NHC
Northern Housing Consortium, the not-for profit membership organisation which represents social housing providers across the North of England, has appointed a new Executive Director for Operations and Finance.
Andrea Downey brings with her more than 25 years’ experience of working in both the public and private sector, with previous roles in Network Rail and the NHS, as well as in the publishing and media sectors.
She will also play a key role in the leadership of the NHC’s procurement arm, Consortium Procurement, which offers a service to 400 members nationally.
Tracy Harrison, Chief Executive at Northern Housing Consortium, said: “Andrea will play a central role in making sure we achieve the best possible value for members and make maximum use of our resources across the entire organisation.”
As well as her previous roles in the UK, Andrea spent five years working abroad, gaining an insight into different cultures and work practices, and has also acted as a consultant, advising SMEs on finance and change management.
She said: “I was attracted to Northern Housing Consortium because of its very clear ethos of making a positive impact. The organisation’s focus on levelling up in the north through social housing improvements is close to my heart; I grew up in a council house and it was a positive experience, and I would like that for others too.
Caddick
Caddick Civil Engineering has appointed Tony Ingledew as Contracts Manager with a remit to drive the business’ expansion into the North East alongside sister company, Caddick Construction.
Tony will work as part of a growing team headed up by Managing Director, Simon Martin, who was appointed to lead the civil engineering business in January.
Tony will be responsible for work winning, contract planning and delivery, overseeing and managing the business’ projects in both Yorkshire and the North East.
Based principally in Caddick’s new Durham office, Tony will also contribute to Caddick Civil Engineering’s strategy to expand into new markets and geography, building on the business’ long established presence in the residential market while moving into new industries in the public and private sectors.
Ruck
Ruck Engineering has appointed Rob Pound, one of its longest-serving employees, to the newly created position of director of engineering following a period of sustained growth across the business.
He joined the Darlington-headquartered firm more than 23 years ago as a field engineer, quickly rising to technical manager, then sales manager before becoming senior engineer last January.
Ruck Engineering, a leader in the supply, servicing and maintenance of cleaning equipment in the North East, has created the senior management role as part of its strategic plans for expansion – which includes creating two new jobs to further strengthen its sales and marketing departments.
Rob said: “I’m delighted to have been given this opportunity to join the senior management team and to help shape the future of the business. I look forward to leading the engineering department and contributing to the continued success of the company.”
Square One
One of the North’s fastest growing commercial law firms has secured another new hire, with the welcome return of competition law expert Stacey Gray, who has rejoined Square One Law as a senior associate at its Newcastle office.
With a specialism in subsidy control and competition law, Stacey has experience advising on subsidy control across many sectors, including energy - in particular, offshore wind - advanced manufacturing, technology, aviation, and infrastructure. Stacey has also worked extensively with public bodies and local government.
Stacey, who joined Square One in 2020, recently returned to the firm after a short career break.
She said: “Since the UK’s new Subsidy Control regime came into force in January 2023, we’ve moved away from a prescriptive, approval-based regime to a broadly self-regulating assessment-based approach. While this is more permissive and assists the public authority in its granting capacity, it’s also crucial that the UK’s Subsidy Control regime operates effectively and robustly in regulating delivery of subsidies, given that they can harmfully distort competition.
“Square One Law has always been an ambitious firm, but having recently secured B Corp status, it really feels like we are moving in the right direction. It’s an exciting time to be here.”
Stacey has previously worked for the Bank of England, building her experience and technical ability to offer expert guidance and advice on complex, large-scale national and international matters.
A graduate of Newcastle University, Stacey is a proficient French and Spanish speaker, working briefly in Brussels as part of her Competition Law training.
Gill Hunter, managing partner at Square One Law, said: “Stacey is an incredibly talented lawyer and an integral part of our team, so we are all absolutely delighted to welcome her back.”
TVCA
Experienced figures from the public and private sectors have been welcomed to the boards of organisations driving forward regeneration across Tees Valley.
The new boards for South Tees Development Corporation (STDC), Hartlepool Development Corporation and Middlesbrough Development Corporation have been approved by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority Cabinet.
Board members are appointed for a fixed term of two years but can be reappointed following each term.
STDC is tasked with overseeing Teesworks, the biggest economic regeneration project in the UK today and the heart of the Teesside Freeport. To date, the board has helped secure major projects, including SeAH Wind’s offshore wind monopile production facility and bp’s multibillion-pound Net Zero Teesside development.
Following its success, Development Corporations were established in Hartlepool and Middlesbrough to regenerate the town centres, create thousands of jobs and cutting red tape to boost inward investment.
The board members – who are unremunerated – represent a mixture of influential and successful public and private sector representatives from diverse backgrounds ensuring a breadth and depth of knowledge to see the boards succeed.
The appointments include new Hartlepool Borough Council leader Councillor Brenda Harrison, who will now sit on the board of Hartlepool Development Corporation.
Cllr Harrison was also welcomed to the TVCA Cabinet at the meeting and takes on the role of Deputy Mayor, which is held by Cabinet members on an annual rotation.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke will continue on the board of Middlesbrough Development Corporation, while Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council leader Alec Brown remains on the board of STDC.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen remains chair of all three Development Corporations.
He said: “I’d like to welcome all new members to our Development Corporation boards who will play a vital role in supercharging Teesworks and our towns. I’ve no doubt that their expertise and dedication will continue the success of these schemes, making them bigger and better.”
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