North East Firms Announce Key Appointments and Promotions

A series of significant appointments and promotions have been announced across various firms in the North East, highlighting the region’s commitment to nurturing talent and expertise in diverse sectors.

New Roles and Growth at Jacksons

Chloe Thompson has qualified as a solicitor at Jacksons, marking a notable achievement in her career journey that began just three years ago. Initially joining the firm as a legal secretary in May 2022, Thompson built her legal knowledge while completing her undergraduate law degree and a Masters in Law, which included the Legal Practice Course (LPC). Following her qualification, she will contribute to the firm’s wills, trusts, and probate team. Thompson expressed her gratitude for the supportive environment at Jacksons, stating, “It’s quite hard to get a training contract, so I started out as secretary to gain experience within a law firm. I saw that it was a lovely place to work where everyone is supportive, so I was keen to work my way up.”

Helen Milburn, a partner and head of the private client team at Jacksons, praised Thompson’s potential, noting, “From the start, I just knew how good she was going to be. She had everything you want to see in a trainee solicitor, and we were really keen to keep her on after she qualified.”

Leadership Changes in Healthcare and Technology Sectors

In a move that underscores its growth in the healthcare sector, RMT Healthcare has promoted Chris Brown to director. Brown, who has been with the firm for over a decade, has played a pivotal role in developing RMT Healthcare since joining in 2015. His extensive expertise spans various areas, including GP practices, primary care networks, and pharmacies. “RMT has given me the opportunity to grow as part of an ambitious team. We have the right systems, people, and expertise in place, and I’m excited to play a more significant role in shaping how we support our clients and continue expanding across the sector,” Brown remarked.

Meanwhile, CyberNorth has appointed Helen Matthews as a delivery manager following the transition of Danielle Phillips into the CEO role after the recent retirement of Phil Jackman. Matthews brings considerable experience to her new position, having worked for 18 months at UKC3, an organization focused on supporting the UK’s cyber security clusters. She will engage closely with the North East education sector to ensure the cyber workforce is well-equipped for future challenges. “I’m thrilled to join CyberNorth at such a pivotal time; collaboration, building relations, and bridging connections between academia and industry is essential for regional growth in the sector,” Matthews stated.

Community Engagement and Environmental Leadership

OnPath Energy has appointed Tom Chaplin as the new partnership and community manager, focusing on community engagement across its nine wind farms in England. With a background in television and a decade of experience in the renewables sector, Chaplin aims to strengthen ties with local residents and stakeholders as new renewable energy projects are developed. “After nearly a decade working in renewables, I’ve found that the stakeholder engagement work I’ve done in that time has been the most rewarding part of the job,” he said.

Additionally, RWO has welcomed Phil Brown as a senior executive and geoenvironmental services associate director, where he will collaborate closely with head of department Chris Rudd. With over 30 years of experience, Brown’s responsibilities will include overseeing major infrastructure projects and ensuring technical compliance. “I am delighted to be joining RWO, which has a great reputation for excellence, a strong team culture, and a positive philosophy,” he commented.

These strategic appointments reflect the North East’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its workforce and fostering collaboration across industries, ensuring a robust future for the region’s economic landscape.