Sara Holmes & Christine Curran, Galliford Try

Construction specialist Galliford Try Partnerships North has appointed women with significant industry experience to two top posts.

Sara Holmes, who for 17 years has been forging partnerships between developers and housing providers across the region, is the new Development Director.

Christine Curran, with 15 years in land management, is heading up the company’s involvement with the £350 million Gateshead Regeneration Partnership (GRP).  As Galliford Try’s Development Director with GRP she will work alongside partners Gateshead Council and Home Group.

Sara, from Ashbrooke, Sunderland, said:  "The business has a unique partnerships structure which enables us to secure sites for new developments which we can deliver either in conjunction with landlord partners or through our house building division, Linden Homes.  I think this offers tremendous opportunities to develop some really exciting housing developments across the North East.”

Christine, from South Beach, Blyth, said:  “I am delighted to be working on such a flagship scheme for the North East.  The Gateshead Regeneration Partnership will provide over 2,400 much needed homes but more than that, it will deliver a step change in the value, quality and choice of housing in the region.”

The appointments come as the company, which is based at Great Park, Newcastle, released financial results which showed a trebling of turnover – to £27.7 million - and a return to profit - £178,000.

Antonia-Lee Walker, Elringklinger

Elringklinger, which has its UK based in Redcar, has added to its team with young engineer Antonia-Lee Walker.

Antonia has joined the automotive parts manufacturer as Technical Support Assistant within the New Product Introduction (NPI) department.

Prior to joining ElringKlinger (GB), Antonia worked with a number of manufacturing organisations in the region.

Antonia studied towards a Level 3 NVQ in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering with TTE Technical Training Group. From there, she completed an HNC in Mechanical Engineering at Redcar College and an HND at Middlesbrough College – both through Teesside University.

Besides a host of other qualifications, including those in Computer Aided Design and First Line Management, Antonia has built up a portfolio of engineering experience at both an operations and technical level.

Antonia said: “I’ve been studying ever since I left school and instead of concentrating on one area, I’ve aimed to gain academic skills and real experience across different areas. By getting involved in operations and technical engineering roles, I’ve developed a better understanding of the pressures associated with them – which I take into account in my new role.”

ElringKlinger (GB) managing director Ian Malcolm said: “Antonia is a fantastic example of a motivated young individual who has excelled in her early career to stand out from the crowd and we have high prospects for her at ElringKlinger (GB).

“We have forged strong links with the likes of Middlesbrough College and Teesside University in order to encourage more talent into the industry and we’re sure Antonia will act as an inspiration for female and young engineers alike."

Penny Wilkinson, Four Housing

Following a six-week placement at Four Housing in County Durham, Penny Wilkinson has secured a full-time role as a Maintenance Administrator.

She joins a company that has a strong track record in the affordable homes sector. Four Housing manages more than 5,000 properties across the North East of England, stretching from Redcar & Cleveland to Berwick-upon-Tweed, and is committed to building sustainable communities across the region.

Andrea Brown, PA and Researcher for the CEO at Four Housing said: “We were really impressed by Penny’s work ethic and broad range of skills, which has allowed her to come in and hit the ground running from day one. We are very committed to our local communities and are especially keen to assist with employment training and helping people back into the workplace.

“Penny’s training gave her the attributes that Four Housing were looking for so it’s a win-win situation all round,” concludes Andrea Brown.

Penny said: “I always thought I’d be suitable for an admin role as I’m generally very organised – I had to be when I was schooling Dane.  I have an English Degree but having been out of work for so long my lack of work experience was a problem, so I decided to take another route and gain other qualifications to put on my CV and impress prospective employers.”

Penny approached Durham-based Finchale College, which provides specialist vocational training to help long-term unemployed people back into work.

She embarked on an intensive 16-week customer service course which gave her the chance to gain qualifications in word processing, proofreading and text production, as well as certificates in health and safety, manual handling, food hygiene and fire warden activities.

Martin Smith, Sanderson Weatherall

Newcastle-based chartered surveyor and property consultancy Sanderson Weatherall has recognised the outstanding performance of Martin Smith by promoting him to partner.

Previously an associate partner, Martin’s responsibilities include taking a lead role in the Newcastle office’s building consultancy department.

The team’s services embrace architecture and design, project management, cost consultancy and quantity surveying, health and safety consultancy, environmental consultancy and historic building conservation.

Sanderson Weatherall partner Richard Farr said: “The Newcastle building consultancy department has just completed an excellent year’s trading. The partners regard Martin’s promotion as recognition of the technical expertise, enthusiasm and leadership he has brought to the department and an investment in the practice’s future growth.”

