The Institute of Directors (IoD) has appointed Suzanne Withrington as education and skills ambassador for Yorkshire and the North East.
Ms Withrington is principal lecturer for enterprise and business engagement at Teesside University Business School, and she is also vice-chair of the IoD North East (South) branch.
As education and skills ambassador, she will connect directors with education providers and provide a regional voice to the IoD’s work with colleges and universities.
She said: “Businesses and education providers are facing very challenging times in which we must come together and identify the skills needed to rebuild the economy while at the same time providing young people with the confidence and opportunities to forge their careers and play a key role in our future.”
Newcastle architectural technologists and designer Ergo Projects has made two new appointments as part of fresh investment in resources and client services.
Alan Rowe joins as technical manager while Callum Fysh comes in as an architectural technician.
With almost 20 years’ industry experience, Mr Rowe will oversee all things technical as well as the implementation of new management systems.
Mr Fysh, who brings five years’ experience as an architectural technologist to the role, will be responsible for producing technical drawings using the latest Revit 3D building information modelling design package. He will also support Mr Rowe as well be involved in new business development.
Most Read
Adrian Reay, Ergo founder and managing director, said: “We’re delighted to welcome two skilled and ambitious people. Alan and Callum are important additions to the team and we look forward to them contributing enormously, enjoying their time with us as they work with clients and continue to develop their careers and expertise.”
Property consultancy youngsRPS has appointed rural valuation and professional services expert Tom Whitehead to spearhead its expansion across the North.
Mr Whitehead joins the business as an associate and has vast experience in a wide range of land and property consultancy services.
A fully qualified rural chartered surveyor, RICS registered valuer and appointed agent to the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (AMC), his main role is to drive growth across Northern England.
Before joining youngsRPS, he held previous roles with Savills and Carter Jonas where he played a key role in delivering a wide range of services including rural agency and investment, compulsory purchase and compensation and valuation services.
He said: “I have always admired youngsRPS for the high-quality work they deliver and range of services they provide to businesses across the region. I have watched the consultancy grow and it’s great to now play an integral role in helping to maintain that momentum.”
Former Allianz Business Services managing director Lee Tetley has been appointed to lead the Newcastle office of JM Glendinning Insurance Brokers.
Don’t miss
An insurance specialist with over 20 years in the industry, Mr Tetley will initially focus on developing the Newcastle office’s strategy for its SME client base, whilst maintaining business growth and developing its team of 18 employees.
His career has seen him progress from insurance sales and renewals to becoming MD at SMEi prior to its acquisition by Marsh. He remained at Marsh as operations director until moving to Allianz.
He said: “The business is in a very strong position in the market having grown year on year since it launched in 2013. Our employees and the culture of the business are extremely important to success and I plan to spend a lot of time with our team, mentoring, collaborating with and learning from them. Maintaining a positive working practices will, I believe, enable us to offer the best service to our clients.”
NewcastleGateshead Initiative has appointed Dan Peck as the new head of inward investment.
Mr Peck will help drive Newcastle and Gateshead’s commitment to attracting and securing new investment and creating jobs. He will act as deputy to the director of Invest Newcastle, leading a team charged with delivering a range of highly targeted activities and services to secure overseas and domestic inward investment across key growth sectors.
Mr Peck is a graduate of Yale University, with a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) and is an experienced social impact consultant and organisational leader with 12 years of multi-sectoral experience.
He said: “I have visited many cities across the world, but Newcastle is genuinely unique, with so much history, community spirit, culture and innovation - I can see why the people who live here are so proud of the place they call home. There are so many reasons to invest in this great city, and I am looking forward to meeting the city’s leaders, ambassadors and world-class talent and further positioning its offer to investors and people across the world.”
Azets has promoted Joanne Regan to regional managing partner for its North East offices.
Azets has offices in Alnwick, Crook, Durham, Guisborough, Hexham, Seaton Burn, Sunderland and Wynyard and Ms Regan was previously office managing partner of the firm’s Wynyard office.
Her main focus will be to promote Azets in the North East as the go-to firm for advising the SME market. She works with a wide range of companies across a variety of sectors including agriculture, education and manufacturing.
She said: “Our dynamic and ambitious team in the North East is expanding and I’m thrilled to take a leadership role in growing the practice. As a result of the pandemic, we’re seeing more businesses looking to us for support in survival, revival and future growth.”