This week’s roundup of appointments showcases significant moves within various North East businesses, including Lichfields, Savage Silk, The Advanced Manufacturing Forum, Ryecroft Glenton Corporate Finance, and Vida Creative.
Savage Silk, a North East law firm, has welcomed Julie Marley as its newest employment law consultant. With extensive experience in employment law, Marley previously served as a partner and head of employment law at Endeavour Partnership. Her diversified practice includes offering consultancy support to multiple sectors, aligning well with Savage Silk’s client-centric legal services approach.
Satpal Pandal, partner at Savage Silk, expressed delight at Marley’s arrival, highlighting her stellar reputation in the Tees Valley and her invaluable expertise. The addition of Marley reinforces Savage Silk’s commitment to providing top-tier advice and expertise to its expanding client base across the North East. 
Ryecroft Glenton Corporate Finance (RGCF) has reintegrated Alex Simpson, an experienced dealmaker, into its team as a corporate finance director. Simpson, whose career spans stints at ‘Big Four’ firms Deloitte and EY, brings a wealth of skills and insights gained from his time at Mercia Ventures. His return underscores RGCF’s commitment to bolstering its team and tackling significant transactions, fueled by an exceptional pipeline of opportunities.
Carl Swansbury, partner and head of corporate finance at RGCF, hailed Simpson’s return, emphasizing his exceptional dealmaking prowess and the positive impact on the firm’s ambitious growth agenda.
Meanwhile, The Advanced Manufacturing Forum (AMF) has strengthened its board with the appointment of Rachel Skeoch and Tom Coverdale. Skeoch, with over a decade of B2B marketing experience, brings invaluable insights from both start-ups and global FTSE 250 firms. Coverdale, representing the third generation of his family at British manufacturer Ebac, offers a unique perspective rooted in manufacturing heritage.
Richard Swart, AMF chair, expressed optimism about the board’s new members, envisioning a future where the AMF serves as a definitive voice for manufacturing in the region, advocating for industry stakeholders’ needs and aspirations.
Additionally, Vida Creative, a Newcastle-based brand and digital transformation agency, has expanded its team with the return of Gemma Robinson as a senior developer. Robinson’s rejoining reflects her passion for impactful work and collaboration, as well as her affinity for Vida’s close-knit team and community-oriented approach.
Finally, Lichfields, a UK planning and development consultancy, has appointed Jonathan Wallace as its new chair. With 30 years of planning experience and a reputation as one of the UK’s leading town center and retail experts, Wallace’s appointment signals a strategic move to enhance Lichfields’ position in the planning and development industry.
James Fennell, Lichfields’ chief executive, expressed confidence in Wallace’s leadership, highlighting his proven track record and vision for the company’s future growth and success. Wallace, honored to succeed Justin Gartland, emphasized his commitment to maintaining Lichfields’ client and staff-centric ethos while driving strategic initiatives to propel the company forward.