A chartered building surveyor, Martin has in excess of 12  years’ property sector experience and a wide range of expertise in markets such as commercial, offices, industrial, public sector, retail and leisure.

His specialisms include dilapidations, contract administration, design and building refurbishment, defect analysis, planned maintenance, pre-acquisition surveys and reinstatement cost assessments.

Commenting on his new status, Martin said: “I’m delighted to have contributed sufficiently to the success of Sanderson Weatherall, and specifically the building consultancy department, since joining the firm 15 months ago, to have been promoted to partner. The department posted record results in the financial year just ended and I hope that in my new role I can continue to promote this upward trend."

Mark Watt, Jennifer Hadland & Laura Angel, Smiths Gore

The Darlington office of Smiths Gore has made three key promotions to prepare for future growth.

Mark Watt is now a partner at the well-respected property and surveying firm and Jennifer Hadland and Laura Angel (pictured right) have been appointed as associates.

With a wealth of experience in property consultancy, Mark joined the team over five years ago. He has naturally developed into a partner after growing the architecture and building surveying department, in his previous role as associate building surveyor.

Speaking about his new position, Mark said: “I’m really proud to say I’m a partner at Smiths Gore. It’s great to be recognised for the hard work and commitment that has been personally invested.

“I’m looking forward to getting involved with the strategic direction of the department in my new role. The future of Smiths Gore is really exciting especially after the extension of the building.”

Darlington-born Jennifer Hadland, who joined Smiths Gore as an assistant planner and is celebrating eight years with the firm this summer, has helped the planning department double in size over the last 12 months in her previous position as planner.

She said: “It’s a great privilege to be promoted to associate. It is something I have been working towards for some time and I am extremely proud to be appointed for this role.

“It feels good to be acknowledged for the work I’ve done to increase Smiths Gore’s client base and I’ll continue to focus on the growth of the department in my new role.”

RICS registered valuer, PG Dip and MRICS qualified, Laura Angel has been with the firm for almost three years as rural surveyor and has worked in the rural property market for 8 years.

Commenting on her promotion, Laura said: “It’s great to be rewarded for my achievements. In my new role, I hope to continue to increase my professional knowledge and experience in the industry as well as help the team develop their existing skills.”

Philip Coles, who heads up the Darlington office, said: “We’re delighted to announce Mark, Jennifer and Laura’s promotions and I’m confident they’ll all progress well in their new roles.”

Smiths Gore, which has recently extended its Coniscliffe Road base, has recently taken on graduate Antonia Ramsden as Graduate Surveyor and has plans to continuing growing into its new space this year.

David Paget, Ultimate Finance

Ultimate Finance, which provides cash flow solutions to SMEs, is expanding its presence in the UK with the appointment of David Paget, who will be covering the North East.

David, who is from Washington, Tyne and Wear,  is well known in the area having spent the last 20 years providing invoice finance to SMEs, most recently with Close Invoice Finance where he was regional sales director.

David’s appointment as regional director coincides with impressive growth for Ultimate Finance.

The preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2014, which have just been announced, show that the loan book increased by 60.8 per cent and the number of clients is up by 36.3 per cent.

Business highlights also include the appointment of key management personnel, including Nick Smith as group sales director, increased marketing investment and the tripling of the sales force to support existing products.

Speaking about the move, David said: “I was particularly attracted to Ultimate Finance as it aims to be the funder of choice for SMEs by looking for ways to support them rather than putting obstacles in the way.

“It has a strong product range such as invoice, asset, recruitment, construction and trade finance, which will appeal to the different sectors within our client base. As an added advantage it gives companies the opportunity to apply for short term business loans online with a fast decision turnaround.

“It is also an ambitious and vigorous challenger funder with an appetite to grow the business.”

Group sales director, Nick Smith, is delighted to welcome David to the team, he said: “The aim is to build a team of people who are knowledgeable, highly respected and well known in the geographic area in which they operate, with both intermediaries and local businesses,

"David fulfils all three criteria and we are confident he will be a huge asset to the company.

“By attracting people of David’s calibre we can fulfil our aim to help businesses across the country to grow and become successful by providing the right funding solutions to enable them to do so.”

Phil Bolam, Auckland Castle

Auckland Castle has strengthened its management team with the appointment of a new Head of Estates.

Phil Bolam joins the team from the National Trust, where he worked for over a decade at Gibside, near Gateshead, in a variety of conservation and estate management roles.

