Burnetts Solicitors LLP has appointed property litigation solicitor Sue Roberts as a new partner at its Newcastle office.
Ms Roberts has more than 20 years’ experience in property litigation and has spent 18 years at a top North East firm before joining Burnetts. She said: “I knew that Burnetts was looking for someone to add to their property litigation team and I felt that was a gap that I could fill.
“Because I have worked in this area for some considerable time, I know lots of key players who I would hope will see how much Burnetts have to offer.” James Johnston, head of dispute resolution at Burnetts, added: “Sue has a fantastic reputation and her experience and knowledge in the area of property litigation are second to none. She will be a huge asset to our already strong team.”
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Andy Ross has been appointed managing director of the Anglo-Saxon Museum and Distillery, Ad Gefrin, based in Wooler, Northumberland.
Previously commercial director, Mr Ross now takes on overall responsibility for both the visitor experience and distillery. The move allows the other two executive directors, Dr Chris Ferguson and Ben Murphy, to concentrate on their specialist areas – the museum experience and distilling respectively – as the £16m private enterprise builds on its first six months of operation.
Mr Ross first joined Ad Gefrin in September 2022 with nearly 20 years’ experience in the drinks and hospitality business. Ad Gefrin co-founder Eileen Ferguson said: “From the outset, Andy has displayed an invaluable commercial understanding whilst fully understanding our brand, and commitment to family and community. He has brought wisdom, enterprise, commitment to our values and a quiet assurance that epitomises the needs of the business moving forward.”
Thirteen has appointed Matt Cavanagh as its new chief information and technology officer.
Mr Cavanagh will take up the newly created role and join the leadership team after joining from Cala Homes Group, where he held the position of IT director for the last four years. He has spent his 20-year career working across multiple sectors including housebuilding, construction, retail, leisure and fashion.
He said: “It’s a great pleasure to have been given the opportunity to join a brilliant organisation that is doing amazing things. “Thirteen’s social purpose and commitment to supporting customers and communities was a big driver in my decision to accept the role. It’s a fantastic role where I know I can really make a difference to the lives of thousands of people on a daily basis. I’m looking forward to learning more about the organisation and meeting my team and colleagues. I can’t wait to get started.”
Matt Forrest, chief executive officer at Thirteen, said: “Matt is a very experienced tech leader with a proven track record in developing digital strategy and delivering transformational change across digital and IT. We were really impressed with his energy and enthusiasm for wanting to drive positive innovations and impacts that will benefit our customers and colleagues.”
Northumberland Community Bank (NCB) has appointed Scott Wilson-Laing as its new chief executive officer.
Mr Wilson-Laing has built up a prominent profile in the North East region from his current and past tenures, which have seen him work closely and build relationships with businesses and leaders across the North East. He joins from the North East Chamber of Commerce, where he was business engagement manager.
The new role of CEO at Northumberland Community Bank will see him leverage his experience as a founder and managing director of WL Distillery. He said: "I am thrilled to join Northumberland Community Bank as the business enters a stage of transition and a new growth trajectory. The role is an exciting new challenge for me to utilise and leverage my many transferable skills from my previous roles of working closely with businesses across the North East."
Mark McKelvey has been appointed as a director in Avison Young’s Place team, dealing with land transactions, planning, development and public sector consultancy.
Mr McKelvey previously worked for Bellway North East as land director and was subsequently promoted to group projects director (strategic land) for the wider Bellway Plc group. He brings consultancy, strategic land and transactional experience which Gordon Hewling, principal managing director at the Newcastle office, said will reinforce the public sector work the company is involved with across the northern region.
Mr Hewling said: “Mark’s appointment is tremendous news for Avison Young, given his extensive experience within the land and development sectors in both agency and direct development roles, over the last 30 years. He will reinforce our position as a leading advisor to the public sector across the region.”
Mr McKelvey said: “I am really excited to be joining Avison Young and looking forward to using the experience and knowledge I have gained from the housebuilding industry to help our clients deliver development opportunities.”
