Newcastle-based content performance and digital PR agency North has promoted Bethanie Durham to associate director.
In her new role, Ms Durham, who was previously head of content and digital PR, will be the driving force behind the growth and management of the agency.
She has held a number of roles within N21, starting as outreach manager at Silverbean in 2018.
She said: “I am delighted to have been promoted to associate director, it has been an incredible journey over the last five years and this is just the beginning for North I want to say a huge thank you to all those who have supported me along the way.
“The success we’ve seen as a company in such a short space of time is a demonstration of both the outstanding quality of work and team culture at NORTH. We are extremely excited for what the next year will bring.”
Neil Robbins, CEO of N21 said: “Bethanie’s promotion is a testament to her dedication, resilience and passion in which she has demonstrated over the last five years. She has played a vital role in North’s continued success and we want to congratulate her for all her hard work.
Clive Owen LLP has appointed an experienced new partner. Phillipa Symington joins the firm, which has offices in Darlington, Durham, York and Middlesbrough, from KPMG in Leeds.
As a partner in the audit team, Ms Symington will work with a broad client base, providing audit and technical compliance services. She has more than 18 years of experience working with owner managed businesses and has worked across many different sectors including retail, pharmaceutical, leisure and hospitality, property, technology and manufacturing.
As part of her new role at Clive Owen LLP she will be working in Darlington with Kevin Shotton, head of audit and compliance for the firm. She said: “I am delighted to be joining a firm that is so people-focused, open and inclusive in the way it works. I have never known an environment where everyone has a smile on their face all the time, but Clive Owen LLP is exactly like that. The culture is amazing and as a single mum of two children the work life balance the firm offers is perfect.”
Real estate advisor Avison Young has promoted Hannah Gray to associate within the planning, development and regeneration team at its Newcastle office.
Ms Gray joined the Newcastle office in 2016 having completed an undergraduate degree in management and marketing before achieving a distinction in her master’s course in town planning at Newcastle University. She then qualified as a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute in April 2018.
She has played a key role in securing permissions across the city, particularly East Pilgrim Street and Newcastle Helix. Matt Verlander, Head of Newcastle’s planning, development and regeneration team, said: “Hannah is a key member of our planning team in Newcastle and has performed at the highest level to secure major planning permissions for key clients. I am delighted and congratulate her on this well-deserved promotion.”
Castle Building Services has appointed David Mathieson as senior quantity surveyor. Mr Mathieson, originally from Paisley, Scotland, previously held the position of senior quantity surveyor at Arc-Tech Scotland for nearly five years.
The North East company operates across the UK and Mr Mathieson will focus his activities around the Edinburgh and Glasgow offices. He said: “I join Castle Building Services at an exciting time. I was attracted to the role because it has a good reputation and clear progression routes in place for employees to continue their personal progression.”
Tier One Capital has grown its team further with the appointment of Bianca Chibanda.
As wealth management support, Ms Chibanda will work closely with Tier One Capital’s team of financial advisers who deliver financial advice to the firm’s growing client base.
Paul Blight, head of wealth management, said: “Bianca is a great example of the talented people we are attracting to Tier One Capital with the intention of providing a tangible and rewarding career path. She is a welcome addition to the team and will play an important role working alongside our financial advisers in their support of our growing client base.”
Ms Chibanda said: “Tier One Capital has a strong reputation for its financial advice and client support, and I am very pleased to have the opportunity to join the team. I am keen to develop a career in financial services and look forward to progressing and gaining more experience with the business.”
Print and marketing company AlphaGraphics North East has appointed Michelle Keeton as an account director to support its growth.
Ms Keeton has a 30-year career in print, packaging and marketing across varied industries, including automotive, food and beverages. At AGNE, she will be responsible for managing the account of one of the firm’s big name automotive clients.
She said: “I’ll be managing one of the biggest accounts here at AGNE and will be responsible for the day-to-day running across the whole account – working with marketing teams nationwide to provide an excellent service. I’ll be advising on their print and marketing materials in dealerships, including POS, display and signage, as well as helping develop their event campaigns.
“My job is to offer the highest level of customer service to our clients and provide them with a dedicated point of contact with access to support and advice for all their print and marketing needs.”