Phil, 31, will focus on maintaining and developing the Auckland Castle Trust’s portfolio of holdings’ in the Bishop Auckland area.

These include not just the 900 year old former castle home of the Prince Bishops of Durham, but its adjacent medieval Deer Park, various buildings in Bishop Auckland Market Place and Binchester Roman Fort, which the Trust bought for £2m last September after it was put up for sale by the Church Commissioners.

Phil said: “It is fantastic to be joining the team as Auckland Castle begins its transformation from a centuries old ecclesiastical residence into a world class art and heritage attraction.

“It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be in at the start of something so significant, and to know that I will be playing a key part in the many exciting developments which will soon be getting underway.

“I am very much looking forward to moving things on and to the challenges ahead.”

Phil studied conservation management at Newcastle University before working in the parks departments at first Northumberland County Council and then North Tyneside.

He initially joined Gibside as an estate warden. His final job was as conservation manager looking after both the built and natural environment.

Liz Fisher, Auckland Castle Trust’s Director of Operations, said: “We are delighted to welcome someone of Phil’s calibre to the team. He joins with a wealth of experience and we are looking forward to Auckland Castle’s let estate being developed under his wing.”

L-R: Graham Smith Fitness Manager, Linda Wood Administrator, Ray Minghella Culster Sales Manager, Christina Allen Cafe Bar Manager, Daisy Bell Reception Manager, Samantha Marshall Senior Fitness Advisor

Nicola Turner, Bannatyne’s Health Club

Bannatyne’s health club in Chester-le-Street has appointed Nicola Turner as its new General Manager.

Nicola, who began her career in the childcare sector, joined the club as receptionist in September 2003, a month before it opened. 

She progressed from receptionist to membership advisor before being appointed sales & marketing manager and has now taken over the management of the club.   

A well-known and popular figure with both members and staff, Nicola has seen the club grow to more than 3,000 members.

Nicola is not the only long-serving member of the team - Administrator Linda Wood and Fitness manager Graham Wood both joined in September 2003 and Cluster Sales Manager Ray Minghella in 2008.  Ray has progressed his career from Café Bar Supervisor to Membership Advisor and now manages the sales team in both Chester le Street and Durham.

Nicola said:  “I’m very proud to take over the management of the health club.   It has been very exciting, and challenging, to be a part of a brand new health club and to see it grow to be so successful.

“To have the opportunity to progress my career from receptionist to general manager is very rewarding and testament to Bannatyne Fitness as an employer.  I have received tremendous support and encouragement from senior management and the team and members at Chester-le-Street and I now planning to build on the club’s success and continue to take it forward.

Tracey O’Neill, Coast & Country

Coast & Country, a North East regeneration and housing company, has appointed Tracy O’Neill as Director of Customer Services.

Tracy joined Coast & Country in 2002 as a Supporting People Officer, progressing her career to become Head of Community Investment in 2007.  

Following the retirement of Assistant Chief Executive Ronny Harris, Tracy was appointed to the newly-created role of Director of Customer Services.

She began her career in housing in 1985, working as a Central Maintenance Control Clerk at Langbaurgh Borough Council, and has undertaken a variety of roles in the sector, with customer service and satisfaction one of the key strengths brought to each position.

Iain Sim, chief executive of Coast & Country, said:  “Tracy is the perfect person for this position.  She has skills, knowledge and experience but also a positive, can do attitude to ensuring that everything she does benefits the communities Coast & Country works in.”

Tracy said:  “I am very proud of the work Coast & Country undertakes to make its communities a better place to live.   Working with our tenants to ensure that their views are taken into account and they are listened to is a vital part of the job, and one I thoroughly enjoy.  

I am pleased to have been offered the opportunity to further progress my career at Coast & Country and look forward to the achievements and challenges ahead.”

Jen Pearson, Swinburne Maddison 

Swinburne Maddison LLP has appointed Jen Pearson, formerly an associate with Newcastle law firm, Bond Dickinson, to its growing dispute resolution team.

Jen, who lives in Darlington and is a member of the Property Litigation Association, has spent the last eight years working across all aspects of both commercial and residential property litigation. Typically, she advises clients such as local authorities, registered social housing providers and private landlords with large property portfolios in relation to freehold, leasehold and housing disputes.

In the commercial property sector Jen advises clients on matters of tenant default issues such as non payment of rent, breaches of covenant and alterations and dilapidations.

Speaking about joining the progressive law firm she said: “I’m excited to join Swinburne Maddison and its highly experienced dispute resolution team.  Given the firm’s growth in recent years, particularly within the commercial property department, I felt my experience, coupled with my desire to work for a firm that is committed to serving the legal needs of the region, makes for a perfect fit.

