Stephen Slater is set to become the new managing director of RMT Accountants & Business Advisors as the Gosforth-based firm works towards implementing the next stages of its growth strategy as part of the Sumer Group.
RMT’s current director of commercial services will take on his new role in the summer in place of Mike Pott. The pair have both been with RMT for more than 30 years, becoming partners in 1998 and 2002 respectively.
Mr Slater is currently responsible for the delivery of audit and accountancy services by RMT, and was instrumental in the creation of the firm’s specialist technology business, RMT Technology.
He said: “Helping successful businesses formulate and execute succession strategies is a core part of the work we do every day and have planned our own process ourselves very carefully. We’ve strengthened our team of directors and associate directors over recent years, and they have all taken on increasing responsibility for the future direction and performance of our thriving business that has been part of the North East professional services community for more than 70 years.”
Newcastle law firm Hay & Kilner has promoted Kayleigh Bell and Sophie Fletcher to associate. Ms Bell is based in the firm’s Newcastle office at The Lumen and is part of the family team, and advises and represents clients in all aspects of family law related matters arising from the breakdown of a marriage or relationship, including, divorce, financial provision, child arrangement disputes and urgent protection orders.
Ms Fletcher works in Hay & Kilner’s growing rural and agricultural property department, working with clients on all types of property matters including complex first registration applications, advising clients in relation to title issues and rights of way.
Claire Simmons, partner at Hay & Kilner, said: “Congratulations to Kayleigh and Sophie on their recent promotions, which are testament to their hard work and dedication. These promotions are very well deserved and reinforce our commitment to continued investment in our people, creating a great place to work and retaining our top talent.”
Law firm Muckle LLP has appointed a new partner to enhance its Teesside offering. Leah Duffield, born and bred in Middlesbrough, joins Muckle to build on the firm’s Teesside presence and add to the private client team. After studying at the University of York, Leah Ms Duffield reeturn to Teesside and has worked in the region since qualifying in 2012. She is experienced in advising clients on their succession strategies and all aspects of their personal planning.
She said: “Muckle has a brilliant reputation across Teesside and the North East. I really value working with great clients and colleagues so joining Muckle feels like a perfect fit. I am excited to be part of the private client team at Muckle. It is a big opportunity both for me and for Teesside that Muckle is looking to build its Teesside base.”
Newcastle and Leeds-based Parklane Plowden Chambers has welcomed a children’s law silk to its 38-strong family team as part of its strategy of continued expansion. Simon Bickler KC, who was called to the bar 1988 and took silk in 2011, joins from St Pauls Chambers where he was previously head of chambers.
Appointed as a deputy high court judge sitting in family law in 2019, his practice encompasses all aspects of children’s law including abduction, private and public law. Mr Bickler’s specialisms include child arrangement disputes, serious and non-accidental injuries and child fatalities, sexual abuse allegations alongside fabricated and induced illness and child relocation proceedings.
He said: “I’m pleased to join Parklane Plowden’s family team which has a long-established reputation for its progressive outlook and expertise in both private and public law proceedings.”
Avison Young’s Newcastle office has promoted Jamie Sim to associate director in the capital markets team. Mr Sim joined Avison Young in 2017 working initially within the professional valuation section before moving across to the capital markets team. in 2020. He has been involved in several of the region’s highest value property transactions including the sale of BAE Systems, Washington, the purchase of Wellbar Central, Newcastle, and the sale of Cobalt 16, North Tyneside.
He said: “I look forward to continuing to advise my clients on buy-side and sell-side opportunities in the North East across all asset classes.
Simon Beanland, principal and head of capital markets, Avison Young Newcastle, said: “Jamie has made an outstanding contribution to the strong capital markets team here in Newcastle and has been closely involved with many of the region’s top property investment deals over recent years. The promotion is well deserved and confirms the commitment within Avison Young to recognise outstanding performance alongside inhouse career development.”
