The Banks Group has appointed Russ Hall as managing director of its property development arm, Banks Property and its newly established regional housebuilding company, Banks Homes.
Mr Hall joins the renewable energy, property, mining and transport firm having been managing director of Taylor Wimpey's North East business and a non-executive director of Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management.
He said: “Banks’ strong position as a respected North East business, its ambitions to keep taking advantage of new opportunities through diversification and its longstanding focus on working positively with local communities made joining the company a very appealing option for me. Our extensive property development experience made it a logical step for us to start building new, high-quality and sustainable homes ourselves, and I’m aiming to use my experience of managing large-scale residential development to quickly establish Banks Homes as a leading operator in the regional housebuilding sector.
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"The new division will work independently, but alongside, the existing operations of Banks Property, which will continue to work with our landowner, agent and developer partners to identify, promote and sell land for the development of new homes by many of the UK’s best-known housebuilders."
Newcastle law firm Muckle LLP has appointed Tom Small as a solicitor in its real estate team.
Mr Small joins the 27-strong team headed by partner Jonathan Combe and will deal with sales purchases, leases, refinancing, property acquisitions and disposals, and property aspects of corporate deals. Originally from Teesside, Mr Small studied at Northumbria University before beginning his career at another local firm.
He said: "I’ve always known about Muckle and knew that when the opportunity arose, this was the firm I wanted to join. Muckle’s real estate team is ranked top tier by Legal 500 UK and it’s also one of the largest in the North, with a great team of lawyers with a wide range of specialisms. The team gets to work with some interesting clients on all aspects of real estate law, and I’m really pleased to be part of it."
Mr Combe said: "We’re delighted to see our team continue to grow, and to welcome Tom as our newest member. We’re always looking to add the best people to the team and I’m sure Tom will be an asset for many years to come. We’re excited for the future of the department and of the firm."
Chameleon Business Interiors has expanded its interior design team with the addition of Kate McNay.
Based in Newcastle at Rotterdam House, Ms McNay will support the interior design team on commercial interior design projects across the UK. She said: "I’ve specialised in workspace design for the last five years. It’s an exciting area to work in, as there are new trends emerging all the time and it’s great to see such large-scale – as well as smaller - projects come to life."
Chameleon specialises interior design and fit-out of workplaces and has worked on McCain Foods' UK headquarters as well as undertaking projects for Arriva, DBS and Lumo. Ms McNay said: "I’m looking forward to supporting Chameleon’s design team with a fresh, creative perspective, working closely with our in-house experts to continue delivering high-quality design. I’m also looking forward to developing my own skills in a truly collaborative, dynamic working environment.”
Newcastle's 360 Growth Partners has expanded its team of experts with the appointment of finance associate David Thomas.
Mr Thomas, who has more than 20 years of financial experience in senior finance roles, will help guide SMEs in financial planning and to secure investment. Latterly he was investment director at NEL Fund Managers.
He said: "I was first introduced to Andrew in 2022 and it was obvious we shared a similar outlook and approach to supporting SMEs to grow and succeed. It turned out that my skill set complemented what Andrew was looking for and joining 360 Growth Partnership felt like a natural move for me."
Andrew Silver director at 360 Growth Partners, said: "When I met David, it was obvious that we shared similar values and a desire to have a positive impact on the people and businesses we work with. He shares a similar approach to myself and the rest of the 360 Growth Partners associates in that his core driver is helping businesses grow sustainably, and in the right way."
Major Family Law has appointed Stephanie Layton as an associate.
The move follows four new appointments at the Ponteland-based firm in six months including the paralegal Lottie Weston; legal assistant Louise Thain; solicitor Jenny Green and graduate Nida Ali. Ms Layton said: "It has been a pleasure to learn and grow with the team at Major Family Law. I have really appreciated the guidance, training and support I have received from Joanne and all the team since I joined the firm at the start of the pandemic. I look forward to many more years ahead with the firm. It’s an exciting, innovative firm to be part of."
Major Family Law, which employs 16 solicitors and three paralegals, was founded in 2009 by managing director Joanne Major and specialises in all areas of family and child law. The firm has received a top 10 ranking in the prestigious Legal 500 ten times.
Greggs has appointed Nigel Mills as non-executive director.
The former Hoare Govett chief executive and chair of Corporate Broking at Citi Group will become senior independent director following the food-on-the-go firm's annual general meeting in May.
Mr Mills also joins the Audit, Remuneration and Nominations Committees. He is currently senior independent director at both John Wood Group PLC and at Persimmon plc, where he was also acting chair during 2018. Matt Davies, Chair of Greggs, said: "We are delighted to welcome Nigel to the Board. He brings with him expertise in financial markets, investors and governance, and invaluable experience of providing independent challenge."
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