"I am looking forward to working with some of the north east’s best solicitors in their specialist areas and see this as a great opportunity to broaden my experience.”

Partner, Jonathan Moreland added: “I’m delighted to welcome Jen to our growing team of legal professionals.  Her level of experience in dispute resolution adds further strength and depth to our existing team and I am confident that she will make a positive contribution to the ongoing growth and success the practice continues to enjoy.”  

Sinead McCracken , Georgina Tither, Rebecca Wilson, Linder Myers Solicitors

Linder Myers Solicitors has further strengthened its medical negligence team with the appointment of two solicitors and a paralegal in Manchester.

Rebecca Wilson joins the firm from Stephensons Solicitors, Georgina Tither has been appointed from Express Solicitors and joining as a paralegal, Sinead McCracken completes the trio of recent recruits joining from Thompsons Solicitors.

Trevor Ward, head of medical negligence at Linder Myers Solicitors, commented: “Our new recruits join a well-established team of experts in this complex, and highly specialised, area of law. Demonstrating both an eagerness to learn from more senior members of the team, and a passion for securing justice for significantly injured patients, we’re pleased to continue attracting new talent to the firm.“

Linder Myers’ medical negligence team represents clients significantly injured as a result of negligence by hospital medical staff, GPs or pharmacists. Alongside legal experts, the department also comprises a number of nurses.

The teams’ recent notable cases include winning a claim against Tottenham Hotspur, which was found to have failed in its duty of care to a young player who was left brain damaged as a result, and securing £5 million for another client who was left mostly blind and with significant mobility problems as a result of negligence at his local hospital.

Pam Wadcock, PHX Training 

North West-based training provider PHX Training has expanded its senior management team with the appointment of new quality manager Pam Wadcock.

Pam will oversee the co-ordination of policies and procedures across all 10 of PHX’s training centres in Lancashire and Cumbria, to ensure the company’s services meet external and internal requirements while retaining consistency across the group.

Shirley Williams, development director at PHX Training said: “As the company continues to grow, it’s important to ensure standards are maintained across the board and that PHX keeps up to speed with the latest developments and trends.

“Pam brings with her a great deal of experience in the industry and will provide a strong source of support for staff and learners while improving the performance of the business and allowing us to maintain the highest level of service to our customers.“

PHX Training offers a wide range of courses across the North West, combining online resources with face-to-face facilities, at centres in Preston, Barrow-in-Furness, Blackpool, Kendal, Millom, Morecambe, Penrith, Southport, Carlisle and Workington.

One of the key contracts operated by PHX is the government’s learndirect programme, which helps to give unemployed people the skills they need to find jobs, from which the company has a 93 per cent success rate.

Richard Savage, CBRE

Richard Savage has joined CBRE’s Manchester Specialist Markets team as Associate Director. Richard joins from GVA where he was part of the national healthcare team based out of Manchester.

Richard has extensive experience in the healthcare sector having previously providing valuation and consultancy services  to corporate, third sector and private clients on a national basis.

He has advised on a wide spectrum of care businesses including residential and nursing homes, specialist units, supported housing units and development sites.

Joanna Jandula , Hillyer McKeown LLP

Hillyer McKeown is pleased to welcome Polish solicitor Joanna Jandula to its Family Law team.Joanna, who is fluent in English and Polish, specialises in all aspects of relationship breakdown including divorce, division of finances, residence and contact arrangements for children. After obtaining a Master’s Degree in Law and Administration in Poland, Joanna went on to complete a second degree at the University of Central Lancashire and qualified as a solicitor in 2014.Lindsay Yateman, Partner and Head of Family Law at Hillyer McKeown said: “We are delighted to welcome Joanna to our Family team. Along with a sound knowledge of family law, Joanna can offer legal services to both our UK and Polish client base, bridging the language barrier and allowing us to further expand our offering.“

Sir Eric Peacock, iPro Sport

Isotonic sports drink brand, iPro Sport, has appointed Sir Eric Peacock CMG DL who joins the company board as non-executive chairman.

Sir Eric holds an illustrious career having previously chaired Babygro Plc which he took to a full stock listing and grew from 200 to 2,500 people in four years. He was also chairman of Hospitality Plus Ltd and Achieve Global Ltd.

Sir Eric is currently non-executive director of UK Export Finance as well as chairman for Boxford Group Holding Plc, Just Loans Plc, Stevenage Packaging Ltd, Buckley Jewellery Ltd and Halo International.

