The North East business landscape is witnessing a significant boost, with a wave of new appointments and promotions announced this week across the professional services and trades sectors.
Azets Strengthens Senior Team with Major Promotion Round
Newcastle-based accountancy and business advisory firm Azets has significantly bolstered its senior leadership, announcing a total of 19 new promotions within its city team. This represents a major investment in local talent, accounting for more than half of the 28 promotions made across the firm's three North East offices.
The key promotions in Newcastle include the elevation of Sarah Simpson to Partner in Audit and Assurance. Furthermore, Patrick Newman in Audit and Assurance and Omar Din in Wealth Management have been promoted to Director level. Additional promotions were confirmed at associate director, senior manager, manager, and assistant manager levels.
Beyond Newcastle, Azets' offices in Durham and Wynyard in Teesside saw three and eight promotions respectively, highlighting a region-wide strengthening of the firm.
Claire Hinshaw, Newcastle Office Managing Partner, commented on the achievements, stating: "These richly deserved promotions reflect the depth of talent and commitment we have among our team."
Echoing this sentiment, Brian Laidlaw, Partner and Head of North East at Azets, said: "These promotions stand testament to the great work done in supporting business clients and individuals and our growing service lines. The number of promotions reflects what we've achieved and our ambitious growth plans for the next 12 months in the area."
Legal and Professional Services Expand
In other professional news, law firm Muckle LLP has welcomed Jessie Melroy as a newly qualified solicitor into its Sports, Education and Charities team. A Northumbria University graduate, Ms Melroy will advise a diverse client base including schools, charities, and sports clubs. She also serves as the firm's pro bono coordinator, expanding legal support for smaller non-profit organisations.
Joanne Davison, Partner and Head of Sports, Education and Charities at Muckle LLP, said: "We are delighted that Jessie has taken a permanent position in the team. She's shown real commitment and enthusiasm during her training."
Meanwhile, global professional services firm Aon has expanded its Newcastle advisory team with the appointment of Aimee Dymyd as Client Manager. Ms Dymyd, who returns to Aon after a period at Northumbria University, will manage a portfolio of clients' insurance and risk management needs.
Irwin Mitchell is also growing its footprint in the region, appointing Alyssa Howard as Legal Director to expand its family law services throughout the North East. Ms Howard brings extensive experience in complex children cases.
Investment in Trades and Green Technology
The appointment trend extends beyond professional services. Stanley-based construction firm Hodgson Sayers is investing in the future by appointing nine new apprentices in roles such as flat roofing, bricklaying, and groundwork. This brings the total number of apprentices at the company to 13, with each receiving a mentor and combining on-the-job training with studies at Derwentside College.
Peter Condren, Operations Director at Hodgson Sayers, emphasised the value of this investment: "Apprenticeships aren't just about learning a trade, they're about problem-solving, teamwork and taking pride in every job. Investing in their development is an investment in Hodgson Sayers itself."
Additionally, Greener Solutions Group has announced eight new appointments across the North. In the North East, Lauren Jones joins as Finance Officer. The company is also recruiting heating and electrical installers and a contracts manager, supporting its continued expansion in the green technology sector.
This collective wave of appointments and promotions across such a diverse range of sectors underscores a period of robust confidence and strategic growth for businesses in the North East.
