North East law firm Savage Silk has appointed Julie Marley as an employment law consultant.
Ms Marley is a highly experienced employment lawyer who was a partner and head of employment law at Endeavour Partnership, before diversifying her practice to include external consultancy support to a range of sectors. As a member of Savage Silk’s corporate team, she is also reunited with a number of former colleagues from the North East legal sector.
She said: “I am delighted to be able to offer my support to the team at Savage Silk and am impressed by its fresh approach to client centric legal services. My private practice and in-house experience will benefit businesses in the region who are looking to manage their employment law requirements.”
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Satpal Pandal, partner at Savage Silk, said: “Julie is one of the most experienced employment lawyers in the region with an exceptional reputation in the Tees Valley. We’re delighted to welcome her to Savage Silk as we grow our presence across the North East and provide our growing client base with the best advice and expertise.”
Carl Swansbury (left) and Alex Simpson at Ryecroft Glenton Corporate Finance (Image: Ryecroft Glenton Corporate Finance)Ryecroft Glenton Corporate Finance (RGCF) has welcomed an experienced dealmaker back to the firm, with Alex Simpson returning to become corporate finance director.
Having started his career with ‘Big Four’ firms Deloitte and EY within their audit teams, he made the move into corporate finance when he joined RGCF in 2015. He spent six years with the firm before leaving to join Mercia Ventures as an investment manager, also sitting on a number of boards during his time with the company.
He said: “I am excited to return to RGCF, bringing my broader range of skills and experience to the firm. My time with Mercia Ventures gave me a different perspective of the investment market, which will be of benefit to our clients. RGCF’s reputation continues to grow, as does the team, which is soon to be two dozen strong, and I’ve seen its team of excellent people deliver some significant transactions in the time I’ve been away. I’m looking forward to working with them again on some large and interesting deals.”
Carl Swansbury, partner and head of corporate finance at RGCF, said: “Alex is an exceptional dealmaker, a trusted and liked professional and friend, and I am delighted to welcome him back to RGCF. We have an exceptional pipeline of transactions in the coming months and the strengthening of our team further signals our ambitions to continue to build on our position as one of the most active and successful CF boutiques, advising clients nationally.”
The Advanced Manufacturing Forum (AMF) the team has welcomed Rachel Skeoch and Tom Coverdale to its board (Image: Advanced Manufacturing Forum)The Advanced Manufacturing Forum (AMF) has appointed two new additions to its board, Rachel Skeoch and Tom Coverdale, to add new skills and expertise.
The AMF is a members network that connects and supports manufacturers and engineering businesses from across the region through industry events, knowledge-sharing sessions, and collaborative projects aimed at advancing manufacturing technologies and best practice.
With more than a decade of experience in business to business marketing, Ms Skeoch’s background spans start-ups to global FTSE 250 firms. Meanwhile, Mr Coverdale is the third generation of his family at British manufacturers, Ebac.
Richard Swart, AMF chair said: “With new members on the board, the AMF envisions a future where it serves as the definitive voice of manufacturing in the region, advocating for the needs and aspirations of industry stakeholders. Central to this vision is the commitment to sharing best practices, encouraging a culture of continuous improvement, and driving collaboration among members. We are delighted with the appointments of Rachel and Tom; they bring a new set of expertise and perspective which will contribute to our vision for our members and the sector.”
Gemma Robinson of Vida Creative (Image: Vida Creative)Newcastle brand, marketing and digital transformation agency Vida Creative has grown its team with the addition of a returning developer.
The Ouseburn business has welcomed back Gemma Robinson, who returns to the team as a senior developer.
After leaving university, Ms Robinson held various roles at creative and marketing agencies in the Midlands and moved back to the region during the pandemic. She joined Vida Creative as a developer in 2021 until 2023 and following a brief stint at a WordPress agency on Teesside last year, she has returned to support the agency’s continued growth.
She said: “I thrive in a fast paced environment, and I love doing great work with great people, which is the main reason I returned to Vida. I missed the nature of the work I was doing, particularly supporting the local community. I also really missed the team – we’re a close bunch and I really value their support, in work and life.”
UK planning and development consultancy Lichfields has appointed Newcastle-based Jonathan Wallace as its new chair, taking over from Justin Gartland.
Mr Wallace, a senior director and board member, has previously led the company’s Newcastle office and brings 30 years of planning experience into the role. Still based in Newcastle, Mr Wallace is one of the UK’s leading town centre and retail experts working for major clients such as M&S, McDonalds, and BP. He will combine his fee earning role with chairing the board and contributing to defining the strategic direction of the company.
Chief executive James Fennell said: “Jonathan’s experience and proven leadership credentials make him a great fit for this role. He will be central to the delivery of our exciting business strategy and making the most of the many opportunities that we have identified for the future.”
Mr Wallace said: “It is an honour to succeed Justin Gartland and carry forward his great work, at the heart of which has always been looking after our clients and staff very well. As we are an employee-owned business, I am most looking forward to working with all our people to enhance Lichfields’ position at the forefront of the planning and development industry.”