Commenting on the appointment, Sir Eric Peacock said: “I am delighted to be invited as non-executive chairman of iPro Sport as it is an exciting new brand and first of its kind on the sport scene.

“The combination of a great brand, comprehensive distribution and a wonderful tasting product bode well for accelerated growth and development of the company.“

Lisa Marraffa, Marketing Director at iPro Sport, said: “The appointment signals exciting times for our brand, its continued development and presence within the sporting arena.

“We are delighted to have Sir Eric on board with us and look forward to our working partnership.“

Sir Eric was given a knighthood in 2003 for his services to international trade. He also founded and chairs charity The Peacock Foundation which focuses on under privileged young people and supports other social enterprises on a criterion of social impact.

Charlotte Houghton, Jennifer Higgs, North West Cancer Research (NWCR) 

North West Cancer Research (NWCR) has appointed Charlotte Houghton and Jennifer Higgs, who will be based at the charity’s headquarters at the University of Liverpool.

Charlotte joins as marketing executive and will work closely with the team to develop, enhance and promote the NWCR brand, its online presence and its digital communication channels. She brings experience of managing traditional and digital marketing campaigns from her time as communications officer at the Science and Technology Facilities Council.

Jennifer joins as trusts and legacies fundraiser and will have the responsibility of increasing the level of trusts and legacy donations to NWCR.  She has previously worked as a trusts and grants development officer at Henshaws Society for Blind People and as public sector and trusts officer at Tate.

The appointments follow a period of significant growth for the charity which has seen it merge with Clatterbridge Cancer Research in 2013 and move its headquarters to the new North West Cancer Research Centre at the University of Liverpool, bringing NWCR closer to the world-class research it supports.

Last year NWCR invested a record £2.2million worth of funding for cancer research projects at the University of Liverpool, Lancaster University and Bangor University. This year so far it has announced an extra £1.4million worth of funding support.

Chief Executive of NWCR Anne Jackson said: “Charlotte and Jennifer are experienced in their fields and add to an already talented and dedicated team. Their skills and passion will help spread the word about NWCR and the research we fund into the detection, treatment and prevention of cancer, allowing us to continue growing and benefit the community we serve.

“They join us at an exciting time. We have made a huge amount of progress over the past three years. Increasing the charity’s profile and fundraising income will be central in allowing us to continue achieving our objectives and increase funding for potentially lifesaving research.“

Since its inception NWCR has funded more than £28million worth of cancer research projects at the University of Liverpool, University of Lancaster and Bangor University.

Alex MacDonald, Secure Trust Bank

AIM-listed challenger bank, Secure Trust Bank, is increasing its lending capacity for SMEs in Merseyside following the appointment of Alex MacDonald as Regional Sales Manager.

Alex has seven years’ experience in invoice finance and joined from Royal Bank of Scotland Invoice Finance where he was Business Development Manager. In his new role, Alex will be based in Secure Trust Bank’s Liverpool office working specifically with SMEs and their advisors in and around the Merseyside area.

Alex commented: “Secure Trust Bank’s Commercial Finance business has been expanding rapidly in the past few months, and the launch into Merseyside recognises significant opportunity in the area. I’m really looking forward to working alongside such a high-calibre team and supporting more SMEs across the North West.“

Sean Powell, Regional Director for the North at Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance, added: “Since our launch last September, we have completed a number of successful deals and we’ve seen particularly strong potential from businesses in Merseyside.We’re really pleased to have Alex in the business as we look to help SMEs in the area achieve their growth objectives.“

Marie Hitchen, The Loop 

The Loop, Manchester’s dedicated fibre network, has appointed Marie Hitchen, 37, as sales and business development manager.

Marie will be responsible for building the direct internet and telephony business in Manchester which utilises The Loop’s unique fibre network.  Part of Gamma Communications PLC, The Loop provides dedicated fibre networks, point to point private networks, flexible high-capacity internet access and business grade IP Telephony.

Marie has 12 years’ experience in the telecoms industry having previously worked for BT, Thus, Cable & Wireless and NTL, with one of her most recent roles being UK Business Development Manager for the Partner Channel at Chess Ltd.

Ashley Griffiths, managing director of The Loop commenting on Marie Hitchen’s appointment said: “Marie comes with a solid sales background, understands the telecoms market and is very familiar with Manchester.  She has an excellent track record in the sector, a strong contact base and enormous energy and enthusiasm.  Marie will be a valuable asset and a great addition to the team.“

Andrew Ashley Taylor, Irwin Mitchell LLP

The Manchester office of leading law firm Irwin Mitchell has appointed DWF’s North West Head of Pensions, Andrew Ashley Taylor, as it continues to invest in building its Business Legal Services (BLS) team.

