A BUSINESSiQ round-up of the key moves at influential companies around the North East - who’s in and who’s out
ABC
A thriving Stockton gym has continued its growth with a new appointment.
Active Body Conditioning (ABC) on Cheltenham Road in Portrack, opened its doors in April 2017 and there are currently seven members of the team working at ABC. This month, ABC have appointed a recent Teesside University graduate; Dean Gouldsborough, who joins the team as a Personal Trainer and Physical Therapist.
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Founder, Andrew Burton, is a former youth player at Middlesbrough Football Club who helped the team to the semi finals of the 2000 FA Youth Cup, and remains a well known Northern League footballer. He shared that “We are really pleased that we have taken on board Dean, who brings a wealth of expertise and a fantastic personality.”
“With a big focus on health through the government and in the media, people are very aware of the importance of exercise, so ABC is always in extremely high demand - Having Dean on the team will allow us to help more people achieve their goals because we can hold more classes, and offer more personal training and sports therapy services.”
Turnmill
An award-winning North East industrialist, who has achieved regional and national recognition for his leadership of manufacturing businesses, has been appointed as a non-executive director at Turnmill Engineering.
Andrew Esson will bring both extensive expertise and passion to help Turnmill, based at Washington Business Centre on Wearside, further grow and prosper.
Turnmill, which is a member of NOF, the UK business development organisation for the energy sectors, manufactures consumables, jigs and fixtures and machine components predominantly for automotive, pharmaceuticals, motorsport and construction businesses.
It also helps companies and individuals develop concepts and prototypes, bring new products to market and improve production processes.
Andrew, who throughout his career has won a clutch of prestigious awards, has a portfolio of non-executive and advisory roles and through his business Esson Partnership Limited, helps businesses grow and develop in his adopted North East, and beyond.
AlphaGraphics
A Teesside-based print and marketing company has appointed a dedicated account director to support its growth.
AlphaGraphics North East, which is based in Stockton, has taken on Michelle Keeton as part of its plans to develop its automotive marketing services.
Michelle has an extensive 30-year career in print, packaging and marketing across varied industries, including automotive, food and beverages. At AGNE, she will be responsible for managing the account of one of the firm’s big name automotive clients.
Michelle said: “I’ll be managing one of the biggest accounts here at AGNE and will be responsible for the day-to-day running across the whole account – working with marketing teams nationwide to provide an excellent service.
“I’ll be advising on their print and marketing materials in dealerships, including POS, display and signage, as well as helping develop their event campaigns."
AGNE recently announced its plans for further growth, having expanded its premises and taken on more clients, enabling it to recruit new roles.
Director Sean Costigan said: “We are excited to have Michelle on board in this period of growth. Her role will allow us to expand the team further to better manage some of our contracts.
“It also gives us scope to develop our services in the automotive industry going forward.”
Clive Owen
Clive Owen LLP, chartered accountants and business advisers, has recruited eight new trainees, seeing the team grow from 112 to 122 in less than 12 months.
The firm, which has offices in York, Darlington, Durham and Middlesbrough, has also experienced growth in its client base over the last year and is now one of the largest independent firms in the region.
The new trainees will work across the firms’ offices in a variety of different roles, ranging from audit and accounts to taxation associates with differing learning routes.
They are: Emily Myers, audit and accounts associate (Middlesbrough)
Taran Chatha, audit and accounts associate (Durham)
Ryan Bentley, audit and accounts associate (York)
Alex Smith, audit and accounts associate (Darlington)
Joe Lucas, taxation associate (Darlington)
Ellie Rutterford, audit and accounts associate (Darlington)
Max Bashir, audit and accounts associate (Middlesbrough)
Mitchell Degnan, taxation associate (Middlesbrough)
To support their learning the new recruits will benefit from the firm’s newly launched Aspire learning platform.
The Aspire programme which covers both technical professional training and personal growth, has four pillars of learning which will assist colleagues at different career stages. The pillars are trainees, newly qualifieds, managers and growth, which cover both business development skills and soft skills such as self-awareness and being able to motivate and inspire others. These skills can help individuals experience improved job satisfaction and can give them the confidence and ability to take on additional responsibilities.
The new trainees will have an allocated ‘buddy’ to help them settle into their new role and provide ongoing support. They will also receive regular reviews with their manager to help them achieve job proficiency and personal progression.
Nicola Bellerby, training partner, said: “I am delighted to welcome our new colleagues to the firm. Clive Owen LLP recently introduced new policies which are based on two-way flexibility and trust to support the existing teams and encourage talented, motivated people to apply for positions with us to grow the firm further.’’
“I am looking forward to seeing how the trainees develop over time. This ambitious group of individuals will flourish under the Aspire programme."
HR Director, Caroline Bowerbank, said: “Ensuring everyone is given opportunities to progress and to learn from colleagues will be of benefit to the new starters. They will learn from other’s experiences and be able to access helpful resources along the way.
“Aspire will engender a culture of continuous learning, supporting both professional development and personal growth across the firm. We are also excited for its future development.”
Tier One
Tier One Capital, one of the North East’s leading independent wealth management and fund management specialists, has grown its team further with the appointment of Bianca Chibanda.
As Wealth Management Support, Bianca will work closely with Tier One Capital’s team of highly experienced financial advisers who deliver independent, personal and bespoke financial advice to the firm’s growing client base. With experience in the wealth management sector, Bianca is the latest addition to Tier One Capital’s expanding team. The Newcastle-based business is planning on further growth in coming months aiming to attract more experienced financial advisers and support staff.
Tier One Capital is also committed to providing career development opportunities for its team with Bianca having the opportunity to move into a client advisory role in the future.
Tier One Capital provides its expertise in financial advice, pension planning, savings and investments and insurance and protection to a predominately North East customer base, which includes senior executives, entrepreneurs, business owners, professional partners and high net-worth individuals.
It is also the appointed investment adviser and fund manager for the London Stock Exchange listed Develop North PLC, which provides secured loans to residential and commercial property developments located primarily in the North of England and Scotland.
Paul Blight, Head of Wealth Management at Tier One Capital, said: “Bianca is a great example of the talented people we are attracting to Tier One Capital with the intention of providing a tangible and rewarding career path.
“She is a welcome addition to the team and will play an important role working alongside our financial advisers in their support of our growing client base.”
Bianca Chibanda said: “Tier One Capital has a strong reputation and I am very pleased to have the opportunity to join the team. I am keen to develop a career in financial services and look forward to progressing and gaining more experience with the business.”
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