Newcastle accountancy and business advisory firm Azets has strengthened its senior team with 19 new promotions. Sarah Simpson has been promoted to partner in audit and assurance. Director promotions include Patrick Newman in audit and assurance and Omar Din in wealth management.
Other promotions were at associate director, senior manager, manager and assistant manager and team leader level. The Newcastle promotions represented more than half of the total of 28 promotions across Azets’ three offices in the North East. The firm also has offices in Durham and Wynyard in Teesside where there were three and eight promotions respectively.
Claire Hinshaw, who is Newcastle office managing partner, said: “These richly deserved promotions reflect the depth of talent and commitment we have among our team. It is a privilege to see team members develop their careers with Azets in Newcastle while providing outstanding support for our valued clients and contributing to the growth of our business in the city.”
Brian Laidlaw, partner and head of North East at Azets, said: “These promotions stand testament to the great work done in supporting business clients and individuals and our growing service lines. The number of promotions reflects that, reflects what we’ve achieved and reflects our ambitious growth plans for the next 12 months in the area.”
A solicitor with a passion for community-focused work has qualified into Muckle LLP’s sports, education and charities team. Jessie Melroy, who graduated from Northumbria University with a first-class law degree in 2023, will support projects for and advise a range of clients, including schools, colleges, charities, and sports clubs.
During her training contract, she completed seats in the team as well as corporate finance, agricultural property, private client and employment, building a broad base of knowledge across multiple legal fields.
Ms Melroy said: “I’ve always wanted to be a multidisciplinary solicitor, so it’s great to bring in experience from other seats and see how it all overlaps. What really makes this area special is the client base. We work with so many inspiring people who are all trying to make a positive difference. Our job is to support them, and you genuinely feel like you are part of the work those organisations are doing.”
In addition to her work within the team, Jessie also serves as the firm’s pro bono coordinator. This role plays a key part in her day-to-day work, allowing her to help expand the firm’s community offering and provide legal support to smaller charities and non-profit organisations.
Joanne Davison, partner and head of sports, education and charities, said: “We are delighted that Jessie has taken a permanent position in the team. She’s shown real commitment and enthusiasm during her training and her passion in supporting community-focused clients aligns perfectly with what we do. Jessie has already made a strong impact across the firm through her pro bono role. We’re excited to see her career continue to grow with us.”
Professional services firm Aon has expanded its Newcastle advisory team by appointing Aimee Dymyd as client manager. Ms Dymyd – who worked at Aon from 2016 to 2019 as a client service adviser – joins from Northumbria University, where she worked as a risk and resilience coordinator. She will support a portfolio of clients with their insurance and risk management needs.
Christine Wood, head of office for Aon in Newcastle & Stockton, said: “It’s great to welcome Aimee back to the team. Her strong experience perfectly complements the strength of the wider team, and I am looking forward to working closely with her. She has hit the ground running and her return is testament to Aon’s supportive culture and investment in our colleagues.”
Ms Dymyd, said: “I’m really looking forward to working with clients, building meaningful relationships, and supporting the experienced Newcastle team, who have been very welcoming.”
Stanley-based Hodgson Sayers has appointed nine apprentices across its operations. The new starters join in roles including flat roofing, bricklaying and groundwork, bringing the total number of apprentices employed by the company to 13.
Each apprentice is assigned a mentor, to give guidance and support as they develop their skills. The programme combines on-the-job training with classroom-based learning at Derwentside College in Consett.
Peter Condren, operations director, said: “I always enjoy seeing a new cohort of apprentices join the business. It’s the start of their careers and there’s a real sense of energy and potential in the air. From day one, they are assigned a mentor and begin learning on the job, discovering what it takes to become skilled tradespeople.
“Apprenticeships aren’t just about learning a trade, they’re about problem-solving, teamwork and taking pride in every job. They bring new ideas and up-to-date practices and methods, which help keep the business current and competitive. Investing in their development is also an investment in Hodgson Sayers itself, ensuring we maintain high standards for our clients and securing the company’s longevity.
“Watching these young people grow, develop confidence, start shaping their futures and embed themselves within the company is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.”
Law firm Irwin Mitchell has appointed Alyssa Howard as legal director as it expands its family law services throughout the North East. Ms Howard brings experience in complex children cases, including high-conflict disputes and matters involving safeguarding. In her new role she will focus on strengthening Irwin Mitchell’s expertise in children law and leading efforts to grow the firm’s presence and support for families across the North East.
Clare Wiseman, national head of family law at Irwin Mitchell, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Alyssa to Irwin Mitchell. Her leadership and depth of experience in complex children matters make her an outstanding addition. This appointment is a key part of our strategy to grow our presence in the North East and ensure families receive the very best legal support.”
Greener Solutions Group, has announced eight new appointments across the North. In the North East, Lauren Jones has been appointed as finance officer and Carmel Hutchinson, joins as contracts manager in the North West. Other new starters joining as heating and electrical installers include Stephen Phoenix, James Piper, Dan Redman and Mark Dyer, while Damien Anderson joins as scheduling support. Meanwhile, Ricardo Mathis joins the North West team as a cavity wall technician.
Andrew Wilkinson, director, Greener Solutions Group, said: “We warmly welcome all our new starters, who are working in various positions across the business. Having recently announced the formation of our senior leadership team we have strong foundations in place to enable us to grow and to fully support our new and existing colleagues.
“We have a robust recruitment process to ensure a mutually beneficial fit. As we grow, we want to ensure our team develops with us and remains on our journey. As such, we have strong progression plans that allow staff to develop their skillset and identify areas for personal growth.”
