Several prominent North East organisations have strengthened their leadership teams with key appointments this week, signalling continued confidence in the region's economic prospects.
Housing Sector Strengthens Community Focus
Housing association Bernicia has appointed Jenny Allinson as executive director of communities, a newly created role that will combine housing services with community support initiatives. Chief executive John Johnston welcomed Ms Allinson to the executive team, highlighting her previous achievements as director of corporate governance where she led employability and corporate social responsibility work.
Mr Johnston emphasised that the new position will target investments and resources to achieve maximum community impact. Ms Allinson expressed her excitement about joining the executive team during a period of significant potential for the organisation.
Legal Firms Expand Their Teams
Law firm Jacksons has made multiple appointments across its Newcastle and Yarm offices, welcoming Stephanie Craddock as a trainee legal executive in conveyancing, Yasir Hussain as a commercial property solicitor, Louis Dinsdale as a solicitor in the corporate and commercial team, and Evie Jones as an apprentice.
Erica Turner, head of legal and partner at Jacksons, stated that these appointments reflect the firm's ambition to become an employer of choice while maintaining high-quality legal services across the North East.
Meanwhile, Muckle LLP's corporate team has welcomed newly qualified solicitor Jordon Goodman, who completed the firm's graduate training programme after retraining from a digital marketing career. Mr Goodman has also contributed to the firm's Diversity and Inclusion Committee, supporting its commitment as a certified B Corp law firm.
Property and Construction Leadership
Housebuilder Bellway has promoted Daniel Walker to regional director of its North East division. The 35-year-old, who began his housebuilding career in 2012 and joined Bellway in 2021 as construction director, expressed particular pride in leading the company's heartland division where Bellway originally started in 1946.
Mr Walker, who grew up in Throckley and now lives in Medburn, Northumberland, said he will focus on driving future success through land acquisition opportunities for new developments.
In another property sector promotion, Lovell has elevated Phil Jones to director of land and partnerships in its North East division. With over 26 years of housing and development experience in the region, Mr Jones previously served as head of land and partnerships, leading acquisitions and managing key partnerships including collaborations with developer Placefirst and homelessness charity Oasis Community Housing.
Mr Jones described feeling privileged to work for a progressive company and highlighted that his role involves managing land acquisition strategy and developing strategic partnerships across the region.
