A BUSINESSiQ round-up of the key moves at influential companies around the North East - who’s in and who’s out

 

LightOx

LightOx Ltd, a company developing novel therapeutic treatments including light activated chemotherapy for early-stage oral cancer, has appointed Rebecca Crow as Head of Projects.

The new appointment takes the life sciences business to a team of 11 as they move into larger offices at their city centre base in Newcastle. Rebecca’s appointment supports their goal of bringing their revolutionary mouth cancer treatment to market.

Joining in January 2024 as Head of Projects and following a wave of new investment, project launches and grant funding, Rebecca will be responsible for helping the business deliver on a number of their targets. Working with key partners, the appointment aims to prepare the business for the launch of clinical trials for the lead candidate LXD191 to treat mouth cancer.

Dr Sam Whitehouse, Chief Executive Officer at LightOx said: “Rebecca brings with her a real wealth of experience with former roles in the Newcastle Gateshead investment team and at the Newcastle NHS Trust where she was responsible for managing a number of trials.”

Rebecca said: “I’ve always admired the work of the team and their goal to develop the first minimally invasive mouth cancer treatment. They have made great progress with increasing interest from investors and stakeholders, and I look forward to supporting them on their journey.”

 

Armstrong Watson

Accountancy, business and financial advisory firm Armstrong Watson has announced the appointment of new Tax Director Hayley Deeming.

Hayley, who will lead the firm’s Corporate Tax team in Newcastle, joins Armstrong Watson after eight years at UNW, where she was a Senior Tax Manager.

Her appointment comes after Corporate Finance Partner David Wilson joined the Newcastle team and following a year of rapid growth throughout 2023 that saw the firm acquire long-standing accountancy practice Joseph Miller before moving to a new home in the city’s state-of-the-art smart office, One Strawberry Lane.

Having qualified in 2006, training at PwC within Corporate Tax, in her new role, Hayley will be responsible for project management in respect of compliance and advisory service lines, and the development of the corporate tax team.

 

Burnetts

A top ranked commercial litigation team has strengthened its services to clients by appointing a new Partner to its Newcastle office.

Property litigation solicitor, Sue Roberts, has joined Burnetts Solicitors LLP, having previously worked for 18 years at another top North East firm.

She has more than 20 years’ experience in the field of property litigation.

“Because I have worked in this area for some considerable time, I know lots of key players who I would hope will see how much Burnetts have to offer,” she said.

Avison Young has announce a senior strategic appointment in their Newcastle office.

Mark McKelvey has been appointed as a Director in the Place team dealing with land transactions, planning, development and public sector consultancy.

Mark previously worked for Bellway North East as Land Director and subsequently was promoted to Group Projects Director (Strategic Land) for Bellway plc.

He said: “I am looking forward to using the experience and knowledge I have gained from the housebuilding industry to help our clients deliver development opportunities.”

 

Siemens

Darren Davidson has been appointed as Vice President of Siemens Energy UK&I and Siemens Gamesa UK.

Based in Newcastle, Darren brings to the role more than 35 years’ experience in the energy sector.

He said: “I’m proud to take on this new role as Vice President for the UK and Ireland. From grid technology to power generation and wind, I believe we are ideally placed to help the UK deliver on its energy transition targets. Our people make the difference, and it’s a privilege to lead such a dedicated team playing a critical role in the UK’s journey to net zero.

“I’d also like to pay tribute to both Steve Scrimshaw and Clark MacFarlane. They are both inspirational leaders and have been fundamental to the success we’ve had as a business and our net zero targets in both the UK and Ireland.”

Darren is responsible for a UK team of around 6,000 people, with sites and offices across Great Britain and Ireland, including major facilities in Lincoln, Manchester, Hull, Newcastle and Aberdeen.
Siemens Energy is one of the world’s leading energy technology companies, with around 96,000 people worldwide in more than 90 countries and generated revenue of €31 billion in fiscal year 2023. An estimated one-sixth of the electricity generated worldwide is based on technologies from Siemens Energy.

Darren has more than 35 years’ experience working in the energy, power generation and engineering sectors. He was born and raised in Newcastle. After leaving school, aged 16, he became an apprentice engineer at Parsons Power Generation (now part of Siemens Energy). He went on to study at Northumbria University and has a BEng in Mechanical Engineering. He worked for Alstom Power, from 1998, in various Project management roles focusing on turnkey power station construction projects in the UK and Bahrain.

Darren returned to Siemens in 2006, leading project teams in its UK Power Generation business. He moved to Canada in 2013 to become Head of Energy Services.
Darren became Vice President for the UK&I in January 2024. He lives with his wife and daughter in Newcastle. Outside of work, he loves spending time with his family and pet dog. As well as being a passionate Newcastle United fan, he also enjoys gardening, cycling and music events.

 

Caddick

Caddick Construction Group, has appointed Simon Martin as Managing Director of Caddick Civil Engineering as the business looks to expand across the North East, North West and Midlands.

The new leadership represents a strategic move to grow Caddick Civil Engineering in-line with its parent company’s geographical presence, building on the civil engineering contractor’s extensive portfolio in Yorkshire.

Simon joins Caddick Civil Engineering following 18 years as Group Business Development Director at Durham-based MGL Group with a drive to maximise opportunities for repeat business and an overarching involvement in all projects.

During his time at MGL Group, Simon was involved in securing a major contract on the delivery of SeAH Wind, the largest monopile factory in the world at Teesworks.

Simon, a Chartered Surveyor (FRICS), brings over 30 years of experience in the built environment to his new role at Caddick Civil Engineering having worked across every stage of the construction project lifecycle, from inception to post construction.

As MD, Simon will be responsible for growing Caddick Civil Engineering’s current Yorkshire footprint, working alongside Caddick Construction in the North East, North West and Midlands.
He said: “I am very excited about this new chapter in my career and to be entrusted with the incredible opportunity to grow Caddick Civil Engineering. My first priority has been to visit all of our sites, meet the teams and see for myself the knowledge, high standards of work and commitment to health and safety that make this such a fantastic business.

“Caddick Civil Engineering’s success in Yorkshire is something we’re very excited to replicate in the North East, North West and Midlands. Fundamental to this are our people. My priority is nurturing the team, and building on the business’ achievements to ensure we retain our high quality and operational standards.”