People on the move: key North East appointments and promotions

Corporate and commercial law firm Mincoffs Solicitors has announced five promotions across its business and private client teams.

Hannah Flowers and Hannah Nagel have been made associate solicitors in the commercial team, along with Claire Devapal and Lisa Bucknall in the residential conveyancing team, and the dispute resolution team’s Corrianne Boston. Senior partner Paul Hughes believes the promotions will bolster the company’s business and private client offering.

He said: “We are delighted to see Hannah, Hannah, Claire, Lisa and Corrianne progress in their careers at Mincoffs. Their promotions to associate solicitors are thoroughly deserved and a testament to the time and effort they dedicate to delivering successful outcomes for their clients. I have full confidence they will excel at their new roles within their respective teams and I wish them every success in this next stage of their careers.”

Property consultancy Knight Frank has appointed Ian Tew as the new head of office in Newcastle. Mr Tew, who heads up the building consultancy and project management team, will take the reins from the current leader of the 76-strong team, Peter Bowden. He has 28 years’ experience as a chartered building surveyor, with 24 of those spent at Knight Frank. Mr Bowden has led the Newcastle office for almost 12 years and will continue with his role in Knight Frank’s property and asset management team, before retiring later in the year.

Mr Tew said: “Peter will be a hard act to follow – he is a much-loved leader and colleague and known for his astute decision making, warm approach to people, depth of knowledge and his ability to support his team well, no matter what the challenges that we encounter. I am excited for the journey ahead and looking forward to working closely with my colleagues to build on our success.”

Mr Bowden said: “As we prepare to start the new financial year, it is right that I hand over the head of office role, whilst I continue with the day job, so that business planning for the next year is carried-out by those taking things forward. I’m absolutely delighted to say that Ian will pick up the reins and I know all of the team will give him their full support because that is the way in this office.”

Economic regeneration and development company Advance Northumberland has welcomed Steven Harrison as its new chief executive officer. Mr Harrison will lead the Ashington business following the recent retirement of Robin Earl. He is a respected board executive who is accustomed to operating within development and industrial environments, having been chief operating officer at the Port of Tyne, group managing director at Able UK, managing director at Banks Mining and managing director at QE Facilities Ltd.

He said: “I feel privileged and excited to be joining a dedicated, talented team which is delivering real and lasting change for the people of Northumberland. My aim is to sustainably grow the business and to maximise the social value generated for the communities we serve. By upholding our values of dedication, honesty, and collaboration I’m convinced we will continue to deliver real benefits for all our stakeholders.”

Newcastle’s Winn Group has made three key appointments. The company has appointed Rebecca Colby as associate director, head of vehicle damage post litigation, Jon Snee joins as associate director and head of change management, and Rob Bulch takes on the role of head of IT innovation.

Winn Group CEO Chris Birkett said: “We are thrilled to strengthen our leadership team with the appointments of Jon, and Rob, and promotion of Rebecca. Their diverse backgrounds and proven track records of success will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and expand our services. These appointments underscore our commitment to driving positive change and delivering exceptional results for our clients.”

Durham City law firm Swinburne Maddison LLP has welcomed four new members to its dispute resolution team. The new recruits include three solicitors – Sarah Laird, Liam Musgrave and Kaye Cunningham - while Adam McWilliams has also started his training contract with Swinburne Maddison this month, having joined the firm as a paralegal in the residential property team in 2022.

Managing partner Jonathan Moreland said: “We are committed to investing in the next generation of legal minds to provide strength in depth as the firm continues its strategic growth and embarks on a new three-year plan at the beginning of May. As for the future, ongoing targeted recruitment, mergers, acquisitions and lateral hires to bolt on to our existing structure and all such possibilities for expansion are on the table as we look for development within and beyond the Durham area.”

Creo Comms has appointed Sheena Griffiths as director of strategic communications to help boost ambitious growth plans. Ms Griffiths joins the Sunderland-based creative marketing agency, which is currently supporting a number of regional investment, urban regeneration and development projects, with more than 25 years’ experience working on both sides of the client-agency divide, having worked with companies spanning the energy, power and renewables, construction, housing and commercial development, and manufacturing sectors.

She said: “Creo has established a very well-respected and reputable name within the creative and PR industries, and is flying high providing meaningful strategic communications support to businesses of all sizes. This ranges from SMEs driving growth and innovation, to major organisations delivering significant, high-worth projects on an international level.

“Often work is carried out behind the scenes, and this is seen as critical to the ongoing success that clients are witnessing. Therefore, the potential going forward for Creo and its customer base to make that next level step change is huge, so I’m delighted to join the company at this exciting time.”