Kielder Observatory has appointed Hannah Matterson as its operations and marketing director.
Ms Matterson has worked in a variety of roles over the last 10 years, including as CEO of music talent development agency Generator, innovation partnerships developer with Manchester Metropolitan University and as a fundraiser and development manager for a number of cultural organisations across the North East.
Her career to date has been focused around building cross-sector partnerships, developing businesses and promoting greater access to the arts for many communities. She will continue to pursue those avenues with regard to STEM activity and support the whole team at Kielder Observatory.
She said: “I’m thrilled to have joined the team at Kielder Observatory. Astronomy is such a fascinating subject, one which I’m learning more about each day, and I can’t wait to put my knowledge and experience to good use to help the observatory further develop its offer to those across the North East and beyond.”
Housebuilder Avant Homes has appointed Don Anderson as managing director of its North East region.
Mr Anderson has more than 44 years’ experience in the housebuilding industry and previously held the position of construction director at Bellway and Persimmon Homes.
His new role sees him make a return to Avant Homes where he was also construction director for the North East operation between 2003 and 2005.
He said: “Avant Homes is an exceptional business with a great product and ambitious growth plan. I am looking forward to bringing further success to the North East business through the delivery of high-quality homes and excellent customer care.”
Modular housebuilder CoreHaus has appointed a new commercial manager as it presses ahead with growth plans.
Shane Murray, who has more than 25 years of experience in the construction sector, will focus on driving the company’s business development pipeline, identifying new business opportunities, negotiating new contracts and onboarding new clients.
He said: “Working across a varied range of housing development projects has enabled me to acquire a diverse set of skills in leadership, commercial contract management and client excellence. These skills complement the CoreHaus team perfectly and strengthens our position as a fast-growing, innovative modular housebuilder.
“Our ambitious five-year strategy and company values were the driving force behind me joining the team and I am excited and privileged to be part of the journey.”
North Tyneside-based Elanders UK has appointed Jemma Marshall as finance manager.
She joins the management team after working as finance manager at Graphic Packaging International for 12 years.
She said: “I am looking forward to having more autonomy in my new role and it is a key reason I joined the company. Elanders has a strong reputation and I am working alongside the management team to enhance its policies and procedures.
“My ultimate goal is to help drive the business forward by providing excellent financial information. It is essential that communication continues to flow across all departments so we have data which helps the wider management team to make informed decisions.”
National law firm Weightmans has appointed Louise Miller as one of four new partners across its UK offices.
Ms Miller joins the Newcastle office, heading up its wills, trusts and estates team. She joins Weightmans from Mincoffs Solicitors and is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).
John Schorah, managing partner at Weightmans said: “Our four new partners join at an exciting time for us, as we look to expand our senior team and deepen our expertise across our core sectors. “They bring a unique range of skills and specialisms, with the appointments to the family and wills, trusts and probates teams significantly strengthening our offering for individuals.”
Silk Family Law has promoted solicitor Katie Machin to the position of associate.
Ms Machin, who is primarily based at the firm’s Newcastle office, advises on all aspects of divorce, including financial remedies and children work.
A former Gosforth High School student, she went on to achieve a first class history degree from Manchester University before returning to the North East to do her law conversion course at Northumbria University. After working in a Morpeth-based firm, she worked a London before returning again to her North East roots and taking up the position of solicitor at Silk Family Law in 2017.
She said: “I’m delighted to be promoted to associate and continue progressing my career with one of the best family law firms in the North. Increasing access into the family law profession and raising aspirations is something I’m really passionate about. I want to inspire future lawyers and help people from all educational and socio-economic backgrounds to develop and achieve successful and fulfilling careers.”
