RSM UK has announced 40 new promotions to director across the UK, including within the firm’s Newcastle office, as well a record intake of students.
The firm has strengthened its tax faculty with the promotion of corporate tax specialist Sanjay Pugal in Newcastle. He first joined RSM UK in September 2018 as associate director. He is also regional head of the real estate and construction sector.
The company has also recently recruited a record high of 723 new students across the UK in 2022. The move surpasses its 2021 intake by 20%, as the firm continues to invest in its long-term growth plans. In Newcastle, the firm has taken on more than 20 new trainees, across all service lines in the business.
Richard Urron, office managing partner for RSM UK’s Newcastle office, said: “I’m delighted to see Sanjay progress to director after joining the firm four years ago. His promotion is well deserved and testament to his talent and work ethic. His wealth of experience and progression further strengthens our corporate tax offering to complex corporates such as those with PE funding or international aspects, as well as those North East businesses in the real estate and construction sector.”
Independent technology consultancy Opencast has appointed accountant James Hodgson as its new chief financial officer. Mr Hodgson joins Opencast from technology and engineering consultancy BJSS, where he was group financial controller.
He said: “The company has grown so quickly in a relatively short space of time, but the potential for major growth is still huge and I’m very much looking forward to being part of that journey. Opencast has the talent, drive and leadership to go to the next level and I’m excited to be part of that expansion. I met with founders Mike O’Brien and Charlie Hoult and chief executive Tom Lawson earlier in the year and was very impressed by their vision for the company. Joining Opencast at such an exciting stage of development is an amazing opportunity that I feel enormously privileged to be part of.”
Specialist recruitment firm Populus Select has appointed James Smith as an associate director. The Tees Valley firm, which serves the sustainable technology, manufacturing, engineering and life science sectors, has brought in Mr Smith with a research-focussed background, with a track record of placing high quality engineering candidates in specialist firms in the UK, Middle East, Asia and US. He said: “My experience delivering complex briefs focussed on engineering, energy and sustainable technologies for global organisations was a natural fit for Populus Select. I am really excited to be part of a growing organisation with opportunities to develop alongside the business.”
Global digital consultancy Monstarlab has appointed two industry heavyweights as it marks its one-year anniversary in Newcastle.
David Haley and Kevin Telford join as strategy consultants in public sector and financial services respectively and will help to drive growth in the key sectors. Mr Haley brings 30 years experience in managing complex contracts, while Mr Telford has worked with some of the UK’s biggest financial organisations, including Natwest, Barclaycard and Visa.
James Hall, UK managing director at Monstarlab, said: “Following a number of strategic new business wins and the expansion of key client accounts, we’re delighted to see the team at our Newcastle office strengthened and expanded to support the growth in our global strategy team. Their combined knowledge and experience will be of great benefit to our clients, not just in the North East but across the world.”
College group NCG has appointed Liam Carr as its first sustainability and curriculum officer, to be based at Newcastle College. The role has been created to ensure all its students have sustainability embedded in their education to increase their future employability prospects.
Mr Carr steps into the role with over 20 years’ experience in the education sector. Starting his career in education as a science teacher, he went on to teach internationally in India before returning to the UK to take up a role at Newcastle Sixth Form College and, most recently, led the access to higher education department at Newcastle College.
He said: “The current climate change targets set by the government mean that when it comes to sustainability, the workforce must begin to adapt to be fit for the future. It is our job as educators to support this transition for the next generation of the working world. A key part of NCG’s strategy to 2030 is ensuring positive destinations for our students and I believe skills and knowledge in sustainability will become essential to employment.”
Independent development and construction consultancy Identity Consult has appointed three new colleagues taking its total head count to 67. Clémence Tyrel de Poix takes on the role of assistant consultant having moved from Sharkey. Paul Cole joins the team as senior health and safety consultant moving from DHL, while Daniel Frazer joins as consultant project manager.
The team will be based out of Identity Consult’s office at Quay West Business Village in Sunderland. The company also has offices in Preston, York and Salford. Mark Doherty, managing director at Identity Consult said: “Our colleagues are at the heart of our business, and we are proud to have invested in great local talent this past year, nurturing the skills and expertise of our existing colleagues, and welcoming great new people like Clémence, Paul and Daniel. They each bring their own unique set of skills and I look forward to working alongside them.”
READ NEXT
Read more North East business news here
Two North East businesses raise investment thanks to regional angel network
Grainger sees continued growth on the back of rental demand
Concerns over Britishvolt gigafactory plans as receivers appointed to subsidiary
