The key moves at influential companies across the North East

Lycetts

Leading insurance broker and independent financial adviser Lycetts has announced the appointment of Ian Barclay as its new Chief Executive.

Barclay succeeds Charles Foster, who is retiring after seven years as Chief Executive, but will continue his association with Lycetts as Non-Executive Chairman of Lycetts Financial Services (LFS).

With more than two decades of senior leadership experience at prominent insurance firms, Barclay brings a wealth of expertise to Lycetts.

He began his career with Guardian Royal Exchange before joining the Axa Group, in Paris in 2000. He went on to serve as Chief Executive UK & Asia at Axa Art Insurance, Managing Director of Personal Lines at Aon Risk Solutions and Managing Director of Rural Insurance Group.

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His roles also include Managing Director of Property Retail at Ardonagh Group and Geo Underwriting, where he headed up key agricultural MGAs such as Rural Insurance Group, AIUA and BIBU, aligning closely with Lycetts’ market presence.

Barclay’s recent endeavours include working as an independent business adviser and mentor.

“I am thrilled to be joining Lycetts at such a dynamic time for the company,” he said.

“The potential for further growth and innovation is immense, and I am committed to taking the business forward while preserving the strong values and culture that have made Lycetts a trusted name in the industry.

“Being part of the Benefact Group is a real plus, as we build a business with a clear purpose and a focus on delivering value for clients, while contributing positively to our communities.”

Benefact Group, Lycetts’ parent company, is a family of award-winning specialist financial services companies and is the third largest corporate donor to charity in the UK.

Colenso

Colenso has continued its strong growth with the launch of a dedicated commercial agency division led by James Ratcliffe.

James joins as a partner in Colenso, the York-based commercial property specialists, which already offers property management and facilities management services to many of the city’s most active property investors.

Colenso manages around £200m of commercial property nationally and the expansion comes following increased profitability for the business and after it spotted a gap in the local market for a dedicated commercial agency.

James, who is an expert in the York and wider Yorkshire markets, spent seven years at top five UK consultancy Avison Young before setting up his own private consultancy advising some of the country’s biggest landlords and occupiers.

He joins Colenso’s Head of Estates Charles Harrison and Head of Facilities Management Lucy Glasby as partners in the business.

Avison Young

Chris Turnbull, Principal within the Building & Project Consultancy team at Avison Young, Newcastle, has been appointed as the representative for the regions on the UK Executive, which influences and shapes the company’s business strategy and financial performance.

Chris currently acts as project manager on the prestigious Pilgrim’s Quarter development in Newcastle City Centre, having previously project managed the construction of Bank House, which was the first phase development within the Pilgrim Street Regeneration Area.

Biodiverse Consulting

A North East environmental consultancy that is on track to reach £1.9m turnover by 2027, has reinforced its commitment to providing regional career opportunities by making four new hires with more vacancies on the horizon.

Having grown its team twentyfold since its inception in 2019, Newcastle-based Biodiverse Consulting prides itself on facilitating robust development pathways to help local talent remain in the region, while also attracting national candidates to the North East. Half the team joined the consultancy straight from university, and many have since been promoted thanks to the company’s strong culture of professional development.

The new starters (Image: Submitted)

Biodiverse Consulting’s founder and director, Vicki Mordue, said: “When I founded the business five years ago, I felt passionate about prioritising graduate opportunities and developing the next generation of UK ecologists.

“Through our personal development process, I encourage individuals to explore their unique interests and do my utmost to facilitate their ambitions, in line with the needs of our growing business.

“I have invested over £40,000 in staff development so far this year, having also acquired the latest technology and equipment to keep us at the forefront of the industry and drive forward my team’s career goals.”

Recent graduates, Harry Reed, Amy Beckford and Tara Watson have joined the team alongside ecology intern, Lucy Rowell. All were inspired by the business’ passionate ethos and future focus.
As well as investment into the team, growth has also been fuelled by an increasing number of customers in the built environment sector seeking solutions to the recent Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) legislation, an area of expertise for the consultancy. Profits have increased year-on-year, with the company forecasting almost £2m turnover by 2027.

Biodiverse Consulting specialises in biodiversity net gain (BNG), nutrient neutrality, and traditional ecology services as well as CPD training. Clients include Dysart Developments, Barratt Homes, Pegasus Homes, and The Wildlife Trusts. It is currently recruiting ecologists from across the UK to join its expanding team.

Newcastle Airport

More than 20 Newcastle College graduates are enjoying soaring starts to their careers after landing “exciting and rewarding” jobs at Newcastle Airport.

The students secured employment after taking part in the College’s Ambassador Programme – a volunteering scheme that invites students to spend time at the Airport to learn about its different departments, including security, passenger services and operations.

The programme is for Aviation Operations students at the College’s Aviation Academy – a specialist teaching facility based just off the Airport’s runway.

Of the 45 students who graduated from the Ambassador Programme in 2024, 24 have secured jobs at the Airport.

Among those were Sophie Shaw and Saoirse Walton, who joined the Airport as Seasonal Security Support Officers in April where they are responsible for ensuring passengers have seamless, hassle-free journeys through the newly refurbished security search area.

The area was recently renovated and next generation security scanners were installed as part of the Airport’s £20m investment to improve the overall passenger experience.
Dean Ward, Director of Commercial at Newcastle Airport, said: “The Ambassador Programme provides fantastic opportunities for talented and ambitious students to gain valuable hands-on experience across a range of departments at Newcastle Airport.

“It is brilliant to see the students develop their knowledge, skills and confidence while working alongside our teams, with many going on to enjoy long and successful careers at our Airport and elsewhere in the aviation industry.”

Craig Cowan, Head of Curriculum, Travel & Aviation Operations at Newcastle College, said: “Our aim is always to provide our students with the skills and experience they need to succeed in their future career, and I am proud to see so many of our students secure employment in a range of roles.”