Martin Wakefield

Sales at Bang and Olufsen showrooms in Newcastle, Durham City, and Yarm increased by 36 per cent in two years.

After studying business management, Mr Wakefield worked for a number of North-East businesses, before leading a sales team in Essex for a fresh produce distribution company.

Mike Warren, managing director in the North-East, said: "Martin has a dynamic personality and will bring a fresh approach as well as making a massive contribution to the successful growth of our North-East business.

"His sales track record is exceptional and his knowledge of the Bang and Olufsen brand will ensure customers get exactly what they want."

l KPMG'S Newcastle office has appointed two people to its employment tax group.

CAROLINE LAFFEY joins KPMG from Tait Walker and has 12 years' experience in the field of employment taxes and share schemes. After training with Ernst and Young, she spent eight years as a general tax practitioner

MICHAEL WILSON has joined KPMG's Newcastle office from the Inland Revenue.

He served eight years with the Inland Revenue as manager of its PAYE/NIC inspection teams.

John Hart, director of KPMG's tax group in Newcastle, said: "We are delighted to have Caroline and Michael join our expanding employment tax group. Their impressive track record across all areas of employment tax will allow them to play a key role."

l CARE service company the Phoenix Medical Group has made two appointments.

The appointments of LYNNE JOSS as business development manager and KELLY NASH as sales supervisor bring the total number of staff at Phoenix's Middlesbrough head office to 28.

Ms Joss has 33 years' experience in the care industry, the past eight in senior management in operations and training.

She will promote the Phoenix Group in the North-East.

Ms Nash, previously a call centre manager in charge of 100 staff, will supervise sales personnel and develop sales and customer care training.

The changes come shortly before Phoenix opens its first branch office, at Filey, North Yorkshire on August 1. There are plans to open a second branch office in Selby.

Phoenix, which was formed as a nursing agency, provides care services and has about 600 staff.

l LEISURE management company Vimac Leisure has strengthened its management structure to help with future expansion.

Commercial director JASON GREENWOOD is moving into the role of managing director, with PAUL MACKINGS taking up the position of chief executive.

l Car dealer SG Petch has appointed Suzie English-Stewart as group sales and marketing manager.

She has worked in radio, Press and as sales director of a local advertising agency, where she managed a number of motor dealer accounts.

SG Petch worked with Suzie in her role as co-ordinator of the North-East MG Rover Dealer Forum.

She said: "This is such an exciting time. To cross over from servicing advertising accounts to progress my career at the sharp end of the business with SG Petch is a fantastic opportunity."