The business landscape in the North East is buzzing with new appointments and promotions this week.
Key companies such as Deloitte, hedgehog lab, Ward Hadaway, Ryecroft Glenton, Allies Group, and Bernicia have made significant moves to strengthen their teams.
Deloitte’s Latest Talent Influx
Audit and consulting firm Deloitte has recruited 30 individuals into its graduate, apprenticeship, and industrial placement programmes at its Newcastle office. This new cohort includes nine entry-level apprentices who secured positions immediately following their GCSEs. The recruits will join various sectors within the company, including Audit & Assurance, Tax Consulting, and Enabling functions.
Stephen Hall, the senior partner at Deloitte’s Newcastle office, emphasised the importance of attracting and retaining fresh talent for the long-term success of the vibrant business community in Newcastle. “The September intake always breathes energy and fresh thinking into the office,” Hall stated. One notable apprentice, Jessica McArthur, was offered a position at age 17 based on her GCSE results. She has been promoted twice and is now working towards her AAT level four accountancy qualification. McArthur mentioned, “I thought my age and being an apprentice would limit my promotion prospects, but I quickly learned that this wasn’t the case.”
New Leadership at Hedgehog Lab
Digital consultancy hedgehog lab has announced two significant senior appointments. Malcolm Seagrave has been named the company’s first UK managing director, while Joe Thompson is the new chief technology officer. These additions align with the firm’s ‘Vision 2028’ strategy, which aims to achieve B Corp certification, establish four new UK hubs, increase revenue, and create 400 new jobs within the next four years.
Seagrave, who previously served as chief growth officer at CreateFuture and chief for UK and international growth at AND.Digital, will now oversee day-to-day UK operations. Thompson, coming from Deep Medical, brings extensive experience from his roles at Xoomworks Technology and Accenture. CEO Sarat Pediredla commented, “Malcolm and Joe are incredibly well-respected digital executives who significantly enhance the calibre and expertise of our management team.”
Ward Hadaway’s New Recruits
Law firm Ward Hadaway has strengthened its team with 14 new trainee solicitors and one solicitor apprentice, primarily based in their Newcastle office. These new recruits elevate the firm’s total headcount to over 500. This influx is part of a growth strategy led by managing partner Steven Petrie, who assumed his role in May 2024.
The new trainee solicitors, including Dania Abu-Harb, Laurence Colgan, and Charlie Davies, will undergo two years of training before qualifying in 2026. The lone apprentice will qualify in 2030. Matt Cormack, partner and training principal, expressed enthusiasm for the new intake, stating, “Our trainees will enjoy a structured training programme and gain breadth of experience across various legal disciplines.”
Promotions at Ryecroft Glenton
Business advisory firm Ryecroft Glenton has announced promotions within its Accounts and Business Services and Corporate Finance functions. Amanda Cooper has been elevated to director, and Emma Harrison to manager, in the Accounts and Business Services department. Max Woodhouse has also been promoted to manager within the Corporate Finance service line.
Peter Glenton, a partner at Ryecroft Glenton, lauded the promoted individuals, stating, “Amanda, Max, and Emma exemplify the talented professionals RG attracts, retains, and develops. Their promotions highlight their individual achievements and demonstrate our commitment to fostering growth within our team.” These promotions underscore the firm’s dedication to offering high-quality service and personalised, expert advice to clients.
Strategic Appointments at Allies Group
Communications and marketing agency Allies Group has expanded its Newcastle team with two key appointments. Simon Rushworth has joined as senior communication manager, bringing years of experience as a senior journalist and media manager. Shehla Momin has been promoted to PR account manager after a successful stint during which she demonstrated strategic and well-thought-out approaches to her role.
David Bootle, Allies Group’s head of communications and PR, praised the new additions, stating, “Simon is a trusted operator with excellent media connections, and Shehla’s background in a Middle East agency brings a unique selling point to our team.” The firm also highlighted its new service offerings, including ALLIESLite and one-day media training courses.
Bernicia’s Board Strengthening
North East housing association Bernicia has strengthened its board with four new senior members. The new board members include Gill Smith, CEO of the Northern Leading Trust, Tom Weightman, former managing director of Hall and Partners, Lesley Moody, managing director of AES Digital Solutions Ltd, and Steve Crosland, an experienced leader in HR, operational, and governance functions.
Bernicia’s chief executive, John Johnston, expressed confidence in the new board members, stating, “Their skills and experience will help ensure that Bernicia continues to maintain excellence in governance.” These appointments aim to leverage their diverse experiences in private and not-for-profit sectors to support Bernicia’s strategic objectives.
The recent appointments and promotions across various North East companies highlight a significant commitment to growth and talent development.
With new talent and experienced leaders in place, these businesses are well-positioned to continue their trajectory of success and innovation.
