A BUSINESSiQ round-up of the key moves at influential companies around the North East - who’s in and who’s out

 

WilliamsAli

WilliamsAli Corporate Finance has added one of the best-known names in the region’s corporate finance sector to its team.

Lucy Elliott joins as Associate Director to reinforce its continuing reputation as a provider of specialist dealmaking expertise in the region’s M&A landscape.

Lucy has nearly 20 years of experience in providing lead advisory work across a broad range of sectors and a vast number of high-profile, complex deals.

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She moves to the award-winning, corporate finance specialists at a time of strong progress for the firm, which was founded by Abu Ali and Phil Williams in 2019, and continues its commitment to senior-level recruitment and a growing client base

Lucy’s arrival is the third significant hire for the boutique firm in only a few months, following the recent appointments of Associate Director Mo Miah and Paul Kaiser as Chairman.

“It is a massive decision to join another firm after 19 years at Azets and a big move to make, but WilliamsAli is a perfect fit for me,” says Lucy.

“It has a very strong reputation in the marketplace with great clients, and the team are friendly, relatable and excellent at what they do. I am looking forward to working in a small boutique with great people around me who I can work closely with.

“I am committed to developing future talent in M&A , that’s an aspect of working in this sector I really enjoy, and have supported many colleagues in their corporate finance careers over the years” says Lucy.

Phil Williams, co-founder of WilliamsAli Corporate Finance, said: “As one of very few women working in North East corporate finance - and even fewer to have worked at a senior level for almost two decades - Lucy truly stands out in the marketplace for her significant and ongoing achievements.”

 

Clothier Lacey

Clothier Lacey & Co (CLC), a longstanding marketing and PR agency based in the North East, has introduced Emilia Turnbull and Amy McGarahan as the latest additions to its team.

Emilia and Amy are stepping into their roles as PR executives, entrusted with research, media liaison, developing press releases, and account management.

Emilia, a final-year student studying media, communication, and cultural studies at Newcastle University, brings a creative background to her new position, with prior experience in journalism, social media management, writing, and directing.

Amy has recently graduated from Newcastle University, with a first-class honours degree.

 

Salamander Pumps

Sunderland-based Salamander Pumps is aiming to put innovation at the centre of its growth plans this year with the announcement of Bryan Liddle as Sales Director.

Salamander is one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of water boosting solutions, providing shower pump products to homeowners far and wide.

With over 40 years of experience in the industry and helping build more than 15 different sales teams in his career, Bryan has joined Salamander Pumps to lead on the wider sales strategy and help fuel continued growth.

Bryan said: “Being from the North East myself, I couldn’t resist the offer to join a leading manufacturer right in the heart of our region.

“I’m already looking forward to helping the entre sales team deliver new and innovative products to market, as well as achieving profitable growth in the months ahead.”

 

EveryTurn

The national mental health non-profit, Everyturn Mental Health, has announced Jonathan Mogford as its new chair of trustees.

The Northern Echo: Jonathan MogfordJonathan Mogford (Image: Press release)
Jonathan will begin his new role with the Newcastle-based organisation this month, taking over from the current chair, Rosemary Granger, who is stepping down after four years in the role.
Having worked for the Department of Health and Social Care and the UK Medicines Regulator until September 2022, Jonathan is also a national and local trustee for Citizens Advice, as well as a member of the Health Advisory Board for the life sciences public affairs organisation, Brevia.
Jonathan joins the board of trustees as Everyturn focuses on the wider national expansion of its leading community mental health initiatives, including waiting list support, crisis support, and talking therapies.
CEO of Everyturn Mental Health, Adam Crampsie, said: “We are pleased to welcome Jonathan as the new Chair of our board of trustees. His breadth of specialised experience and expertise will bring a fresh perspective to the organisation and highlight our continued commitment to representing greater diversity, in both background and knowledge.
“This new appointment will further strengthen our board, helping guide our practices and initiate necessary steps in supporting individuals and communities with their mental health. I also want to say a huge thank you to Rosemary, our current chair for her incredible leadership over the past four years.”
New chair of trustees, Jonathan Mogford said: “I am delighted to be joining Everyturn to support them in this exciting new phase of the organisation. They have a clear vision that no one should struggle alone, and I am committed to supporting Adam and his team in bringing that to fruition.
“Growing and adapting mental health services to fit the needs and communities of the future is a huge part of the healthcare agenda. In my work with Citizens Advice, I’ve seen how closely mental health issues are linked to life circumstances, and how working in partnership is at the heart of the solution to the challenges we face. I feel excited and privileged to be part of Everyturn’s mission to be there for people when they need us and to give them practical ways to keep themselves well in the future.”

 

East Durham Business Network

The Network has announced the appointment of new co-chairmen to drive forward the group’s activities.

The Northern Echo: Ranjeet Gill and Gursh KahlonRanjeet Gill and Gursh Kahlon (Image: Press release)
Ranjeet Gill and Gursh Kahlon, who co-founded commercial property company Clearwater Developments more than ten years ago, replace outgoing chairman Paul Wellstead, who has relocated to the Lake District following two years leading the network.
Ranj and Gursh bring with them a wealth of experience and a goal to support businesses in the East Durham area.
They are responsible for dozens of regeneration projects, including commercial and residential schemes in Seaham and Sunderland, and their latest developments include the Lighthouse View building at Lighthouse View Business Park and the purchase of Spectrum 5 on Spectrum Business Park.
Leanne Fawcett, who is vice chairman of East Durham Business Network, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ranj and Gursh as our new chairmen.
“They are hugely passionate about the East Durham area and are the perfect replacements for our outgoing chairman Paul Wellstead, who made the decision to step down from his role as chairman.
“Myself and my fellow vice chairman, Guy Bashford, would like to thank Paul for everything he did to support the launch of the network and its growth as one of the region’s most well-respected and popular business groups.

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“Now, though, we look forward to our new tenure under the leadership of Ranj and Gursh, who I know will use their expertise and experience to take the network on this exciting new phase of growth.”
Ranj Gill said: “As local businessmen, we want to do everything we can to help the continued development of the East Durham area, and are looking forward to working with our fellow network members to identify opportunities which can further enhance this wonderful coastal location.”
Gursh Kahlon said: “Having been involved with the network for some time, it’s an honour for Ranj and I to be asked to chair the network and build on the excellent progress made by Paul, Guy and Leanne since its launch two years ago.”