Several North East companies have announced new appointments and promotions this week, including Ward Hadaway, B7, DAC Beachcroft, and Muse.
Ward Hadaway Strengthens Healthcare Employment Practice
Law firm Ward Hadaway has appointed Helen Badger and Gemma Lynch as partners, bolstering its employment law expertise for NHS trusts, independent healthcare providers, and health tech businesses. Both join from Browne Jacobson, where they advised clients across England and Wales.
Their arrival comes as the NHS and wider healthcare sector continue to manage staffing pressures, workplace risks, and new operating models. Ms Badger advises public and independent healthcare bodies at board level on workforce strategy and complex, high-value litigation. Ms Lynch has extensive experience representing healthcare clients in complex employment tribunal claims and advises on service redesign, organizational change, and collaborative operating models.
Harmajinder Hayre, head of employment at Ward Hadaway, said: “The NHS is the country’s largest employer. The workforce challenges facing trusts and providers are significant, and the healthcare sector are seeking pragmatic, solutions-focused and cost-conscious advice. These appointments strengthen our ability to support healthcare employers on issues that are often complex, sensitive and closely tied to service delivery.”
B7 Appoints Daniel Gourley as Social Media Manager
Newcastle-based marketing agency B7 has appointed Daniel Gourley as social media manager. The appointment comes amid an expanding client portfolio across financial services, utilities, data engineering, and professional services, while supporting the wider growth of the B7 group. Mr Gourley spent four years at performance marketing agency Silverbean, working across graphic design, copywriting, strategy, and video production.
David Broom, founder of B7, said: “B7 is continuing to grow, both in terms of our client base and the wider group, so it’s important that we keep investing in the right people. Daniel has really hit the ground running since joining us. He’s a problem solver, he thinks like we do, and he sees solutions to challenges while also being confident enough to challenge our thinking and lead us to better outcomes.”
Mr Gourley said: “I’m really pleased to have joined B7 at such an exciting time for the business. The variety of clients, sectors and challenges is exactly what attracted me to the role, and I’m looking forward to helping the team build on the strong results already being delivered.”
DAC Beachcroft Elects Paul Davison as Newcastle Location Head
International law firm DAC Beachcroft's Newcastle-based partners have elected Paul Davison as the new location head for the city's office. Mr Davison takes over from Nicola Fairbairn and will serve a three-year term. He advises on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious commercial insurance matters, including policy coverage disputes, professional indemnity, D&O liability, material damage and business interruption, transactional liability, and environmental insurance.
Mr Davison also acts for London market insurers in claims involving professionals and advises on insurance market agreements, policy wordings, and the structuring of insurance programs. He currently leads DACB's Commercial Insurance service line, managing colleagues across Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester, and London.
“I am extremely proud to take on the role of location head for our Newcastle office and to build on the wonderful legacy Nicky has created,” said Mr Davison. “Under her leadership, the office has developed a cohesive, supportive and positive working environment, and I am committed to ensuring that continues.”
Muse Appoints Max King as Director of Project Management
Regeneration firm Muse has appointed Max King as director of project management in its Yorkshire and North East team. Mr King re-joins Muse, where he previously worked in the North West team as senior project director for five years, before a spell as director of projects at Latimer by Clarion. He brings experience across all forms of housing tenure, as well as large-scale town and city centre regeneration.
In his new role, Mr King will support the delivery of major placemaking projects across Muse’s rapidly expanding Yorkshire and North East portfolio, including Bradford City Village, East Bank in Hull, Durham Innovation District, Baltic Quarter in Gateshead, a Strategic Regeneration Partnership in Wakefield, and the recently announced Sunniside partnership with Sunderland City Council.
He said: “I’m delighted to be returning to Muse and joining the Yorkshire and North East team at such an important point for the region. There is a strong pipeline of ambitious regeneration projects, backed by talented people and trusted partnerships, creating a real opportunity to deliver places that generate lasting economic and social value.”
