Member Article

This week’s North East appointments

Tees Valley Business Compass, Stephen Carey, Gillian Baker and Graeme Foster

A Tees Valley partnership that supports small and medium-sized businesses has welcomed on board three new team members.

The Tees Valley Business Compass team has been created to help SMEs in the Tees Valley to realise their potential for expansion and growth.

The three new recruits, Stephen Carey, Gillian Baker and Graeme Foster, all bring a wealth of experience to their new roles which will strengthen Business Compass’ already strong offer to local businesses.

Stephen said: “I have always enjoyed working directly with small and medium businesses, helping them to grow or to resolve issues and problems as well as supporting their ambitions to grow.

“This is what I’ve done for the vast majority of my career, whether it be during over 20 years working with BT or during my time running my own business.

Gillian, who lives in Stockton, said: “I was attracted to the role with Business Compass as it utilises my past experience helping SMEs maximise opportunities and access the relevant support available to them.

“As well as providing support to local businesses, Business Compass is also playing a vital role in the economic success of the Tees Valley and it’s really rewarding to be part of that.”

Graeme, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the electronics manufacturing sector,

said: “I previously worked in the private sector for companies including Samsung and Valeo and more recently with voluntary and community sector organisations in the Tees Valley on an infrastructure development programme.

“I’m looking forward to working with Tees Valley companies to help them to develop and strengthen their position in existing supply chains and identifying opportunities for them to diversify into new supply chains within the Tees Valley and beyond into national and international markets.”

Ennsub, Peter Farthing

Subsea products and equipment manufacturer Ennsub has appointed a new sales and marketing manager to drive sales activities within the company’s expanding commercial function.

Peter Farthing joins Ennsub from Cortland, where he was international ROV/defence business development manager for three years in addition to having extensive sales, marketing and commercial experience gained over a 15 year career in the international offshore oil and gas markets.

The role aims to facilitate sales of Ennsub’s products and equipment, and initiate, build and maintain relationships with the company’s customer base worldwide.

He will also be responsible for managing the sales function and providing input to Ennsub’s business strategy and global development activities.

Commenting on the appointment, Farthing said: “I’m delighted to join such a dynamic company which is focused on excellence and forward thinking and has the ambition to become a recognised leader in those areas in which it participates.”

Seaham Hall Hotel and Spa, Ben Hunt

One of the hospitality industry’s most senior managers has returned to his North East roots after joining the team at a top, five star hotel.

Ben Hunt, originally from Yarm, who has more than 20 years’ experience at some of the country’s leading hotels, has been appointed Restaurants and Bars Manager at Seaham Hall Hotel and Spa, County Durham.

Ben, 38, joins Seaham Hall from five star Luton Hoo Hotel, Bedfordshire, having also previously held senior positions at Calcot Manor, Gloucestershire, four star Crathorne Hall in North Yorkshire and Ashdown Park Spa Hotel, East Sussex.

In his new position he will be responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the hotel’s two AA rosettes Byron’s Bar and Grill and the pan Asian Ozone restaurant within its award winning Serenity Spa.

“It’s wonderful not only to be back in the North East but to be at Seaham Hall,” said the father of one; a keen golfer and Liverpool FC fan, “as I’ve been watching its development with interest and always aspired to work here.

“The standard of the food and beverage offering is exceptionally high and I am looking forward to working closely with executive chef Simon Bolsover to strengthen its reputation for superb – yet affordable – dining.”

Nortech Group, Ian Basford

Nortech Group, the award-winning Wynyard-based professional engineering design and project management company, has made an experienced appointment to its executive team.

Ian Basford, 61, from Stockton-on-Tees, has been welcomed to the role of Director of Nortech Management & Consultancy Services (NMCS), a new division which will provide “value-added” support and focused solutions including strategic reviews and advice, management, supply chain, commercial, planning and dispute resolution services.

This division will serve existing Nortech Group clients in the oil & gas sector as well as new clients in the maritime, petrochemical, pharmaceuticals, renewables and power sectors.

Mr Basford, who is heading up a team of twelve, said: “I am delighted to join the executive team at Nortech Group in the role of Director of Nortech Management & Consultancy Services.

“Nortech Group is constantly growing and developing with talented staff, and this new division has been founded from existing talent at Nortech Group with huge scope to continue to grow and develop in the coming months.”

Surgo, Jamie Graham

Surgo Construction (Surgo), one of the region’s leading independent building contractors, has announced the appointment of a senior estimator at its Newcastle head office.

Following a 13-year career with the regional office of a national contractor, Jamie Graham has joined Surgo’s established estimating team in this key role.

Outside his day job Jamie is the regional chairman of the Lord’s Taverners Northumberland and Durham branch, a charity which supports young people through sport.

Speaking about his new appointment, Jamie said: “Surgo Construction has a great reputation as a leading contractor in the region working for a diverse range of clients in sectors spanning education, social housing and commercial developments, so I was thrilled to be offered the opportunity to join the team.”