People on the Move: Key Appointments and Promotions in the Northeast

Energy Central Campus (ECC) has recruited its first staff for the new £15m Energy Central Learning Hub (ECLH), which is currently being built at Blyth Harbour.

Energy Central Campus is a partnership project between the Port of Blyth, Northumberland County Council and the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult which aims to build the workforce capacity needed for the growing clean energy sector.

Paul Valentine has been appointed Operations Manager for ECLH, which will open in September. He will be responsible for ensuring the effective operational management of the facility and building working relationships with employers and key training and education partners. Sharon Foster joins as Operations Manager, supporting the management and ongoing development of the facility.

Martin Lawlor, Chief Executive of Port of Blyth and inaugural Chair of ECC, said: “We are delighted that Paul and Sharon have joined the ECC team; their vast knowledge and many years of experience in the education sector will ensure we deliver the highest quality training for learners, building a skilled talent pool for the growing clean energy businesses in the North East of England.”

Ward Hadaway Law Firm has announced seven new appointments in its Newcastle office, growing its nearly 500-strong team across its North bases. The appointments in Newcastle include director Jennifer Patterson, who returns to the multi-disciplinary property department after an 18-month absence. Six solicitors and paralegals have also joined the Tyneside team across the corporate finance, debt, housing, property and family teams.

Managing Partner Steven Petrie said: “I would like to extend a warm welcome to all the new staff who have joined us in our offices. Our ambitious growth plans are underpinned by these skilled lawyers who enhance our full-service offering.”

Ms Patterson added: “I am delighted to be joining Ward Hadaway at this exciting time in the company’s journey. It’s where I’ve spent most of my career and has always been a company with clear ambitions and a focus on developing its people and supporting them to be the best they can be; the culture here is a perfect fit with my values.”

Decide Branding Agency has appointed Nicole Levings as its new Managing Director. Ms Levings joins the Newcastle-based firm, founded in 1953, with over 20 years of experience working and growing creative marketing agencies in the UK and US. She has been appointed to drive change, with a clear focus on leadership, business development and nurturing the agency’s internal culture.