Newcastle engineering company JK Lifting Equipment is strengthening its team with two new appointments in response to the North East’s growing marine and renewables sector.
Scott Hale, a testing and inspection engineer, and Jack Danielson, a test engineer, are the latest year to join the firm.
Mr Hale has specialist skills ranging from site rigging and load testing, mobilisation, demobilisation and project management an his expertise has allowed the company to further develop and expand its offer and projects within growing marine engineering markets.
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Meanwhile, the appointment of Mr Danielson has enabled JK Lifting to invest in the next generation of engineers. As a qualified welder and NDT inspector, he brings specialist expertise to support the team in designing and manufacturing bespoke lifting solutions.
In June, the company, originally named John Kesson Lifting, celebrated a successful first year since its buy-out in 2019 by managing director James Bright.
Within its inaugural year it has welcomed five key appointments, underwent a name change and rebrand and made investments in training and technology.
Mr Bright added: “We are seeing growth in the North East and we can also see further opportunity, but to enable us to move forward, we have needed to expand the engineering team. “Bringing onboard additional specialist engineering skills and expertise helps us to ensure we can provide the very latest in engineering design solutions.
“The North East has many opportunities for growth, particularly in the renewable energy sector and with an expanding team we may look further afield in the future.”
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FW Capital has appointed a new deputy fund manager and created two new junior roles as part of its commitment to career-building within the organisation.
Senior investment executive Keith Charlton has been promoted to deputy fund manager, while Rachel Smith has been appointed as assistant investment executive and Adam Collin as portfolio executive assistant.
Mr Charlton, who works with businesses to provide funding through NPIF Tees Valley and Cumbria Debt Finance, has worked in the North East for many years and has been a financial director for a number of SMEs in the region.
Earlier in his career he worked as an accountant in the City of London, in financial services regulation with the Securities and Investments Board (now the FCA) and in the Listing Department of the London Stock Exchange.
He said: “Throughout my career at FW Capital, I have been lucky enough to build great relationships with SMEs across the region, helping them to secure the funding they need to prosper. It is incredibly rewarding to see these businesses reach their potential while creating jobs and investment for our region.
“I am proud to be appointed deputy fund manager and I look forward to taking on the role and continuing to support SMEs to flourish.”
Gateshead fresh produce distributor J.R. Holland Food Services has appointed Paul Marshall as general manager.
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Mr Marshall, who will work across the business helping to expand its capabilities and current offering, joins from Cramlington-based Delifresh, where he has spent the last fifteen years .
John Holland, CEO of J.R. Holland Group, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Paul to J.R. Holland Food Services during an exciting period of growth for the business.
“Paul’s wealth of experience and broad network of contacts across the fresh produce sector will help to strengthen our team and expand our portfolio.
“We look forward to a great year in 2021 filled with fresh innovative ideas, new opportunities and a brilliant team behind us leading the way.”
Mr Marshall added: “J.R. Holland Food Services has a fantastic reputation in the fresh produce industry so I’m delighted to have the opportunity to join the team at such an exciting time for the business. I can’t wait to learn and grow with the business, share my experiences and help expand our current offering.”
Opencast Software, the independent Newcastle tech consultancy, has appointed digital transformation heavyweight Jason Kay as digital and technology services director.
The firm specialises in developing end-to-end enterprise solutions for Government, financial services, health and social care and renewable energy sectors.
Mr Kay has more than 25 years of experience in digital transformation and technology, with his expertise spanning both public and private sector organisations.
Before joining Opencast he held a number of senior leadership and executive roles, including CTO, CIO and CDIO, at companies such as Bupa, BP, Citizens Advice, the Home Office, NHS Choices, Benenden Health, and the Ministry of Defence.
He was enlisted by HMRC to head up and lead the creation of its flagship digital delivery centre in Newcastle, leading the vision for how HMRC should digitise its operations and enable customers to access services digitally.
He said: “I have known the Opencast team for quite some time and have always been impressed by their approach to digital and technology transformation. The team are not only committed to delivering a great and innovative client service, but also to ensuring that technology can be used as a force for good to help society and the region’s tech community. Opencast has ambitious plans for the future, and I am pleased to be joining the team at such a pivotal time in its growth.”
Tom Lawson, CEO at Opencast Software, added: “Hiring someone of Jason’s calibre will enable us to build upon the success we’ve experienced over the last few years and in 2020 in particular. At Opencast, we are committed to hiring the best talent and ensuring that our existing team members have the chance to learn from some of the industry’s most experienced people.”
Music and business support agency Generator has appointed Helen Walkinshaw as talent development manager.
Ms Walkinshaw was most recently event coordinator at Sage Gateshead and has worked on independent and commercial 海角视频 festival production teams.
She has over 10 years of experience in self-promoting DIY gigs, managing venues in the North East, and curating events – and also has extensive experience as a musician herself, having come from a family of North East folk musicians.
She currently performs in bands Shy-Talk and BLÓM, whose debut album was voted in The Quietus top 50 albums of 2020.
She said: “I’m beyond excited to take on the role of talent development manager with Generator at such crucial time for the music industry and I am grateful for an opportunity to merge my passions with my professional insight.
“I see this as an opportunity to draw on my skills to champion inclusion and wellbeing as well as creativity; working collaboratively with people throughout the region, to holistically grow a diverse community of artists and creative professionals, who represent and celebrate the North East.”
Hannah Matterson, CEO of Generator, added: “We are so pleased to welcome Helen to the Generator team. Her passion and enthusiasm for music, as well as experience and knowledge of the challenges facing artists and the industry, is impressive. Helen has some fantastic ideas to help us realise our aim of supporting artists and industry professionals across the North East and I can’t wait to start working with her to deliver them in the New Year.”