Offsite construction and manufacturing specialist Merit has appointed Steve Barrett as operations director.
The Cramlington-based firm has promoted Mr Barrett who has more than 20 years of experience and joined Merit in 2021 as project director. He has previously worked in senior operational roles at Jacobs, the international consultancy, and Laing O’Rourke. Merit’s CEO, Tony Wells, said: “Our newest appointment to Merit’s board of directors cements our commitment to delivering the highest rates of productivity within the construction industry. Having already made an impact in his role as project director, we are delighted to welcome Steve into his new role as operations director to support Merit’s high period of growth.
“With operational efficiency, innovation and health and safety in mind, Steve’s extensive expertise will play a major role in further enhancing Merit’s offsite manufacturing capabilities.” Mr Barrett said: “I’ve held operations roles in construction and engineering for over two decades now and am all too aware of the limitations and challenges that hamper traditional construction.
“Since joining Merit in 2021, I’ve been hugely impressed by its commitment to innovation and the thrill that comes with being part of a thriving business that is revolutionising the sector. Merit’s investment in R&D is way ahead of traditional construction, and I’m looking forward to playing a leading role in implementing this expertise by sharpening and standardising our approach.
Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance has appointed Dominic Castle as regional managing director for Yorkshire and the North East.
Mr Castle brings more than 12 years’ experience in valuation and corporate advisory to the lender, having previously worked for SIA Group (UK), KPMG and PwC. As regional managing director in Yorkshire and the North East, Mr Castle will lead the firm’s core strategy across the region, including working with Secure Trust’s existing clients, as well as driving business development opportunities across its network of advisors and private equity.
Mr Castle said: “Given its innovative approach to asset-based lending and highly-experienced team, I look forward to settling into this new role and working closely with the regional team, helping to support ambitious management teams and driving business growth across the North. The tougher economic climate of recent months has shown the continued importance of supporting innovative businesses across the UK to help deliver their growth ambitions.”
John Bevan, managing director at Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance, said: “With the wealth of experience and contacts he already holds in the industry, it’s great for the team to welcome Dominic in Yorkshire and the North East. The team is well-placed to continue supporting businesses across the region, working closely with the respective management teams to provide industry-leading flexible finance solutions and expertise. Working closely with John Gribbon, Dominic’s introduction to the business will be seamless as they continue to support the region’s existing portfolio, as well as potential new clients. John’s work across the region over the past few years has been exemplary, and Dominic is well placed to continue this strong legacy.”
Ryecroft Glenton Corporate Finance (RGCF) has promoted Adam Tindale to corporate finance manager.
Mr Tindale joined the Newcastle-based firm in 2016, and started as an audit and accounts assistant before progressing to audit and accounts senior in 2021 when qualifying as a chartered certified accountant. During his six years with the firm, Mr Tindale has spent time on secondment in several of RGCF’s six service lines, including corporate finance.
He has advised on the successful completion of a number of notable merger and acquisition transactions, the most recent project being the sale of Stockton-on-Tees-based ecology consultancy Naturally Wild to Cura Terrae, an environmental services group backed by Palatine PE. Carl Swansbury, partner and head of corporate finance at RGCF, said: “Adam has really thrived within RG Corporate Finance and has constantly showcased his dedication and hard work. He is a fine example of the potential for career progression within Ryecroft Glenton and of the benefits of working across varied projects within different service lines, guaranteeing a greater breadth of experience.”
Mr Tindale said: “Since joining Ryecroft Glenton in 2016, everyone has been hugely supportive in helping me to progress my career and I’m impressed with the firm’s commitment to recognising and rewarding hard work. It has been fascinating working with a diverse variety of businesses to help them grow by delivering exceptional financial and strategic advice. In my new position, I look forward to taking a more senior role on M&A transactions, whilst providing guidance and support to the more junior members of the team as RGCF continues to grow.”
Cramlington-based packaging group Reproflex3 has appointed Brendan Regan as chief financial officer.
Mr Regan has more than 25 years’ experience after beginning his career at UNW Chartered Accountants working in auditing and corporate finance. Having spent more than a decade in senior finance and regional operations director positions at Parkdean Resorts, Mr Regan has more recently specialised in finance director and chief financial officer roles for several owner-managed SMEs.
Andrew Hewitson, Reproflex3 group CEO, said: “Brendan completes the last in a series of strategic appointments to build what I believe is a formidable leadership team. He brings a wealth of relevant expertise with ambitious SMEs seeking to grow and diversify. This is an exciting time for the business and we are looking forward to what lies ahead.”
Mr Regan added: "Andrew and business co-founder Trevor Lowes, have built an exceptional business based on innovation and collaboration. I’m looking forward to using my expertise in corporate finance as the group continues its expansion trajectory through acquisition and organic growth. To do that successfully, it is important consistent financial disciplines are deployed across the company globally and underpinned by an efficient group-wide reporting structure to enable fast and effective decision making."
Gateshead pharmaceuticals firm Shield Therapeutics plc has appointed Andy Hurley as chief commercial officer.
Mr Hurley brings three decades of experience as a strategic commercial leader at large and small biopharmaceutical companies and has joined from Agenus where he was chief commercial and medical/clinical officer. He will oversee Shield’s commercial organisation with responsibility for US sales, marketing, operations, managed markets and patient services.
Greg Madison, chief executive officer at Shield Therapeutics, said: “We are excited to have Andy as our new chief commercial officer with his proven track record of delivering successful product launches and exceptionally strong set of commercial skills and experience. I have no doubt he will make a tremendous impact as we advance our commercial efforts in the US and expand the international growth of Accrufer. Initiation of the collaborative US sales agreement with Viatris has set Accrufer up for a strong 2023 growth in prescriptions and product sales. With the recruitment of our team of dedicated sales professionals well underway, we are pleased to be on track to achieve our salesforce expansion goals by May 1, 2032. Andy’s appointment further strengthens our commitment to making a commercial success of Accrufer.”
Mr Hurley said: “I am inspired by Shield’s impressive progress, growth and commitment to helping patients. With strong clinical efficacy, a broad label and differentiated product profile, Shield has positioned Accrufer to deliver on its vision to be the oral iron of choice. I am looking forward to working with this talented team to contribute to the Company’s commercial growth strategy and future success.”
Healthcare marketing communications agency Onyx Health has made a trio of appointments including Laura Waldron as account manager, Katy Johns as creative artworker and Lewis Hutchinson as marketing communications trainee.
Newcastle native Laura Waldron joins Onyx Health from Slater Heelis, where she worked as a digital marketing manager. Meanwhile mother of two, Katy Johns, joins the design team with a personal interest in healthcare and extensive experience as a creative artworker.
And Lewis Hutchinson joins the team alongside his ongoing Chartered Institute of Marketing studies. Trevor Pill, managing director said: “We’re delighted to have Laura, Katy and Lewis join the talented Onyx Health team to provide further creative and project management support. The north-east has lots of talented people and as we continue to grow and make a global impact, we want our team to fulfil their potential and career aspirations without needing to leave the area.
“Our clients across the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors appreciate our collaborative nature and our ability to get the job done with a friendly and honest approach, qualities synonymous with north-east culture. Our new starters have these qualities in abundance and I’m looking forward to seeing the impact they’ll have on the agency.”
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