A BUSINESSiQ round-up of the key moves at influential companies around the North East - who’s in and who’s out
Pensana
Rare earth minerals are central to the transition away from internal combustion engines and critical to electric vehicles and offshore wind turbines - both dominant issues for the North East.
Pensana plans to establish Saltend down the coast from Teesside as an independent and sustainable processing hub supplying the key magnet metal oxides to a market which is currently dominated by China and they have just made a key appointment, bringing in Alison Saxby as Independent Non-Executive Director with effect from 17 August 2022.
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Alison is an industry leading expert with over 35 years of experience in industrial minerals and metals. She was recently a member of the UK government’s Critical Materials Global Expert Mission to both Canada and the USA for Innovate UK-KTN, and is working with Edumine to provide educational courses on critical materials.
Alison said: “I am delighted to be joining the Board at this exciting moment as Pensana breaks ground on the world’s first independent and sustainable rare earth processing hub here in the UK, providing electric vehicle and wind turbine OEMs, as well as magnet manufacturers, with an independent and sustainable supply of rare earths.”
Building on the recent Saltend ground breaking and Automotive Transformation Fund announcement, Pensana is moving towards funding and development of the world’s first independent and sustainable rare earth supply chain to support the energy transition.
Automotive Transformation Group
Also in the transition sector, after more than 17 years serving the organisation throughout times of unprecedented change and rapid evolution, current Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), Tim Smith has been appointed CEO of the Automotive Transformation Group.
He will utilise his experience in the automotive and technology sector to lead the development of the group’s strategy and deliver the resources needed to satisfy evolving industry demands.
Tim said: “For almost two decades I have lived and breathed automotive transformation.
“In that time, I have been lucky enough to play an integral role in the development of the Group’s strategic goals, helping to innovate industry-shifting products to support our customers through rapid evolution.”
Executive Chairman, David Riemenschneider said: “Tim has developed an unparalleled understanding of the challenges faced by the industry. He is perfectly placed for this promotion, having delivered the group’s strategic direction during an unprecedented period of uncertainty.”
Eddisons
Property group Eddisons has made a new appointment to its growing valuations team based at the firm’s 10-strong Newcastle city centre office.
Donna Alderson has joined Eddisons from Newcastle City Council as a senior surveyor. She managed a varied portfolio of properties for the council including Grainger Market, Eldon Square shopping centre and the Theatre Royal. An RICS qualified chartered surveyor, she has wide experience of general practice surveying.
Eddisons director Jason Smith said: “We have also seen growth in our private client work through relationships with a network of local professionals. Our latest new appointment will enable us to further grow our valuation service offering across the North East and Cumbria.”
H&H
H&H Land & Estates, land and property specialists operating across the north of England and southern Scotland, have announced the promotion of Tim Sedgewick to Director.
Tim has been with the company since 2012, originally starting as a Graduate Surveyor. Working across the north of England and North Yorkshire, Tim will continue to oversee the Durham office, and further seek to grow and develop the business presence and service across all geographical locations.
Brought up on a farm in South Durham, Tim has been involved in the agricultural industry his whole life. He is a graduate of Harper Adams University with both a degree in Business Management and Marketing, and a Masters in Rural Estate & Land Management.
Tim said: “I am thrilled to receive this promotion and I am looking forward to taking on new responsibilities. I have a background in rural and commercial property, and I am passionate about rural issues. We are facing some challenging times for both the property and rural sectors and as a company we have a wealth of knowledge and expertise, meaning we are ideally suited to advise and support our customers to ensure that they maximise all opportunities.”
“In taking up this new role my aim is to ensure we provide effective and efficient services and ensure that we stay at the forefront of the property and land market.
“People deal with people and I’m so grateful that we have such fantastic teams across the company. My intention will be to further develop and value our people so that they can continue to offer cutting edge and bespoke advice to our clients.”
H&H Land & Estates are the leading chartered surveyors, valuers and estate and lettings agents for the North of England. They have seven branches that offer their clients a range of professional services for both land and property.
Mark Johnson, Managing Director for H&H Land & Estates said: “I am delighted by Tim’s promotion; he has been with the company for ten years and as Director he will now also join the Executive Board of the H&H Group.
“As part of his new responsibilities Tim will be directly involved in the day-to-day management of the company and take a lead on the progression of the business and its people.
“I wish Tim every success for the future, and I am sure he will do a tremendous job in his new role.”
Alncom
Rural broadband specialist Alncom has appointed a new head of sales to meet increased demand for rural broadband with their latest connection going live in County Durham.
Ian Finlay, 40, will be responsible for the sales team, working closely with Head of Community and Stakeholder Engagement John Parker to increase the FTTP (fibre to the premises) customer base in County Durham up to the Scottish Borders. John Parker will continue to work closely with the community across the region. Their latest build going live in Holwick, Upper Teesdale.
Finlay’s role will include close liaison with forward build control & planning, facilitating customer sign up to ensure that future Alncom customers have full understanding prior to their connection of ultrafast fibre broadband.
Ian Finlay said; “Alncom have one of the highest customer service plans I have ever encountered and coupled with their tremendous team spirit and experience, I leapt at the chance to work with them”.
The company is keen to work closely with every community they build in. Community Engagement Officer John Parker said; “our company policy is to create free “digital hubs” in village halls and churches where possible, with the aim to support and bring communities back together where we build FTTP, particularly after the covid effect left many people feeling isolated and cut off”.
Alncom’s Managing Director Stephen Pinchen said: “Our aim is to deliver a first class experience for the customer and the community as a whole. It’s not just about sign ups, it’s about genuinely caring for the communities we work and live within. This approach works well and customers are generally delighted.”
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