Joining as Partner, Andrew has over 30 years of Pensions law experience and specialises in advising employers, professional trustees and not-for-profit organisations on the full range of pension issues. These include dispute resolution, mergers, restructuring, regulatory matters and debt management.

Commenting on the latest arrival, Roy Beckett, Real Estate partner and Head of BLS in Manchester, said:  “Andrew is an authoritative voice on Pensions law and someone who will add breadth to and boost Irwin Mitchell’s business offering across the North West. We are excited about the growth opportunities in the Manchester market place and as we grow our existing teams, we also look forward to making further recruitment announcements in the near future.“

Richard Bell , Deloitte

Deloitte has appointed Richard Bell to the role of Managing Partner, Regional Markets.

As Managing Partner, Richard will lead all of Deloitte’s regional practice senior partners outside of London in focusing on achieving market leadership across the country, working with some of the UK’s largest and most influential organisations. In addition, Richard will focus on creating an inspiring culture within Deloitte for staff to develop and grow; both key components of the firm’s national strategy. Richard will continue in his current role as North West Practice Senior Partner alongside his new responsibilities.

Richard takes over the position from Manchester-based Sharon Thorne, who has been appointed to the role of Managing Partner, Global on the UK Executive Group. In addition, former North West Practice Senior Partner, Patrick Loftus, has been appointed to the role of Vice Chair. They will both maintain a presence in the North West region.

Hollie Bryant, Alice Routledge, Matthew Claxton, Richard Walters, Bilfinger GVA

Bilfinger GVA has made four key appointments to its Manchester team to strengthen and expand its already market leading Planning, Development and Regeneration (PDR) advisory division in the North of England.

Richard Walters MRICS, currently partner and head of planning at Knight Frank in Manchester, will join Bilfinger GVA as a director in July to help lead an enhanced multidisciplinary PDR team covering the North.

Matthew Claxton MRICS and Alice Routledge MRICS also join from Knight Frank in the coming weeks, one as an associate, the other as a graduate planner respectively.

In addition, a fourth member of the expanded team, Hollie Bryant MRICS is joining as a senior planner from planning specialist Pegasus. 

Nicola Rigby, director in the Manchester PDR team at Bilfinger GVA, said: “These are exciting moves for the team that clearly show our intent in the market to be providing the highest quality advice to our existing clients, public and private sector, alongside expanding our business.  This is a new era for the team, and this announcement is the first step in a much wider growth agenda. We will continue to invest in the highest calibre professionals to add to our strengthened offer in line with our business aspirations. It is our intention to really focus on ensuring that we are positioned as the leading planning, development and regeneration advisor within the North West.“

David Hodge, CMC Markets 

CMC Markets announces the appointment of David Hodge, who has joined the team as Chief Commercial Officer.

David was previously Group Marketing Director at IG Group, before becoming CMO at Alpari UK Limited, where he was then promoted to COO and finally CEO. Prior to these roles David worked at Cadbury, Scottish Courage and bmibaby.  David has a wealth of experience running strategic, commercial, marketing and digital operations across global markets.

Peter Cruddas, Chief Executive at CMC Markets, commented on the appointment: “Building on the strong team we already have at CMC Markets is essential to drive forward our growth ambitions. David’s extensive strategic and commercial experience in various industries, and most importantly our own, makes him a superb addition to the leadership team. 2015 looks set to be a standout year and David will bring an invaluable perspective to how we accelerate growth.“

Eight Yorkshire social enterprises have secured 12 months of free business support on the EY Foundation’s Accelerate programme.

Professional services firm Ernst & Young LLP is leading the new initiative, which aims to further improve the business performance of social enterprises in the region and maximise their social impact.

All eight social enterprises will be allocated with an experienced business coach from across the EY Foundation network in Yorkshire, who, through regular one-to-one meetings, will offer practical guidance and advice over a 12 month period.

In addition, each entrepreneur will be offered support to enhance their company’s financial performance and operational efficiency through business coaching, workshops and networking opportunities.

The entrepreneurs will also be given the opportunity to pitch to the Accelerate Project Support Panel, which will provide the companies an opportunity to secure a business expert from across the EY Foundation network for a further six months to help them tackle a particular issue or growth area – delivering hands on support where it is needed.

