PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
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■ Commercial law firm Muckle LLP has expanded its agricultural, estates and private client department to meet demand for its specialist legal services.
The department, headed by David Towns, has grown significantly since its formation in March 2018 and has recently added a solicitor apprentice and paralegal to its ranks.
Jake Thompson’s appointment marks the first time an apprentice position has been available in Muckle’s agriculture and private client team. Jake joined Muckle straight from sixth form where he took law as a subject as A Level. Nicola Bache, currently a PA in the private client team, has been appointed to a paralegal position.
Mr Towns, partner, said: “We’re delighted to offer these opportunities to both Jake and Nicola as we seek to encourage and grow new talent and develop our business even further...As a team, we’re very much focused on our ‘muddy boots’ approach, meaning we like to get out and about, helping people and businesses in person. So, when we say that our new team members will be getting their hands dirty – we mean it literally!”
■ GMI Construction Group has appointed Gary Oates to the newly created role of North East operations director.
With more than 40 years’ experience in the construction industry, he will be responsible for delivering on major projects, as well as managing and developing business relationships.
It has also recruited Paul Raine, from Darlington, as North East commercial manager.
As part of its growth strategy, GMI Construction Group has also established an office on Teesside, where Gary and Paul will be based.
Lee Powell, divisional managing director, said:
“Both these appointments underline our commitment to the North East and we are resolved to play a greater role in creating jobs and generating economic prosperity.”
■ North East healthcare technology firm, Clarity Informatics, has appointed David Taylor as it managing director.
Mr Taylor joined Clarity back in 2019 as their finance director. He will take over from Tim Sewart, who has moved into an advisory role with Clarity’s parent company, Agilio Software who acquired the Wallsend-based firm earlier this year.
Mr Taylor said: “I am honoured to be taking the role of Managing Director at Clarity Informatics...We have exciting plans to further develop our business and to invest that success back into the region.”
■ Virgin Money has appointed Syreeta Brown as group chief people and communications officer. She joins from Citi, where she spent 11 years in a number of HR roles, the most recent of which was managing director, head of HR for global functions, operations and technology, and led the HR strategy for 20,000 employees across Europe, Middle East and Africa.
She brings with her a wealth of experience in cultural transformation, talent development and in building a workforce that is fit for the future. Prior to her time at Citi, she worked at BT Group for 11 years in a number of senior roles.
She won ‘Leader in Financial Services’ category at the 2018 Black British Business Awards.
Ms Brown said: “It’s a hugely exciting time to be joining Virgin Money, as it launches a compelling new package for colleagues that reflects its modern and progressive outlook. ”
■ Two insurance experts have joined Attis Insurance to lead its Tees Valley office.
New directors Emma Simkins and Jonathan Willett, who between them have more than 50 years working in the insurance sector, bring the team to 15.
The pair worked for a number of years at Willett and Ross, a well-known Teesside insurance brokers, which was founded by their father.
Ms Simkins said: “To be based in the Port of Middlesbrough, at the very heart of the Freeport is fantastic. Tees Valley is an area very much on the up and Attis plans to be part of that revival, working with businesses from large corporate organisations through to sole traders.”
Mr Willett said: “The insurance sector has become impersonal and remote. We will take time to visit our clients, understand their businesses and insurance needs to enable us to provide tailor-made solutions.”
■ North East law firm Hay & Kilner has strengthened its growing dispute resolution team with the appointment of Julie Adams.
Ms Adams, who is a specialist in property litigation matters, has moved into a senior associate role with the Newcastle-headquartered firm, bringing 15 years experience of working in practice within the North East, acting for residential and commercial landlords, housing associations and local authorities across a wide range of issues.
She has also taught at Northumbria and was previously deputy programme leader for the university’s Solicitors Apprenticeship Degree, a six-year programme that sees participants complete a law degree and become professionally qualified through a combination of academic and on the job training while also earning a salary.