The North East business community is showcasing significant momentum this month, with a series of strategic appointments and promotions underscoring both the resilience of established firms and the ambitious growth plans of others. These moves, spanning architecture, law, finance, and lending, highlight a region investing in expertise and expanding its professional services footprint.
Architectural innovation and legal expansion
Newcastle-based GT3 Architects is marking a decade in business by promoting Neil Hardy to director, a move that sees the first chartered architectural technologist join the practice’s director group. The firm, which operates on a “People Architecture” ethos and has expanded to four UK studios, stated the promotion recognises Mr Hardy’s role in driving technical quality and regulatory excellence. He co-leads the Technical and Building Information Modelling (BIM) group and has been integral to the firm’s growth since its early days.
“It’s a real privilege to step into this role,” Mr Hardy said. “At the time of joining, GT3 were a relatively new and ambitious practice… we’ve shown resilience and commitment whilst achieving sustainable growth.” The practice, known for projects like Northumbria University’s Pandon Building and the Beacon of Light in Sunderland, has also seen significant headcount growth at its Newcastle studio in the past year.
Meanwhile, law firm Hay & Kilner, which is itself celebrating its 80th anniversary, has strengthened its commercial property team with the appointment of James Stacey as a commercial property associate. Mr Stacey joins from another regional firm, bringing experience advising clients across the leisure, retail, charity, and property development sectors. His appointment follows the firm’s previous investment in its property team, including the recruitment of partner John Morgan and his team in 2022.
Nicola Tiffen, Partner and Head of Commercial Property at Hay & Kilner, highlighted Mr Stacey’s strong technical expertise and commercial mindset. Mr Stacey said he was attracted to the firm’s “forward-thinking approach… from embracing new technologies and modern ways of working to its strong commitment to the local community.” The firm has been active recently, also advising on the acquisition of NEOS Protect and making multiple senior appointments.
Financial expertise and specialist lending growth
In the financial sector, Gosforth-based Co-Navigate has promoted Scott Shaftoe to associate financial planner. Mr Shaftoe, who describes himself as a “finance geek”, made a notable career change from retail to finance, joining the firm as a paraplanner in 2024. Co-Navigate, which offers a full suite of services from financial planning and mortgages to ethical investing, emphasises a client-centric approach.
“One of the most under-appreciated benefits a financial planner offers is an external perspective on each client’s individual situation,” Mr Shaftoe said. “I love getting to know our clients and understanding their goals and ambitions.” He now has his sights set on becoming a fully qualified financial planner within the firm, which is co-founded by financial adviser Andy and includes specialists like financial planner Jamie and Operations Director Lyndsey.
Specialist lender Together has appointed property finance expert Helen Calderley as corporate sales director for the North East, a role focused on expanding its UK presence. Ms Calderley brings over twenty years of experience, having held senior business development and relationship management positions at Cambridge & Counties Bank, Assetz Capital, and Yorkshire Bank.
Mark Eastwood, Director of Corporate Sales at the Cheadle-headquartered lender, which has a loan book of £8.1 billion, said Ms Calderley’s expertise would be a significant benefit to the company’s growth. Ms Calderley stated she was “relishing the new challenge… to spread the message about how our lending can help existing and new customers access opportunities across the North East.”
A landmark anniversary and a sought-after partner
In a significant move for its corporate and commercial team, law firm Jacksons has appointed David Adams as a new partner. The appointment comes as the firm celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. Mr Adams, who describes himself as a “Teesside lawyer through and through”, brings almost two decades of experience advising on acquisitions, disposals, and mergers, particularly within key North East sectors.
He was previously a partner at Archers Law LLP, a role he continued after the firm’s acquisition by Knights in 2021, before seeking a new challenge. “I’ve been a one-office lawyer throughout my career, but as I approach 43, I felt it was time for a refresh,” Mr Adams said. He was attracted to Jacksons by its growth trajectory and the chance to work with long-standing colleagues, including Dan Flounders.
Erica Turner, Head of Legal at Jacksons, stated that Mr Adams’ experience and knowledge of the region’s business landscape would be a significant asset to the firm, which is marking its milestone anniversary with a clear commitment to growth and high-quality legal expertise.
