The North East BIC , which operates four business centres in Sunderland, Washington and Darlington, has appointed four high profile business leaders to its board.
Andrew Marsh, Kevin Howell, Laura Middleton and Sophie Milliken have joined its board of directors, complementing existing directors John Anderson, David Howell, who was previously operations director, Paul McEldon its CEO, and Kevan Carrick, a director of the BIC for the past eight years.
Mr Carrick has also taken on the role as chair, replacing Mr Anderson, who will be given the title of Life President in honour of his services to the BIC.
Paul McEldon said: “We are thrilled that Andrew, Kevin, Laura and Sophie have agreed to join the BIC board. They will bring a fresh new perspective to our thinking and ensure that, as new opportunities and challenges are presented, we are best placed as an organisation to ensure the region’s businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs have the support and tools required to succeed.”
Newcastle Theatre Royal has appointed a new head of hospitality as it strives to be open to more people and to diversify its income streams. Peter Davis has 26 years of experience in hospitality spanning across the Ƶ, from Brighton up to Newcastle, including leading the opening for the city’s branch of The Alchemist in Eldon Square in 2017. Mr Davis will lead the opening of the Theatre Royal’s new bar in the former DatBar space and will oversee the existing hospitality offering.
He said: “Our vision is to create a stage for connection, flavour and escapism, something we can be proud of and that showcases the past, present and future of the theatre to members of the public and existing loyal audiences.
“I’m proud to play a part in this exciting project that will bring a new and exciting prominence to our iconic building, ensuring it’s open to more people and bringing some theatre to members of the public who aren’t seeing a show.”
An entrepreneur who took part in a development programme aimed at opening boardroom opportunities to people from all walks of life has become the first from her cohort to secure a board position. Believe housing, one of the largest housing associations in the region created its two-year Board Trainee Programme to increase the diversity of non-executive directors across the social housing and third sectors.
Amy Mooney, a renewable energy sector entrepreneur, who has now been appointed to the believe housing Board, said: “I would never have been able to apply or secure a role like this without the opportunity to take part in the Board Trainee Programme.”
Alan Smith, chief executive at believe housing, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Amy and all our board trainees. The programme was designed to break down barriers and support people from diverse backgrounds to gain the skills and experience needed to thrive in boardroom roles —benefiting them both personally and professionally.”
Specialist recruitment agency The Education Network has appointed Rachael Chapman as SEND recruitment consultant. She joins the Newcastle office with four years’ experience in education recruitment and will focus on sourcing SEND professionals for schools in Gateshead, Newcastle and across the North East.
Ms Chapman said: “Joining The Education Network felt like the right next step for me; I am ready for a new challenge with enhanced opportunities and a team that truly understands the impact of getting SEND recruitment right.”
Genna Sinclair, SEND recruitment manager, said: “I’ve known Rachael since 2021 and watched her go from strength to strength in a previous role. She brings passion, drive and a genuine commitment to finding the right fit of candidates for schools.”
Ward Hadaway has appointed James Foster as its new finance director. Mr Foster brings experience in venture capital and financial services and has a strong track record of supporting companies of all sizes.
The appointment comes as the firm makes 34 new hires across its Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle offices in the first quarter of 2025. Other new starters include Louise Masters and Tom Wills who join as partners.
Mr Foster said: “It’s a very exciting time to be joining Ward Hadaway. The scale of the firm’s growth plans is ambitious, but the clarity of vision and client-first approach I’ve seen so far gives me every confidence in what’s ahead.”
Newcastle law firm Burnetts Solicitors LLP has welcomed partner Hannah Fitzpatrick to its serious injury team. Ms Fitzpatrick is a serious injury solicitor specialising in representing clients with serious life changing injuries and has extensive experience with cases involving children and young people who have sustained brain injuries. She is also secretary for Headway Darlington and District, a charity that supports people affected by brain injury in the Darlington, Dales and North Yorkshire area.
Ms Fitzpatrick qualified as a solicitor in 2015 and worked at Burnetts for six years with a focus on birth trauma cases. After four years with another North East law firm she said she is excited to return.
She said: “I am delighted to rejoin Burnetts and be part of its Serious Injury Team, which has an excellent reputation for providing specialist support to clients who have sustained life changing injuries. I am looking forward to working with the team and bringing my skills and experience to secure the best possible outcomes for clients.”
