This week marks a significant series of appointments and promotions across prominent firms in the North East. Businesses have strategically positioned new talents to drive growth and innovation in the region.
From auditing to digital consultancy, the newly appointed individuals bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to their respective organisations.
Deloitte Welcomes New Recruits
Audit and consulting firm Deloitte has embraced 30 new individuals into its graduate, apprenticeship, and industrial placement programmes at its Newcastle office. The new cohort, which commenced this month, includes nine entry-level apprentices directly from their GCSEs.
These recruits join the firm’s Audit & Assurance, Tax Consulting, and Enabling functions. Office senior partner Stephen Hall commented on the vibrant business community in Newcastle, emphasising the importance of attracting and retaining fresh talent to ensure long-term success.
Highlighting the strength of Deloitte’s training programme, Jessica McArthur was recruited based on her GCSE results and has since been promoted twice. She is currently pursuing her AAT level four accountancy qualification. Jessica expressed her initial concerns about her age and apprentice status limiting promotion prospects but praised the support and commitment from her colleagues in aiding her career progression.
hedgehog lab Strengthens Leadership
Digital consultancy hedgehog lab has enhanced its senior team with the appointment of Malcolm Seagrave as the first UK managing director and Joe Thompson as the new chief technology officer. This move aligns with the firm’s ‘Vision 2028’ strategy, which aims to attain B Corp certification, open four new UK hubs, increase revenue, and generate 400 new jobs within the next four years.
Malcolm Seagrave will oversee UK operations and report directly to co-founder and CEO Sarat Pediredla. Prior to this role, he was chief growth officer at CreateFuture and managed UK and international growth at AND.Digital. Joe Thompson, coming from Deep Medical, has led product and technology teams at Xoomworks Technology, now part of Accenture.
Sarat Pediredla remarked on their vast experience and ability to drive tech scale-ups. He is confident that their expertise will significantly contribute to hedgehog lab’s growth and its ambitious targets.
Ward Hadaway’s New Legal Talent
Law firm Ward Hadaway has appointed 14 new trainee solicitors and one solicitor apprentice, including ten in its Newcastle office. This development brings the company’s total headcount to over 500 as part of a strategic expansion led by managing partner Steven Petrie.
The new trainees will undergo two years of training before qualifying as solicitors in 2026. The solicitor apprentice will qualify in 2030. The trainees are Dania Abu-Harb, Laurence Colgan, Charlie Davies, Josh Cela, Sophie Edgar, Alice Ferguson, Ella Edmunds, Abigail McAllister, Laura McLaughlin, Olivia Smith, Liam Middleton, Aisha Rutherford, Elizabeth Swales, Anna Thorp, and Nick Williams.
Partner and training principal Matt Cormack expressed pride in the new cohort, acknowledging their skills and commitment. He emphasized the firm’s focus on professional development and support at every career stage. The structured training programme provides varied legal experience, mentorship, and systematic career progression.
Ryecroft Glenton’s Strategic Promotions
Business advisory firm Ryecroft Glenton has announced several promotions within its Accounts and Business Services and Corporate Finance departments. Amanda Cooper has been elevated to director, and Emma Harrison has been promoted to manager in the Accounts and Business Services department.
Additionally, Max Woodhouse has been promoted to manager within the Corporate Finance service line. Partner Peter Glenton praised their dedication and high standards, reflecting the firm’s core values.
These promotions highlight Ryecroft Glenton’s commitment to nurturing talent within the organisation and ensuring clients receive expert, personalized advice. They also underscore the firm’s dedication to creating a growth-oriented environment conducive to professional development.
Key Appointments at Allies Group
Allies Group, a communications and marketing agency, has appointed Simon Rushworth as senior communication manager and Shehla Momin as PR account manager. Simon brings extensive experience as a senior journalist and media manager, while Shehla transitions to a permanent role after a successful stint at the firm.
Simon is noted for his media connections and team-oriented approach, while Shehla brings strategic insights and a strong background in Middle Eastern agency work. David Bootle, head of communications and PR, highlighted the value they add to the team.
Additionally, their expertise is expected to enhance the agency’s service offerings, including ALLIESLite and one-day media training courses. Their involvement is anticipated to contribute significantly to the agency’s growth and client success.
Bernicia’s Board Expands
Bernicia, a North East housing association, has recruited four new senior members to its board. The new members include Gill Smith, CEO of Northern Learning 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 and governance functions.
Their extensive experience in the private sector and not-for-profit companies will be utilized to align with Bernicia’s strategic goals.
Bernicia’s chief executive, John Johnston, expressed enthusiasm about the new appointments, emphasizing their diverse expertise and its potential to reinforce Bernicia’s governance and strategic oversight.
The recent appointments and promotions across the North East’s prominent businesses underscore the region’s dedication to attracting and nurturing top talent. As these organisations continue to grow and evolve, the newly appointed individuals are poised to drive innovation and excellence.
Each appointment reflects a strategic effort to cultivate a knowledgeable and dynamic workforce, ensuring sustainable success and development in the North East business landscape.
