North East independent accountancy and business advisory firm Clive Owens LLP has strengthened its Newcastle office with senior appointments.
The practice has welcomed tax director Elizabeth Rothery, and corporate tax manager Aaron Larvin, both of whom have gained experience at Big Four and national firms.
Ms Rothery has worked in private client taxation for nearly two decades, managing the tax affairs of clients from private business owners and entrepreneurs to land-owning families. Mr Larvin spent four years working at an independent practice, providing corporation tax compliance services to owner managed businesses and international groups.
David Baggaley, tax partner, said: “Elizabeth and Aaron join at an exciting time for the firm as we continue to grow and invest in our people, demonstrated by our latest expansion in Newcastle. Their specialist knowledge and experience working for Big Four and national firms complements our well-established and respected tax division and will further enhance our service offering as we continue to build on our recent period of expansion.”
GSC Grays, the rural land and property specialists , has appointed three new directors, James Bush, Rachel Morris, and Sam Cole to boost its management team during a period of significant growth.
Guy Coggrave, managing director, said: “This is an exciting phase of our expansion, and we are delighted to add the talents and experience of James, Rachel, and Sam to strengthen and support our management team. With over 140 employees across nine offices, we remain focused on delivering bespoke, high quality service and innovative advice across sectors including land, farming, property management, planning, renewables, and environmental management.”
As well as being promoted to director, James Bush is taking on the role of vice chair of the Farm Business Board. Ms Morris is head of valuations working across the North, having joined the GSC Grays agency department at the Barnard Castle office, transitioning to the general practice team in 2016.
Mr Cole joined the GSC Grays estate and sporting management team after graduating from Harper Adams University in 2018. He manages estates in Northern England and specialises in upland properties.
Accountancy and business advisory firm Johnston Carmichael has appointed long-established private client tax director Chris Hodgson. He joins the team with over 37 years of experience in private client tax, having built his career at local firm Azets, formerly Tait Walker.
He said: “I was drawn to Johnston Carmichael’s exceptional client service and extensive knowledge across the firm. The Newcastle office has a dynamic and growing team that reminds me of the close-knit environment I started with in 1987.
“I’m excited to be part of the firm’s growth journey and to bring my knowledge to help clients navigate the ever-changing tax landscape, especially in areas like inheritance tax, trusts, and planning for family business owners.”
Sedgefield tech firm Filtronic plc has appointed Antonino Spatola as its new chief commercial officer.
The firm, which designs and manufactures products for the aerospace, defence, space and telecoms infrastructure markets, said Mr Spatola will lead the company’s global commercial operations, focusing on driving growth and expanding market presence. He joins Filtronic following senior roles at industry leaders such as Teledyne E2V and Leonardo, where he successfully shaped market strategies, managed complex customer relationships, and oversaw the launch of innovative products.
Nat Edington, CEO of Filtronic, said: “Antonino’s appointment marks a significant milestone for Filtronic as we strengthen our position in the high-frequency RF market. His proven ability to deliver revenue growth and execute successful commercial strategies aligns perfectly with our ambitious growth plans.”
Mr Spatola added: “I’m delighted to join Filtronic at such an exciting time. The company’s reputation for innovation and excellence is outstanding, and I look forward to working with the talented team to drive further growth in our target markets.”
The wills, trusts and probate team at Jacksons Law Firm has expanded with the appointment of Mike Cattermole as senior associate solicitor. He is looking forward to helping the firm navigate the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into this area of law, as well as proposed advancements in laws that came into effect back in 1837.
He said: “I have always wanted to work in this area since I was at university.”
Jonathan Wall, partner and head of private client services and residential property at Jacksons, said: “Mike joining the firm sees further expansion into the private client team, and the level of expertise which Mike brings will see us push this team forward going into 2025 and beyond.”
