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BEDE Homes has appointed Laurie Robinson as Customer Care Manager.

Bede Homes has appointed Laurie Robinson as Customer Care Manager
(Image: Handout by Brian Aitken Associates)

Ms. Robinson joins the newest home builder in the North East from Taylor Wimpey in Manchester, where she served as a customer relationship manager for six years. She previously worked in the Northeast for Keepmoat, McInerney Homes and Simpson & Gregg.

She said, “This exciting opportunity to work for Bede Homes came at just the right time as my family and I recently returned home after several years in the North West.

“I was looking for a company that would offer me a new challenge and at the same time give me the opportunity to expand my previous experience. I am delighted to be able to work in such a positive team-oriented culture and hope that my passion for customer service and quality assurance will prove valuable as the company grows. “

KAREN Wilkinson has been named Operations Director of the Bannatyne Group.

Karen Wilkinson has been named operations director of the Bannatyne Group
(Image: Handout from Recognition PR)

Ms. Wilkinson has been with the group for nearly 15 years and became Customer Experience and Spa Director in 2019. She is now responsible for the day-to-day operations of the group, including hotels, fitness clubs and spas, as well as the office manager.

She said: “I am proud to continue my career with the Bannatyne Group in this new and exciting position.

“It’s been about 16 difficult months for everyone, but the majority of our members have been incredibly loyal. I look forward to continuing to work with Duncan, the challenges ahead as we continue to recover from the Covid pandemic and bring my own approach to the business. “

NEWCASTLE-based accounting and management consultancy firm UNW has announced the promotion of Fern Rivett to Audit and Assurance Partner.

Newcastle-based accounting and management consultancy firm UNW has announced the promotion of Fern Rivett to Audit and Assurance Partner
(Image: Handout from UNW)

Ms. Rivett began her apprenticeship with KPMG in Newcastle before joining UNW in 2012 and being promoted to Senior Manager in the company’s auditing and auditing department in 2017.

Andrew Wilson, UNW Managing Partner, said, “We are delighted to recognize Fern’s success and contribution to the team with her promotion to Partner. She is an outstanding specialist who can not only fall back on considerable experience and expertise, but also has a real passion for offering her customers service and advice at the highest level. “

Elsewhere at UNW, Peter Sym has been promoted to Senior Audit Manager while Laura Kendal has been promoted to Audit Manager. Hayley Deeming and Sarah Smart have been promoted to senior tax managers, and Gillian Smith and Cathy Howe have been promoted to tax managers.

Andrew Wimshurst has been promoted to senior accounting services manager, Mohammed Miah has been promoted to manager on the company’s corporate finance team, and Jacalyn Rivett has been promoted to project manager on UNW’s central support team.

CONSTRUCTING Excellence in the North East has announced a number of new appointments to the Executive Board.

The Board of Directors for Constructing Excellence North East
(Image: Handout by Bradley O’Mahoney)

The organization is joined by Susan Dawson, Senior Lecturer in Architecture and the Built Environment at Northumbria University; Lee Francis, CEO of the RE: GEN Group; Alex Rayner, Senior Partner at Sintons LLP; and Richard Farrey, director at Silverstone Building Consultancy.

In addition, Eve Wilson, Associate Director at Gleeds, will serve as an observer for Generation for Change on the board after winning the G4C Future Leader Award in 2020.

Tim Bailey, Chairman of Constructing Excellence in the Northeast, said: “The new appointments come at a time of acceleration for the industry, especially as we strive to be carbon neutral and strengthen our voice in the region as a net zero leader.

“Each of our new board members has a wealth of experience in their respective areas and we look forward to bringing new and experienced ideas into the future.”

Accounting firm Greaves West & Ayre has promoted Xin Zhang to the firm’s associate position.

Auditing firm Greaves West & Ayre has promoted Xin Zhang to the firm’s associate position
(Image: Handout by Greaves West & Ayre)

Mr. Zhang qualified as an auditor in 2018 and joined GWA in the same year. He has worked with clients on both sides of the border from a range of industries, leveraging his tax and general practice experience.

He said: “I am very happy that I have had the opportunity to advance my career at GWA. As an Associate, I look forward to building the relationships I have already built with our clients. “

GWA partner Robbie Dalgleish added: “Since joining GWA, Xin has made a positive contribution to the company and I am delighted to welcome him as an associate.”