RICHARD Craddock has joined The Alchemists as part of the Government's Interchange Initiative.

Mr Craddock joins from Government Office North-East, where he worked in the business group as regional development agency sponsorship team leader.

Mr Craddock, a qualified management accountant, began his career at British Steel and remained in the private sector before working in business development for a co-operative development agency.

His civil service career began in 1989. He moved to the Government Office last year.

Lucy Armstrong, chief executive of The Alchemists, said: "The Alchemists is an innovative blend of public and private sector working together.

"The individual alchemists are all from highly successful private sector businesses, but the organisation was set up with public sector funding from agency One NorthEast.

"Richard's public sector experience complements the team's private sector background and means that we can provide support to growing companies in this region."

Mr Craddock said: "The Government Office has a strong interest in increasing wealth in the region. This is an excellent way to develop understanding and co-operation between the public and private sector to further that goal."