People on the move: key North East appointments and promotions of the week

Companies and organisations featuring in this week’s round up include: Swinburne Maddison, the Civil Engineering Contractors Association North East, British Esports, Knight Frank and Energy Solicitors

North East law firm Swinburne Maddison LLP has made a series of promotions across its team.

Two lawyers have been promoted to managing associate, with Diane Hall of the commercial property team and James Curran of the commercial litigation team stepping into the role. Meanwhile, Claire Wilson, Kaye Cunningham and Sarah Laird have all been promoted to associate within the dispute resolution team, reflecting their progression and growing expertise within their respective practice areas.

Laura Murphy has been appointed as the head of the private client department. She joined the team in 2025 as a managing associate and while carrying out the role on an interim basis has been widely praised for her leadership, commitment and ability to guide the department through change. And as part of a review of career progression at Swinburne Maddison, the firm has introduced the new role of senior managing associate. Those newly appointed to the role include Abigail Zuk, Catherine Lowther, Charlotte Excell, Craig Foot, Laura Murphy, Lewis Brown and Sharney Randhawa.

Jonathan Moreland, managing partner, said: “As our firm continues to grow, it is vital that our career structure evolves alongside it. These promotions recognise not only individual excellence, but also the leadership, commitment and professionalism that underpin our success as a firm.”

Property consultancy Knight Frank’s Newcastle office has appointed a new senior surveyor to support demand for its building consultancy services.

The team, which project manages new-builds, extensions and fit-outs for commercial property clients, has hired Gavin Walker. He comes with 10 years’ experience and will manage construction projects as well as carrying out building and dilapidation surveys.

Mr Walker has previously worked at Silverstone Building Consultancy, Lambert Smith Hampton and Hollis. He said: “I was attracted to the role because Knight Frank has an excellent reputation, a great team, and it was an opportunity to do the work I enjoy the most – rooted in the commercial sector.”

Ian Tew, office head and building consultancy lead at Knight Frank, said: “Building Consultancy is a key growth area for Knight Frank. We are extremely busy working on some major projects for international clients with property assets in the North East. Gavin’s a great addition to the team and we’re actively recruiting for more building surveyors.”

The Civil Engineering Contractors Association North East (CECA NE) Foundations Group has appointed Lauren Parsons as its new chair.

The project manager at Seymour Civil Engineering takes over from outgoing chairs Matthew Tetley of Absolute Civil Engineering Ltd and Ben Adcock of Costain Group PLC. She will lead the group dedicated to promoting civil engineering and construction careers to current and future generations.

Ms Parsons said: “The Foundations Group is a fantastic platform to support young people entering, or considering civil engineering and we have a real opportunity to continue growing our outreach, which is essential if we are to fill the skills gap that is becoming an ever-pressing challenge for our sector. I’m ready and eager to start building on the incredible work Matthew and Ben have done over the last two years.”

MrTetley said: “It’s been a privilege to be co-chair and to work on initiatives supporting young people and give back to our communities. We’ve seen great progress in the past two years and I’m confident Lauren will take the Group to new heights as she leads it forward.”

The British Esports Federation , based in Sunderland, has appointed British former Olympic swimmer Alice Dearing as its new co-vice chair.

She has been a part of the British Esports Advisory Board since September 2022, and has given talks at the Federation’s Be The Change Summit on the power of esports, and the barriers which communities and individuals can face when entering spaces which have not traditionally catered for them. Ms Dearing is the first black woman to swim for Team GB at an Olympic Games, and has competed in the 10km marathon at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. She was also a junior World Champion in 2016 and took part in three senior World Championships.

Ms Dearing said: “Gaming and esports has been such an important part of my life from an early age, and I am delighted to be able to play my part in the journey British Esports is on to gain greater recognition for British esports athletes and teams.

“From playing and coaching, to games design and development through to casting and broadcasting, esports offers an exciting career. And as a former Olympian, I am incredibly excited to be working with the Board and the British Esports team to build a brilliant future for esports in the UK.”

Newcastle law firm Energy Solicitors Ltd (ESL) has promoted Ryan McDonald to partner.

Mr McDonald joined the firm in March 2023, shortly after it was established, following eight years at another law firm. A Northumbria University graduate, he has played a key role in the development of the business, thanks to his legal expertise and commercial awareness.

Senior partner and director Victoria Myers, said: “Ryan has been an integral part of operations since he joined us back in 2023. He has been my right hand man for the past three years and has been an invaluable asset to the team.”

Mr McDonald added: “I’m incredibly excited to become a partner here at ESL, it’s a fantastic new challenge and I’m looking forward to building on what we have already achieved together. Becoming a partner gives me the chance to build on the quality and consistent work which ESL already does and help the firm grow further as we expand and move into the next chapter.”