Newcastle chartered accountancy and business advisory firm UNW has appointed former PwC dealmaker Paul Mankin as corporate finance partner.
Mr Mankin brings over three decades worth of experience to the role, which will see him chair the firm’s corporate finance business, helping to guide and build the team and further strengthen its position in the marketplace.
He left PwC in December 2020, having spent 38 years at the firm, during which he advised on a number of high profile deals including the sale of Aesica Pharmaceuticals to Consort Medical plc and the disposal of Anson Limited to National Oilwell Varco Inc.
He said: “UNW has a very strong brand that is differentiated locally, with an exceptional track record of going above and beyond for its clients and supporting the development of its people. The strength in depth of our corporate finance team means we have the capability to advise a broad and varied client base, and I’m looking forward to playing my part in its continued success by supporting the existing team and by recruiting further talent at all levels.”
Malavika Anderson has been appointed by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums (TWAM) as museum manager at Newcastle University’s Great North Museum: Hancock.
Ms Anderson joins TWAM from Wellcome Collection in London, where she was head of live programme. She has also worked at the University of Cambridge, Goethe-Institut in New Delhi and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
At the Great North Museum: Hancock, she will oversee an engaging public programme of exhibitions and events whilst caring for internationally important collections and supporting research at Newcastle University.
She said: “This is a challenging but exciting time for museums and cultural spaces. They play a crucial role in bringing people together in accessible, public spaces and help us to reflect on the world in which we live in quite profound ways. In its capacity to facilitate access and nurture interest in ideas about nature, science, history and culture, the Great North Museum: Hancock stands as a vital institution – regionally, nationally, and internationally.”
A Newcastle business finance expert has taken over as chair of the North East region of insolvency and restructuring trade body R3.
Chris Ferguson is now responsible for leading R3 campaigns to highlight the benefits of accessing qualified advice from North East insolvency and restructuring professionals for both individuals and businesses with financial concerns, and will serve a two-year term in the post.
Mr Ferguson, who is head of recovery and insolvency at Gosforth-based RMT Accountants & Business Advisors and a licensed insolvency practitioner, takes over the position from Alexandra Withers, an associate director at Manolete Partners plc in Newcastle.
He said: “The North East’s insolvency and restructuring community makes a significant and often unsung contribution towards the overall well-being of the regional economy, and this expertise will play a crucial role in the region’s economic recovery from the pandemic.”
EY has appointed Stephanie Beaumont to the Newcastle leadership team as an associate partner.
Ms Beaumont joined EY in 2007 as an experienced hire and she has over 18 years’ experience across accountancy and professional services, as well as expertise in international accounting and auditing standards.
During her time at EY, she has worked with a diverse portfolio of clients from the private and public sector, including a number of the North East’s largest companies.
She said: “Progressing to associate partner is a proud moment in my career and I have received incredible support from EY throughout my journey. In EY Newcastle, we have a fantastic team of talent and work with an inspiring range of companies.”
Sustainability tech developer Turntide Technologies has appointed Scott Smrdel as its new chief technology officer and executive vice president of engineering.
Richard Hellinga, who previously held the CTO position, will now lead a new global technology and innovation group.
Mr Smrdel joins Turntide, which has its UK operations in Gateshead and Sunderland, from BAE Systems, where he was the engineering leader and CTO of their ground vehicles business unit.
He said: “Climate change is the biggest challenge of our time, and Turntide is a mission-driven technology company that is looking to help optimise how humanity uses energy. I am eager to contribute to such an impressive team at this critical moment for both the company and the planet.”
North East architects and interior designers Studio Anyo has announced two new appointments as it continues to develop and expand its regional and national operations.
Michelle Tang joins as a Part 1 architectural assistant while Alannah Lyons comes in as an interior designer.
Director Craig Kipling said: “Our investment in Michelle and Alannah alongside other experienced and skilled people is the linchpin of providing top quality advice and services to our clients. We look forward to both contributing to our ongoing success and adding significantly to the team’s knowledge, capabilities and all-round expertise.”
Smart Works Newcastle, a charity that gives women the confidence they need to secure employment, has appointed North East marketing professional and creative agency owner, Lisa Eaton, as deputy chair.
Ms Eaton has been a member of the charity’s board of trustees since 2021 and is stepping up to provide more strategic support to the organisation as it aims to double the number of women it helps back into employment.
With over 20 years’ industry experience, Ms Eaton is a leading figure in the North East marketing sector, having founded creative agency Unwritten as well as marketing academy Fabric.
She said: “Confidence is one of the biggest barriers for women wanting to get into, or back into work, so seeing how Smart Works empowers women in this way and plays a role in their future success is incredibly rewarding. I’m taking on this new role at a time when we plan to double the number of women we support to over 720, which will involve dedicated stakeholder and referrer engagement to ensure that North East women are aware of the service we offer.”
