Changes at Jacksons, RWO, CCBS, Simon Bailes and Geoteric

The division has taken on three new members of staff, with Natalya Kosser on the business support side of the department joining newly appointed solicitors Nida Ali and Terri Leigh.

Jonathan Wall, partner and head of private client services at Jacksons Law Firm, said: “We welcome Nida, Terri and Natalya to the firm and with their appointments, we have significantly strengthened the expertise that already existed in our family law division at Jacksons.

“Family law is a very emotive area, so it was vital we took on experts who demonstrate the same care and empathy which Jacksons is known for when dealing with these highly personal matters.

“We look forward to working with Nida, Terri and Natalya during this busy period for the department and beyond.”

The current landscape of family law across the UK is dynamic, with the introduction of no-fault divorces pushing up demand for legal expertise in matrimonial finances.

Demand is also currently high for pre and post-nuptial agreements, as people are becoming more savvy about protecting their finances in the event of a separation.

Terri joins Jacksons, which has offices on Teesside and Newcastle and covers the whole North East Region, having worked as a family solicitor for a small firm in Seaham.

Nida joined Jacksons having worked at another firm in Newcastle where she advised on children’s matters, divorce and finance.

RWO

North East engineers RWO has appointed a new director to oversee the management and expansion of its residential structural engineering work.

Sam Innes has been appointed director of residential structures in a move that will see him working alongside the management team at the Seaton Burn-based firm on new business development while leading a team of specialist engineers and technical specialists.

He will oversee all residential structural work RWO undertakes across the North East with specific responsibility for the management of key accounts including Miller Homes, Bellway Homes, Keepmoat Homes and Barratt Developments.

New business development, project management, and overseeing the technical compliance of designs and workflows will also be part of an extensive brief.

Coming as RWO posts a 15% increase in revenues in FY2024, which has seen turnover propelled to £3m with a target to boost income to £3.5m in 2025, Sam brings 15 years of experience and knowledge in residential and commercial engineering to the role.

CCBS

Award-winning commercial finance boutique CCBS Group has appointed Michael Horner as Business Development Director’

With over 20 years’ experience in banking and fintech, Michael joins CCBS group ahead of their 10th anniversary celebrations this autumn.

Michael has enjoyed a 20-year career in finance, including senior roles at Bibby Financial Services, Shawbrook Bank and most recently Allica Bank. He said: “Securing finance has been difficult for SMEs and the last turbulent four or five years has not made this any easier. CCBS Group has the knowledge and experience to make this a lot simpler for local businesses and I’m looking forward to being a part of this. My role will be to spread the word, let the local business community know we’re here and to provide tailored solutions to help them with their next steps.”

Geoteric

Foster Findlay Associates Limited (trading as Geoteric) has announced that Mitch Sutherland will succeed Nicola Blanshard as Chief Executive Officer.

After 13 years in the business, over half as CEO, Nicola leaves Newcastle-based Geoteric to focus on a new chapter in her career. Commenting on the CEO succession, Jan Grimnes, Chair of Geoteric, said ‘The Board of Directors joins me in thanking Nicola for her loyalty and exceptional service.

Mitch Sutherland (Image: Submitted)

Under her leadership, Geoteric was transformed to position the business for significant growth and success in existing and new markets. We wish her well for the future.’

“It has been a privilege to lead Geoteric since 2018,” said Nicola.

“I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am confident that the Company will continue to thrive.’

Mitch Sutherland has held a variety of senior management roles, most recently as UK & Africa Managing Director at Cegal.

He said: “I am honoured to be chosen to lead Geoteric and its world-class team, at a very exciting time for the Company. I look forward to delivering exceptional value to our customers and stakeholders. Together, we will build on the strong foundation laid by Nicola Blanshard and the Board of Directors.’

Jan Grimnes added, ‘The Board of Directors welcomes Mitch: he has a thorough knowledge of our industry, a proven track record, and we are confident that he will guide Geoteric successfully into the next phase of growth and innovation.’

Geoteric is an international technology company with over thirty years of experience innovating and delivering subsurface technology solutions, and a key enabler of the energy transition.
Originating from the medical imaging industry, Geoteric has led the analysis of seismic data over the last 30 years and pioneered AI Seismic Interpretation by becoming the first to market commercial AI interpretation solutions in 2019.

Geoteric is based in Newcastle with offices in London, Houston, Dubai, Rio de Janeiro, Kuala Lumpur, and Perth, and currently has 56 employees

Simon Bailes

Simon Bailes Peugeot, which has dealerships in Northallerton, Stockton, and Guisborough, has appointed industry expert Sheldon Cockburn as its new Head of Operations, and Louis Shepherd as Sales Manager.

With a career spanning more than three decades in the automotive industry, Sheldon brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of delivering exceptional results – and returns to the business after gaining further experience at a different national group of manufacturers.

Sheldon Cockburn and Louis Shepherd (Image: Submitted)
Most recently, Sheldon served as the Head of Business at Bentley & Ferrari Newcastle, where he oversaw all aspects of the dual franchise luxury and sportscar operation. Under his leadership, the business moved from the bottom to the top of the internal team engagement league in just 12 months, earning the prestigious Mulliner Retailer of the Year award from Bentley.

Prior to this, Sheldon was at Simon Bailes Peugeot in a similar capacity where he was responsible for four businesses, including three Peugeot retail locations and a large body shop operation. He will continue to oversee the four businesses with an increased focus on building partnerships, brand reputation, networking, business growth, and increasing customer satisfaction.

Louis Shepherd joins Simon Bailes Peugeot’s Northallerton dealership as Sales Manager having worked at Vauxhall & MG Darlington, where he excelled as the New & Used Business Manager. He led a large team of sales executives, represented multiple brands, and consistently achieved and exceeded sales targets.

Prior to this, Louis held several key roles, including leading a team of sales executives at Evans Halshaw Citroen Darlington and managing sales at Donald’s Volvo, Ipswich.