FAMILY-RUN auto care business North-Eastern Tyre and Exhausts has made a strategic board shuffle, handing the reins of the business to GAVIN MARSHALL.

Mr Marshall, who has been with the North Tyneside company for 16 years, takes up the mantle of managing director with immediate effect.

Former managing director IAN DARCY will become business development director, overseeing the strategic growth plan for the retail division.

RAY DARCY, eldest son of founders Fred and Netta Darcy, has announced that he intends to retire next year.

Mr Marshall said: "For the Darcys to place their trust in me to manage their family company is hugely flattering and I am very much looking forward to continuing to work with Ian in our new roles.

"Ray, of course, will be a big miss, but we will strive to continue to do him proud."

* Commercial property service provider CB Richard Ellis has appointed RICHARD NIELD as a senior director to help develop its retail management business across the region.

Managing director for the North-East Charlie Wardroper said: "Richard is a tremendous acquisition and we're thrilled to have him aboard."

* JUSTIN BARLOW has joined commercial law firm Muckle LLP as director of business development.

He joins the firm from software company Sage where he was responsible for developing the brand and generating new sales for the mid-market division.

* The first network champion to encourage businesses to make the most of networking in South Tyneside has been appointed by Tyneside Economic Development Company.

GORDON HANNA has taken on the job, which was created to encourage businesses to interact on a face-to-face basis, as well as benefit from joining networking groups.

Mr Hanna's role is part of a £16.2m South Tyneside Means Business initiative to encourage businesses to start up, locate and grow within South Tyneside.

* Rockliffe Hall Hotel and Golf resort, in Hurworth, near Darlington, has made its first major appointment in its quest to become one of the most high-class developments in the UK.

RAY HUNT, who prepared courses for six European Tour events during his time at the Forest of Arden golf club, in Warwickshire, will join as the site's estate and course manager next month .

Warwick Brindle, director of Rockliffe Hall Ltd, said: "This is a real coup for us to have someone of Ray's calibre on board.

"He is a man very much in demand and for him to want to come to the North-East to be a part of this project speaks volumes for what we are trying to achieve here."

* The Benson Group has appointed IAIN BALLANTYNE as general manager of Print Design and Graphics Ltd, in Newburn, Tyneside.

He will have overall responsibility for the company's financial and operational performance, including its 193 employees.

* Bannatyne's Health Club, in Darlington, has appointed former bank manager LUCY READSHAW as general manager.

Ms Readshaw joined the company after working for Yorkshire Bank for 12 years, rising to be manager of the branch in Redcar, east Cleveland.

She said: "I am looking forward to adapting my management and people skills to suit the Bannatyne's brand.

* LOUISE ROBINSON has joined marketing and PR company Press Ahead.

Ms Robinson, a former University of Sunderland student, will work as an account executive with the Sunderland company, which boasts a portfolio of regional and national blue-chip clients