Companies announcing new appointments this week include Hay & Kilner, GT3 Architects, Co-Navigate, Together and Jacksons
GT3 Architects has promoted Neil Hardy to director as the Newcastle practice celebrates continued growth. Mr Hardy becomes the first chartered architectural technologist to be appointed to the director group at GT3, recognising his role in driving technical quality and regulatory excellence across the practice.
He said: “It’s a real privilege to step into this role. At the time of joining, GT3 were a relatively new and ambitious practice offering the opportunity to contribute and help shape the business. In that time and during many challenges facing the construction industry, we’ve shown resilience and commitment whilst achieving sustainable growth.”
James Stacey of Hay & Kilner(Image: Hay & Kilner)
Hay & Kilner has strengthened its commercial property team with the appointment of James Stacey as a commercial property associate. Mr Stacey joins the Newcastle-headquartered law firm from another regional law firm , where he worked as a commercial property solicitor advising on a range of complex property matters. He brings experience advising clients across the leisure and retail sectors, alongside charities, pension funds, care providers, banks and property developers.
He said: “I was attracted to Hay & Kilner because of the opportunity to work closely with a highly respected team and to be part of a firm with real momentum. There’s a clear forward-thinking approach here — from embracing new technologies and modern ways of working to its strong commitment to the local community.”
Scott Shaftoe of Co-Navigate(Image: KG Photography)
Scott Shaftoe has been promoted to associate financial planner at Co-Navigate. Mr Shaftoe joined the Gosforth business in 2024 as a paraplanner after making a significant career change from retail to finance. A self-described finance geek, Mr Shaftoe now has his sights set on becoming a financial planner.
He said: “One of the most under-appreciated benefits a financial planner offers is an external perspective on each client’s individual situation. I love getting to know our clients and understanding their goals and ambitions.”
Helen Calderley of Together(Image: Together)
Together has appointed a property finance expert in the North East to expands its presence across the UK.
Helen Calderley, who has worked in banking and property finance for more than two decades, has been appointed corporate sales director. In her new role at Together she will be responsible for growing the lender’s brand and promoting its products in the region.
She said: “I’m relishing the new challenge at Together, to spread the message about how our lending can help existing and new customers access opportunities across the North East. I know the business well having worked for competitors, and have seen how it puts people at its heart – I already feel part of the family.”
Left to right: Dan Flounders, David Adams and Erica Turner at Jacksons(Image: Jacksons)
Jacksons has strengthened its corporate and commercial team with the appointment of new partner David Adams.
Mr Adams brings almost 20 years’ experience advising on acquisitions and disposals, management buy-ins and buy-outs, mergers and joint ventures across key sectors in the North East. He joined Archers Law LLP in 2007, qualified in 2009 and became a partner in 2013. Following the firm’s acquisition by Knights in 2021, he continued to practise as a partner before deciding it was time for a new challenge.
He said: “I’ve been a one-office lawyer throughout my career, but as I approach 43, I felt it was time for a refresh and a new challenge. I have a couple of long-standing friends at Jacksons, including Dan Flounders, who I worked with at Archers and later Knights for over 10 years. Seeing the changes at Jacksons sparked my interest, and what they’re doing both at firm level and within the corporate team sounded very exciting.”