The North East business landscape is experiencing a significant boost as several prominent companies announce a wave of new appointments and internal promotions. This flurry of recruitment activity signals strong confidence in the region's economic prospects and represents substantial investment in local talent.
Legal Sector Expansion
Hay & Kilner, the respected North East law firm, has made multiple appointments across its legal and business support teams. The firm has recruited staff into diverse roles spanning legal services, central services, compliance, marketing, and finance across its two locations. Among the new joiners are trainee solicitors, including one of the firm's former paralegals now beginning training contracts.
Jonathan Waters, managing partner at Hay & Kilner, expressed his enthusiasm about the development. "We're delighted to welcome such a talented group of individuals to Hay & Kilner. This is a significant moment for the firm," he said. "Making a bumper number of appointments in such a short period reflects our confidence in the future, our growing client base, and our commitment to long-term, sustainable growth. We're investing not just in headcount, but in the future success of our people and our clients."
Strategic Leadership Appointments
OnPath Energy, a renewables developer, has strengthened its team with the appointment of Jules Rankin-Perez as head of construction. Bringing nearly 17 years of renewable energy experience, Ms Rankin-Perez has previously worked on high-profile green energy projects, including two of OnPath Energy's Scottish onshore wind farms. She will now manage the firm's construction performance across its UK project pipeline.
Her extensive background includes roles at wind turbine manufacturer Senvion and consultancy work on various energy projects before focusing on green hydrogen development with Protium. Ms Rankin-Perez commented: "OnPath Energy has a strong portfolio of future projects and my aim is to use my experience to help bring them through construction and handed over to operations as smoothly and efficiently as possible."
In Newcastle, True Potential Group has appointed Stuart Dodson as chief executive officer of True Potential Wealth Management. Mr Dodson brings 25 years of experience in regulated financial services to the role, having previously served as group managing director at Openwork and managing director of Newcastle Financial Advisers. He also held senior positions at Legal & General and the Financial Services Authority.
"I'm thrilled to be joining True Potential Wealth Management at such an exciting time," Mr Dodson stated. "The business has seen tremendous growth over recent years and has made clear the market opportunity and the level of ambition. I look forward to joining the very talented and well-established team as we focus on delivering exceptional client outcomes."
Diverse Sector Growth
The British Esports Federation has made four key appointments as it works to establish its Sunderland headquarters as a premier destination for gamers, businesses, esports teams and sponsors. The national body for esports in the UK has welcomed Stephen Gallagher as commercial vice president, Ashleigh Mattinson as business development manager, Louis Skilton as graduate intern and Meredith Brady as operations executive.
Ms Mattinson shared her excitement about the new role: "This is an incredible opportunity to contribute to the growth of the UK's esports ecosystem, helping to create partnerships, develop new initiatives, and support the next generation of talent in one of the fastest-growing industries in the world."
The North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) has appointed Margherita Pasquariello as skills strategy lead. With over 18 years of experience working with major automotive brands including BMW, Rolls-Royce and Nissan, Ms Pasquariello will lead employer-driven actions within the North East Local Skills Improvement Plan and Training for Growth programme.
"Our goal is to build the work-ready, skilled and inclusive talent pipeline required to support current and future employer demand and fuel the North East's future economy," she explained.
White Knight Maintenance, based in North Tyneside, has formed a new senior leadership team through internal promotions. Paul Snowdon, John Wilson, Tony McMullen and Wayne Carr have been appointed as multi-trades supervisors, having previously held positions as operatives. They join existing senior team members Daniel Scope, Joanne Gunn and Kelly Bishop.
Established in 2011 by founder Lee Bishop, the 20-strong business currently turns over £1.8 million and is eyeing further growth in the renewables sector. Mr Bishop commented: "Paul, John, Tony and Wayne have each been with the business for a number of years and are more than capable of stepping into senior positions. We have a strong track record of retaining staff and developing their careers."
This collective recruitment drive across multiple sectors demonstrates the North East's robust business environment and the confidence companies have in the region's economic future, positioning the area for continued growth and development.