Stuart Watson, EY’s Yorkshire and Humber senior partner, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the EY Foundation on such an important and positive programme. Social enterprises of all shapes and sizes do vital work here in Yorkshire to help our local communities thrive and support the regional economy by creating jobs.

“I’ve been hugely inspired by the business models of the entrepreneurs chosen for Accelerate, as well as the journeys they’ve already been on with their social enterprises. By collaborating with the EY Foundation to work with these talented and hugely innovative individuals and their businesses, we believe we can further improve their performance and increase the positive impact they are having on the lives of young people in Yorkshire.”

Below are the eight social enterprises and entrepreneurs picked for the initiative:

North Yorkshire Moors Birds of Prey - founded by Mark Allen and Mike Kinder, provides a live wildlife learning experience to educate individuals and groups about the habitat of birds of prey.

Best Futures CIC - led by Founder Dawn Best, provides nurturing provisions, alternative learning and enrichment projects in the local community for all ages. It promotes positive learning, and health and leisure activities, and is based in Aylesby, North East Lincolnshire.

Citadel Associates - a Doncaster-based social enterprise which supports people into employment through training and career support. Established in 2008, it helps a number of isolated disabled and unskilled volunteers towards real and relevant employment outcomes.

CREATIVE START - which is based in North East Lincolnshire and was founded by Sam Delaney, delivers an abstinence based peer recovery programme, using art as an integral part of the recovery model. The programme includes therapeutic discussions and breaking down barriers with the local community.

Foster Focus - works with children who have experienced being in foster care and professionals in the children’s services industry. The company provides innovative and inspirational training courses and support. The organisation, which is based in York, was founded by Luke Ridgers.

Sydney Bridge - a not-for-profit Leeds-based comapny set up to protect the environment by re-using and recycling quality furniture. The company has offered volunteer opportunities to 85 people through the Government’s mandatory work programme, with partners such as Jobcentre Plus and Interserve.

Tang Hall Smart Limited - led by Director Susan Williamson, delivers popular music and electronics/technology clubs, and activities to the local community. It also provides accredited music industry training.

The Leeds Music Hub - led by founder Katie Zezulka, is a not-for-profit open space for local music. It supports the creators and individuals who contribute to this grassroots music scene. The Hub has been operating from its base in Headingley for nearly three years, running a café, shop for local releases, music lessons and an events space.

Work is about to begin on London’s first ‘Tree Office’ in the heart of Hackney’s Tech City to provide a unique co-working space for businesses and the wider community.

Built around a tree trunk in Hoxton Square, the construction of the first ‘Tree Office’ will begin on 18 May, offering a unique space for businesses and community groups to rent that will generate income for improvements to Hackney’s parks and green spaces.

Seating six to eight people working on laptops, or holding meetings, the weather proof structure will provide views out across the square and up into the tree’s canopy, and has been designed to be as transparent as possible.

The Tree Office is being delivered by Hackney Council, Groundwork London and Arts Admin as part of the Park Hack project.

Park Hack is one of 11 Rethinking Parks projects in the UK piloting new business models that aim to generate greater investment in our parks and open spaces.

Park Hack is being led by Groundwork London and Hackney Council with support from architects Gensler. The Rethinking Parks Programme is funded by Nesta, Big Lottery Fund England and Heritage Lottery Fund.

The ‘Tree Office’ has been created by artist Natalie Jeremijenko in collaboration with artists Shuster + Moseley, architects Tate Harmer and consulting architects Gensler.

There will also be a booking system which will go live after the space launches on 1 June. The ‘Tree Office’ will be in place for seven months as a pilot project and hopes to welcome hundreds of people from across London whilst providing an enjoyable, contemporary attraction for park users.

Cllr Jonathan McShane, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture, Hackney Council said: "The Council has partnered with a range of organisations to launch this innovative project which will help provide unique workspace in the heart of borough’s tech cluster that is home to thousands of small, growing businesses.

"Also helping to generate funding for the borough’s beautiful parks and open spaces, the innovative design of the ‘Tree Office’ will provide a space not only where people can work and meet, but also to interact with the natural environment, a vastly different experience from working in a modern office. I’m excited to see the people using this space once the project launches early next month."

Hair tool brand Cloud Nine, based in Ilkley, has finished in the top 100 businesses featured in the brand new Sunday Times BT Business SME Export Track 100 league table.

The firm’s placing comes in the year that marks the first time Britain’s private small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) with the fastest-growing international sales over the last two years have been ranked.

Cloud Nine hair tools, created by Robert Powls - the founder of GHD, include straightening irons, wands and patented heated roller system The O, and all use pioneering, patented technology for exact heat delivery and minimised damage to hair for kinder styling.

