Law firm Muckle LLP has appointed three private client experts, taking its number of rural legal specialists to 12.
Rachael Stephenson and Tim Boardman have become partners in the Newcastle-based firm, and will be joined in January by associate solicitor Winter Addis. The trio have experience working together on behalf of farmers, landed estates, trusts, charities and private clients.
David Towns, head of Muckle LLP's Agriculture, Estates and Private Client team, said: "These strategic, senior hires demonstrate our increasing commitment and success in dealing with some of the most complex estates and succession planning legal work. I am delighted that we achieved 72% growth over the last 12 months, which testifies to our personable yet expert approach and enables us to invest in further growth.
"Rachael, Tim and Winter are well-known, highly respected lawyers committed to providing an exceptional client experience. I am hugely confident that our business plans will deliver continued success over the next few years."
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Manufacturer Birtley Group has appointed two new apprentices, the first under the group’s new apprenticeship scheme.
Daniel Jameson, 21, and Josh Perkins, 18, have started their training to become specialist welders learning the trade through a combination of hands-on guidance on-site and academic study at both Sunderland and Teesside colleges.
The pair are based at Birtley's Chester-le-Street site where a range of steel lintels and specialist doors for trade, industry, house builders and housing associations are produced.
Head of People Carla O’may said: "Welding products is one of the biggest parts of our business as we produce over 25,000 tonnes of steel products each year so to be able to invest in this area will help improve production and lead times for customers. The lads have already demonstrated maturity and a passion for what they do so I have high hopes for their careers within the industry."
Accountancy and business advisory firm UNW has appointed former PwC director Martin Cross as audit partner.
Mr Cross spent 18 years at PwC, working across the North East and Yorkshire and acting for a wide range of clients, from entrepreneurial privately-owned businesses through to FTSE100 companies.
His appointment follows recruitment of Chris Wilson as partner and head of corporate finance, as well as the firm’s largest ever intake of young trainees across both its graduate and apprenticeship programmes.
Mr Cross said: "What really attracted me to UNW is the sheer quality of the firm's clients and its team. There's an unwavering commitment to excellent client service coupled with a real emphasis on the development of the team internally, which are both very important factors for me."
Marketing consultancy Horizon Works has promoted Antonia Edwards to client services director.
The Cramlington-based firm, which specialises in providing marketing strategy, PR, design and digital services to complex industrial customers, said Ms Edwards will oversee its entire client delivery, including managing the delivery team and leading on the company’s retainer and project work for clients.
Ms Edwards joined the company in 2016 as client marketing manager, before progressing to the role of account director the following year.
She said: "I’m thrilled to be taking up the role of client services director. I’ve greatly enjoyed being part of the Horizon Works team since 2016 and to have had the opportunity to work with so many pioneering businesses, both in the UK and abroad. It’s exciting to be entering this role as Horizon Works further extends its national and international reach, and I’m looking forward to developing our delivery team and client services into 2023."
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