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This week’s North East appointments

Emma Dixon, Ian Wharton and Jonathan Constantine, Owen Pugh

North East construction firm has strengthened its business development management division with a triple appointment.

The Owen Pugh Group has hired business development managers Emma Dixon and Ian Wharton, while Jonathan Constantine has joined the firm as a sales executive.

John Dickson, chairman of Owen Pugh Group, said: “These appointments will strengthen our business development management division as we look to build on a successful 2015 by winning further contracts.

Carole Loader, Mesma

Expansion at Gateshead-based Mesma has led to co-founder Carole Loader moving into the business on a full-time basis from her senior position at a national FE provider.

The move will reportedly allow the business to target further growth for its online education software and consultancy services.

Carole Loader will use her experience in the education sector as Mesma sees continued strong demand for its quality management software and supporting consultancy.

Richard Stevenson and Morag Lumb, Thomas Stevenson Chartered Surveyors

Stokesley based Thomas Stevenson Chartered Surveyors, the commercial property firm, has hired new starters.

New partner, Richard Stevenson, has recently joined the business and is focusing his expertise on valuations and advising landlords and tenants in rent negotiations, landlord and tenant partnerships.

In addition, Morag Lumb from Guisborough is developing the property management and customer care side of the business, joining as a commercial property manager.

Sophie Moorby, Go North East

Sophie Moorby has become the youngest-ever depot manager at the region’s largest bus operator, Go North East.

The 23-year-old, from Ponteland, has been appointed as manager of the firm’s Washington depot. She is responsible for 160 employees and 60 buses.

Sophie joined Go North East just 12 months ago as a trainee on their graduate programme and has impressed bosses with her can-do attitude and new ideas.

Sophie is only the second female to be appointed as a depot manager at the firm which is the north east’s third largest employer, with a workforce of 2,100.

She said: “I am really excited about my appointment. The help and support I have received from senior management as well as managers at the other depots has enabled me to feel confident in my new role. With the continued support of everyone I hope to have a positive influence on the performance going forward.”

Martin Hobson and Ian Jarvis, Clive Owen

Two senior accounting figures have relocated to the North to join independent accountants and business advisory firm, Clive Owen LLP.

Martin Hobson joins Clive Owen as a manager alongside new associate director colleague, Ian Jarvis. Martin joins the firm as a manager in the audit & accountancy department having relocated from Derbyshire to Bedale with his family.

Ian Jarvis has been appointed associate director in the firm’s business planning department. Ian has relocated from Cambridge to Darlington having worked for a regional accounting firm as an outsourcing and portfolio manager.

Kevin Shotton, a partner with Clive Owen said: “We’re very excited about Martin and Ian joining the firm. They’re both at a good stage in their careers and their experience is exactly what we’re looking for.

Tom Rutter, North P&I Club’s subsidiary Sunderland Marine

Tom Rutter has been appointed chief executive officer of North P&I Club’s subsidiary Sunderland Marine, a leading international insurer of fishing vessels, small craft and aquaculture risks.

Rutter (55) has been with Sunderland Marine for over 35 years, having joined as a claims assistant in 1979.

Commenting on his appointment he says, “I am grateful for this opportunity and for the unrivalled expertise and support of my colleagues, who have been and continue to be central to the successful development of the company. I would also like to thank my predecessor Geoff Parkinson for his guidance and encouragement over the years. I look forward to leading Sunderland Marine as a key part of North’s global business.”

Laura Moon, Story Homes

Story Homes continues its North East expansion with the appointment of Laura Moon, as Architectural Designer.

Laura, 33, of Washington, Tyne and Wear comes from Barratt David Wilson North East where she worked as a Technical Coordinator for five years. Previous to that she worked for Haslam Homes (now Keepmoat) as a Technical Coordinator.

She said: “Working in the housing industry, I’d heard a lot about Story Homes. I like their approach to development design, the quality of what they produce, and their ethos.

Chris Jackson and Rebecca Joy, Watson Burton

Newcastle-based law firm Watson Burton has further strengthened its real estate team with two high calibre appointments.

Chris Jackson joins as an associate at the firm following 11 years at one of London’s largest specialist property departments, Forsters in Mayfair. He brings extensive knowledge of non-contentious commercial property work, with experience in working for investors and large corporations including Warner Bros and Fujitsu Ltd.

Following the growth of Watson Burton’s real estate secured lending team in 2015, Rebecca Joyhas been appointed as a solicitor. Joining from Optima Legal, she specialises in acting for banks on secured lending transactions.

Partner, Duncan Reid, said: “Chris and Rebecca are highly respected in the real estate sector and I am very pleased that they have chosen to bring their expertise and experience to Watson Burton.”

Jak Drummond, durhamlane

Newcastle-based durhamlane, a sales performance and training company, has strengthened its outsourced sales and business development team with the appointment of Jak Drummond.

Ashington-born Jak brings has worked with businesses in the Software, Education, Fitness, and Recruitment sectors.

Managing Partner Richard Lane said: “We are delighted to welcome Jak to the durhamlane team and are happy again to be growing our sales and business development teams with this calibre of ambitious sales professional.

“We are always looking to bring through the next generation of elite sales professionals, and fortunately for us Jak is already well on his way to becoming just that. Jak will be working on some of our key client accounts, as we look to utilise his inquisitive attitude and great work ethic to create great sales opportunities for them.”