real results.”
Newcastle and Leeds-based Parklane Plowden Chambers has appointed Paul Clarke as senior practice director for civil and employment. Mr Clarke joins from Kings Chambers, where he clerked for almost 30 years and was most recently responsible for the employment, personal injury, clinical negligence, sports law and court of protection practices. As senior practice director, he is working with the individual members of the 62-strong civil and employment teams to identify and implement business growth strategies.
He said: “I am delighted to be taking on this new role and joining such an established and prestigious set of chambers. We have an exceptional and well recognised team of barristers working closely with highly regarded and experienced support staff. This is a potent combination as we look to continue providing high level advice, advocacy and client care.”
Formed in 2007 following the merger of Parklane Chambers in Leeds and Plowden Chambers in Newcastle, Parklane Plowden is home to 118 members.
North East business investor NEL has announced changes at the top. CEO Jonathan Luke is to step down from his role at the Newcastle fund managers due to family health reasons, and Paul Scott has been announced as the new CEO. Mr Luke, who took on the role in 2022, has enjoyed a 20-year career with the investment firm.
Mr Scott, who joined NEL in 2022 as chief investment officer, was involved at the inception of the direct lending market in Europe and has led teams investing in direct lending and private equity asset classes managing in excess of $15bn of assets.
The pair have already secured two new funds for NEL from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II.
Mr Luke said: “I have always wanted to ensure that NEL was in the best position possible before stepping down and the time is now right to do so. Paul is very forward-thinking and has incredible drive and enthusiasm for the business. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with Paul and I wish him every success in his new role.”
