Changes at Newcastle Building Society, Atom and High Tide

Amanda joins Newcastle Building Society after undertaking the role of chief operating officer at Hargreaves Lansdown, bringing with her a wealth of experience in financial services.

Prior to this Amanda spent 26 years at Barclays where she led various retail, SME and operational services across the North of the UK. In her new role, Amanda will be leading the operational support and technology functions across the Newcastle Building Society group.

Amanda said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the executive leadership team at Newcastle Building Society at an exciting time on our journey of growth. The Society’s strategic priority and focus on creating value for members and communities is so unique and I’m looking forward to getting started and begin helping to shape the Society’s future.”

Andrew Haigh, chief executive officer at Newcastle Building Society said: “The appointment of Amanda as chief operating officer is a key step on our programme of strategic change, and how we structure the executive leadership to match our wider ambitions for growth. I’m delighted to welcome Amanda to the Society.

“Her leadership, expertise and vision align perfectly, and will help deliver our ambitious future as part of our purpose to connect our communities with a better financial future.”

JK Lifting

Engineering firm JK Lifting has appointed a new operations director, in response to an uptick in large-scale projects.

Andrew Mason has taken up the role at JK Lifting following 26 years at energy technology company Baker Hughes.

Starting his career on the shop floor, Andrew worked his way up to several operational positions at Baker Hughes, eventually responsible for up to 700 team members at the company’s Newcastle site.

As Operations Director, Andrew will oversee all operational processes and systems at JK Lifting, including HSE, QA systems, process efficiency and auditing.

He also has extensive experience in people development, having completed a BA Hons in leadership management.

Andrew said: “My focus is on ensuring that the business is in the best position possible to grow.

“We have a fantastic team here at JK Lifting, working on a range of innovative projects, and I’m looking forward to collaborating with my new colleagues to lift us into an even brighter future.”

JK Lifting is one of the North East’s leading engineering firms, and has been helping companies lift well for over 40 years.

Founded in 1983 by John Kesson, the firm was acquired by James Bright in 2019, with a specialist marine base launched at the Port of Blyth in 2022.

Shared Interest

Current recipient of the Queens Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development, Newcastle-based social lender, Shared Interest, has appointed Jo Powell as Finance Director Designate.

Jo joins the team as Finance Director and Company Secretary, Tim Morgan prepares for his planned retirement after 15 years of dedicated service.

Jo, who has strong ties to the North East and significant experience leading the financial strategy in organisations with a social purpose, qualified with PwC and has worked at local organisations such as UNW LLP, Newcastle College and NHS Business Services Authority.

High Tide

A promising young solicitor says she feels honoured at being named the first Ambassador of the High Tide Foundation, recognising her work supporting students to gain meaningful work placement opportunities and careers advice across Teesside.

Emily Skillcorn, of Jacksons Law Firm, has been supporting the High Tide Foundation’s mission to stop the ‘brain drain’ from Teesside by giving young people access to careers advice and activities from inspirational industry leaders and businesspeople across the region.

The Associate Solicitor, who works in the firm’s litigation team and heads up equine law services, has been involved with the High Tide Foundation since she first became a trainee at Jacksons in 2020, while the firm itself is a longstanding corporate patron of the charity.

High Tide Chair Mark Easby, Lauren Bywater and Emily Skillcorn (Image: Tom Banks)

Now, Emily has been recognised in a special graduation ceremony, as the charity’s first official Ambassador.
Emily said: “It was a massive surprise to be named as the charity’s first Ambassador and a genuine honour.

“It also feels right, because I feel so strongly about the work the High Tide Foundation does – and the people who work there are incredible.

“After getting this honour, I feel like Jacksons can offer more to them and as I manage our work experience programme, I’m doing a bit more outreach work with schools and I’m looking forward to continuing the partnership both I and Jacksons have with High Tide.”

Emily is also encouraging other businesses to get involved with the charity, which is teaching young people that they don’t need to move to a big city to have exciting career opportunities – as there are lots available right here on Teesside.

She says: “Even if you can’t offer weeks of placements, you can look at doing workshops at a school or go out and speak to students about your career.”

Lauren Bywater, general manager at the High Tide Foundation, said while the charity is now lucky enough to have many wide-ranging businesses involved in its work, it was “especially touching when individuals like Emily show such passion and dedication” to the cause.

“She never says no to any request for support, giving her time, knowledge, advice, and expertise to hundreds of our young people over the years,” Lauren says.

Atom bank

Atom bank, the UK’s first app-only bank, has appointed Ayshea Robertson as its new Chief People Officer.

Ayshea joins from Zen Internet, the internet service provider, where she spent six years as CPO and Board Director. She has significant experience leading HR functions within a wide range of businesses over the course of her career, including at Bellway Homes, Technology Services Group and Newcastle Building Society.

Ayshea Robertson (Image: Submitted)

Ayshea will work with the Executive Committee and People Experience team to deliver a high quality employee journey, and will oversee Atom’s recruitment strategy, ensuring it attracts and retains the highest calibre of talent. A key focus will be on the continued expansion of Atom’s initiatives in the North East to create opportunities and address the region’s skills gap, overseeing Atom’s programme of internships and mentoring opportunities for local students.

Ayshea said: “I’m hugely excited to be joining Atom at a crucial stage of development for the business.

“I love the purpose, vision and values of Atom - they match my own value set, and being part of a purpose-led business is very important to me.
“Additionally, the fact that Atom is based in the North East gives me the chance to be part of the growth of a local business and the opportunity to give back to the community I live in.
“My main focus will be building on the great culture, driving performance and making sure the people strategy supports the ambitious objectives the business has.”

Mark Mullen, Chief Executive Officer at Atom, said: ““We see no contradiction between providing excellent service and outstanding value to customers while at the same time ensuring that our people are engaged, motivated and happy. Ayshea’s leadership will be critical to the success of Atom as we drive our cultural renewal programme and continue to make Atom bank one of the best places to work in the UK.”