Durham law firm Swinburne Maddison LLP has appointed experienced commercial litigation partner Helen Lyne to its dispute resolution team.
Ms Lyne joins Swinburne Maddison from two prominent regional law firms in Teesside, where she developed a strong network of contacts and business clients. She will work alongside dispute resolution partner David Low to generate instructions from both new and existing contacts.
She said: “I’m looking forward to working closely with a team whose ethos is as much client and employee focused. I have a passion for supporting local business and in addition to positioning clients robustly in the most challenging times, I am a strong advocate for a preventive approach to legal disputes - helping clients mitigate potential issues before they arise rather than only responding reactively.”
Jonathan Moreland, managing partner and head of dispute resolution, said: “We are delighted to welcome Helen to the firm. Last year, our commercial litigation team earned a Top Tier ranking in the latest Legal 500. Helen’s appointment will enhance the expertise of our team and align perfectly with our ambitious growth plans.”
Durham HR support consultancy firm Shrewd HR has started its new year by doubling its team. Belmont-based Shrewd HR has welcomed four new team members as demand for its expertise grows and it is planning to continue to recruit over the coming months.
The business was launched in 2022 with managing director Martin Potts at the helm, who says more services will now be added. The four new starters are Amy Chandler, HR consultant; Stan Heslop, employment law and HR Advisor; Becky Sleep, admin and marketing executive; and Manik Latwal, business development intern.
Mr Potts said: “I am delighted to welcome such a strong team of professionals to Shrewd HR. When I launched less than three years ago, I had a vision to offer a HR service that broke the mould and offered a more cost effective, bespoke service which covered every aspect of HR and the employee life cycle”.
North East housing association Bernicia has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Kelly Gardner as finance director. Ms Gardner brings leadership experience to the role from the public and private sectors, most notably in local government and education.
She led Northumberland County Council’s £38m transformation programme as director of strategic change, with the aims of improving value for money across the council and boosting resident satisfaction with services.
She said: “Bernicia is a great organisation which provides high quality, affordable homes and delivers exceptional services to make a positive impact in North East communities. I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to join the team in such a values driven organisation.
“I look forward to working closely with the management team, providing financial insights to support the organisation’s continued success and enhancing the impact on the communities it serves.”
Janette Longstaff, Bernicia executive director of finance, said: “I am delighted that Kelly has joined the Bernicia team. Kelly is joining Bernicia at an exciting time. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience and is a fantastic appointment.”
Procurement organisation NEPO has made two new appointments. Kaye Wallace joins as partnership specialist and Brett Sharkey joins as organisational development specialist.
Ms Wallace will support the drive for significant framework performance, nurture external partnerships, and work across the portfolio to maximise support from NEPO in the industry. Mr Sharkey will work alongside Ms Wallace and the wider NEPO team to implement a programme of development initiatives.
Nicola Shelley, managing director at NEPO, said: “We are delighted to be able to announce this dual appointment as we work towards our ambitious plans for 2025. Our aim is to position NEPO on a national stage, providing the best opportunities for our members. These recent appointments help to reinforce the highly skilled team we have at NEPO and help us continue to deliver excellence across the entire organisation.”
Rural land and property specialist GSC Grays has strengthened its leadership team with three senior appointments. Janine Tompkins has been appointed as chief operating officer and Sally Bowen joins as financial director, both in newly created roles. Caroline Bowerbank has also joined as human resources manager.
Guy Coggrave, managing director at GSC Grays, said: “As part of our ongoing growth and commitment to excellence I am delighted to announce these key appointments to our senior management team.
“Janine, Sally and Caroline bring valuable expertise that strengthens our leadership and enhances the company’s future. Their skills reinforce our management team providing essential support for our expansion and ensuring we continue to deliver outstanding service to our clients. Together, they will help drive business success through strategic planning and staff development.
“Over the past 12 months, GSC Grays has significantly expanded our geographical presence, service offering and workforce to support a growing client portfolio.”
Newcastle Building Society has appointed Amanda Shepherd and Professor Moorad Choudhry to its board. Ms Shepherd was appointed chief operating officer at the Society in 2024, and plays a key role on the group’s executive team leading the operations, processing, technology and change functions. As executive director on the Board, she brings over 30 years’ experience working in the financial sector.
Mr Choudhry joins the Society as non-executive director and brings with him over 30 years’ experience in the financial services sector. Prior to his appointment to the Newcastle Building Society Board Moorad held senior roles at Loughborough Building Society, the Royal Bank of Scotland, Europe Arab Bank and JPMorgan Chase Bank among others.
James Ramsbotham CBE DL, chair of the Board at Newcastle Building Society said: “Amanda’s expertise and vision will be instrumental in delivering our programme of strategic change, and Moorad’s NED experience and strength of leadership will add tremendous value to the Board in helping to inform the Newcastle Building Society Group’s future growth and success. Both appointments will help drive greater value for members and delivery of the Society’s purpose to connect our communities with a better financial future.”
