This week, several North East companies have announced key promotions and new hires, reflecting a drive for growth and innovation across the region.
Organisations such as Biodiverse Consulting, Lycetts, Avison Young, Castle, and Armstrong Watson are at the forefront of these significant changes, each enhancing their teams to meet evolving industry demands.
Biodiverse Consulting’s New Recruits
Biodiverse Consulting, a prominent North East environmental consultancy, recently made strategic hires, welcoming recent graduates alongside an ecology intern to enrich their team. These additions align with the firm’s expertise in providing solutions for the Biodiversity Net Gain legislation, which has prompted significant growth in clientele within the built environment sector.
Vicki Mordue, the founder and director of Biodiverse Consulting, highlighted the firm’s rapid growth since the mandate of BNG. She expressed optimism about future expansion and plans to open a Southern base to tap into new markets, offering career opportunities for both graduates and seasoned ecologists.
Leadership Transition at Lycetts
Lycetts, a Newcastle-based insurance broker and independent financial adviser, has appointed Ian Barclay as its new chief executive. Barclay succeeds Charles Foster, who will retain a role as non-executive chairman of Lycetts Financial Services after seven years leading the company. Barclay brings over two decades of experience from notable insurance firms.
In his statement, Barclay expressed excitement about joining Lycetts during such a transformative period, committed to driving growth while maintaining the company’s esteemed values and culture. The outgoing CEO, Charles Foster, endorsed Barclay’s potential to advance the company through its next developmental phase.
Avison Young’s Strategic Appointment
Chris Turnbull has been appointed as the representative for regional interests on Avison Young’s UK executive body. This new role within the company’s structure signifies a pivotal opportunity to shape business strategy and financial performance from a regional perspective.
Turnbull, previously a project manager for significant developments in Newcastle, was chosen following a national selection process. He stated his eagerness to contribute to the company’s growth and represent both Newcastle and wider UK regions. His appointment underscores the high regard for the Newcastle office within Avison Young’s UK operations.
Gordon Hewling, the managing director for Avison Young in Newcastle, lauds Turnbull’s skills and the deserved nature of his role, reflecting the office’s esteemed reputation.
Castle’s Senior Appointments
Castle, a contractor based in South Tyneside, has strengthened its leadership team with several key senior appointments. New additions include Michael Parkin as senior quantity surveyor and Gary Lambton as senior site manager among others. The firm is focused on capitalising on market opportunities, particularly as a leading contractor for new retail and trade parks.
Andrew Dawson, managing director of Castle, expressed enthusiasm about the team’s expansion and the potential it brings. He reiterated the firm’s commitment to providing professional, financially stable project delivery, facilitated by an increased headcount.
Armstrong Watson Welcomes New Trainees
Accountancy firm Armstrong Watson is preparing to onboard over 28 new trainees, increasing its focus on nurturing talent via professional qualifications such as the AAT and ATT.
The firm annually recruits apprentices, offering them hands-on experience alongside their academic studies. CEO and managing partner, Paul Dickson, expressed confidence in the future success of the trainees, who have been meticulously selected from numerous applicants.
The expansion of training positions demonstrates Armstrong Watson’s dedication to developing future industry professionals, with new intakes at various regional offices including the North East.
Summary of Regional Business Moves
The wave of promotions and appointments across the North East exemplifies the region’s vital business activities. From consultancy to finance, and construction to accountancy, these changes reflect a robust economic landscape.
These strategic movements within companies highlight a commitment to growth and adaptation, ensuring competitiveness and readiness to embrace future opportunities.
The recent promotions and appointments underscore a dynamic phase of growth and strategic positioning for North East companies. These movements signal a readiness to capitalise on opportunities and reinforce the region’s role in driving economic progress.
Such proactive talent management and investment in human capital highlight a strong commitment to sustaining competitive advantage and fostering long-term success in the business landscape.