Furthermore, the Yorkshire firm is already seeing success in the international market, as Cloud Nine products are currently exported to 14 countries worldwide. Export sales have grown exponentially over the last four years, from just over 2 million in 2011 to 4.5 million in 2014.

Martin Rae, managing director at Cloud Nine, said: “To achieve a top 100 listing in this league table to celebrate our global export achievements so far is a significant milestone for us. When we launched the brand back in 2009, we always had global growth in our sights and this accolade proves that we are on track to reach this goal.

“We are firm believers in the pioneering nature of our product and our popularity with consumers and salons alike speaks volumes. Continuing to develop our global footprint and play a part in the growth of both the Yorkshire and UK economy is exciting for us and we’re very much looking forward to continuing this success.”

The SME Export Track 100 is sponsored by BT Business and is supported by the Business is GREAT Britain campaign. The rankings are compiled by Fast Track, the Oxford-based research and networking events company.

Danny Longbottom, managing director of UK SME at BT Business, commented: “I would like to congratulate the businesses recognised in the inaugural Export Track 100, who are proving that it’s not necessarily size that determines international success. These businesses have used a combination of self-starting ambition, smart use of technology, and sheer hard work to punch well above their weight in the global market. The fruits of their labour are contributing to a strong and diverse UK economy, which we can all be thankful for.”

Jamie Hardesty catches up with Michael Fotis, Founder and CEO of Smart Money People, six months after launching his business in the North East.

In an age where talented people are increasingly leaving the North East to pursue working opportunities further south, Michael Fotis is a guy who subverts the norm.

Indeed, Michael’s case as an entrepreneur migrating from south to north to start a company is both interesting and unusual. Launching his own business last year, Michael chose to base the operation in Middlesbrough, Teesside.

Here he launched Smart Money People, an online review system ranking financial services, organisations and products, including credit cards, bank loans and mortgages, based on customer experience.

Like Michael himself, a North Londoner of Greek-Cypriot parentage with an adopted love for the North East, the company is something of a rarity.

In fact, the business is the first of its kind. Created to throw a spotlight on the financial services sector and make it more customer friendly, Smart Money People uses a similar model to TripAdvisor.

In essence, the online review system helps the public break down, what Michael describes as “a difficult to understand and sometimes overtly complex industry.”

Users are invited to log into the review site, which can also be accessed through Facebook, to share their customer experiences - ultimately helping to remedy the downturn in consumer confidence surrounding the financial industry.

“We aren’t just another review site. We’ve built something that’s beneficial to both sellers and consumers in the market, where we can make things easier for everybody” explains Michael.

“The important thing for us is that we’re emphasising quality. We’re providing a platform for honest reviews of financial services, where we can use customer experiences to help change financial services for the better.”

The company was initially funded using seed capital from Teesside fund TwentyThreeMiles, although further investment is now expected to follow as Smart Money People grows its usership. Having had little exposure to the North East prior to meeting TwentyThreeMiles, Michael is delighted with his decision of moving to the region.

“I’ve really enjoyed living in Middlesbrough since moving up here last September. It’s definitely proved to be a great place to start a business,” said Michael.

“The talent available is immense, especially in terms of the tech pools associated with Teesside Uni - we’re actually based just a stone’s throw away.

“I’ve been impressed by the local talent and despite us working nationally and in Europe, our development team hails from the region. There’s definitely potential for Teesside to flourish as a hub for tech-based businesses, we’re one example of that!”

Now, it seems momentum is quickly gaining pace for Smart Money People as over 360 brands have been reviewed on the site already. Companies then pay to subscribe to the site to access the data and work with Smart Money People to improve their services.

Indeed for Michael there is a mixture of both excitement and pride in seeing his idea become a reality.

“The key thing for us is the relationships we’re establishing. We’re constantly gaining a reputation as an information source to be trusted and it’s really pleasing to see the ever-increasing interest we’re receiving”, he reveals.

However, the vision doesn’t stop there. Michael, only 26 years of age, now wants to expand the businesses reviewed on the site and targets building the brand with more signups.

He said: “There are over 1500 individual reviews on the site now. We’ve found that big, household names like HSBC may have 100 views - which is great. We’re now wanting to gather reviews of new digital businesses in abundance, shedding more light on parts of the market that are maybe not as well known and understood.

“I’m passionate about the site being a trusted source, there’s so many different facets of the industry to be reviewed and here the sector now has a place that brings everything together.

“We’re going to continue to build the brand and ultimately better the industry for it.”