Changes at Baltic, Primula, Banks, Creo and My Property Box

After a decade of significant achievements in the tech industry, Laura has returned to where her career began - with experience in sales, marketing, and business development under her belt.

When Laura began her marketing career as a Sales & Marketing apprentice in May 2011, she had no idea that 13 years later she would return to Baltic and become the training provider’s CCO. Laura will be responsible for leading and scaling Baltic’s sales division’s output while crafting and executing commercial strategies that align with long-term business goals.

She said: “I’m joining at such a pivotal time.

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“There are some groundbreaking plans already in motion that are sure to be the catalyst for the company’s next stage of growth. I’m looking forward to providing the critical commercial support that underpins this next chapter of the Baltic journey.” In May 2011, Laura was unsure whether to take the traditional University route after completing her A-Levels. Despite having little understanding of Marketing, or the overall commercial operations of a business, she decided to apply for a Sales and Marketing apprenticeship.

After a successful interview, Laura started her professional journey with Baltic in May 2011 as a Sales & Marketing apprentice. Alongside her cohort of 7 apprentices, Laura learnt everything from cold calling to advertising campaigns and events.

Laura’s time at Baltic cemented her career in sales and marketing. Since then, she has continued in the industry, and over the last ten years, she has focused on supporting and scaling B2B start-ups and fast-growing businesses across the UK, predominately within the tech space.

My Property Box

North East estate agency group My Property Box has welcomed Nicola Nicholson, Georgia Greenstreet and Georgia Richardson to its team following a raft of recent acquisitions.

Nicola joins as sales manager and valuer and is responsible for overseeing the sales team, while both the Georgias will act as sales negotiators and valuers and will liaise with current and new clients, overseeing sales progression and offers.

Between them the trio possess more than 30 years’ experience in the sales and lettings sector.

My Property Box, which covers the Tees Valley, County Durham, Tyneside, Wearside, Northumberland and North Yorkshire, recently launching its own accredited financial services arm.

In February, it completed its tenth acquisition in six years after buying Teesside lettings and property investment specialist Brookland Estates Lettings.

Creo Comms

A North East creative marketing agency has bolstered its content team as it continues to expand.

Creo Comms has appointed multiskilled photographer and videographer Ross Johnston to support its growing client roster.

Ross’s work has been used by global production companies, corporates and elite sports clubs.

He has covered sporting events for England’s national football teams, Newcastle United and Sunderland AFC. Ross also worked with Fulwell 73 Productions on the Netflix documentary Sunderland Til I Die and has covered large events, such as stadium shows by Ed Sheeran and Elton John.

He said: “I’m delighted to have been give this opportunity at Creo. It’s a really exciting time.”

Banks Group

Regional developer the Banks Group is building its Yorkshire property team with the addition of two new recruits.

Robert Harding and Matthew Noble have joined the Harewood-based business as a senior development planner and a graduate development planner respectively, and are now working on a range of projects for both regional housebuilder Banks Homes and property development business Banks Property.

Matthew Noble and Robert Harding at Banks Group (Image: Banks Group)

Originally from Hull, Robert Harding is a qualified town planner and has both a degree in Human Geography and a Masters in Town Planning from Leeds Beckett University.

He has worked with a number of well-known firms in the Yorkshire property development sector delivering planning approvals for major residential and mixed-use projects.

Matthew Noble, who has a Business Management degree and a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from Newcastle University, has taken up a place on Banks’ latest graduate training programme, which offers recruits support in building the key vocational, technical and professional skills needed for their respective roles.

It also provides them with a range of opportunities to gain hands-on experience on live projects and evolving plans with the support of an experienced team.

The Banks Group has 48 years’ experience of developing land for a range of uses including residential and commercial property, mineral extraction and land reclamation.

As well as managing the construction on some of the sites that sister company Banks Property brings forward, Banks Homes is also acquiring its own development sites across Yorkshire and the North East directly from the market.

Banks Property is continuing to work independently, promoting land opportunities and bringing high quality development sites to the market for many of the UK’s best-known housebuilders, as it has done successfully for over 35 years.

Russ Hall, managing director at Banks Property, adds: “Yorkshire is a key growth area for both Banks Property and Banks Homes, and we’re continuing to invest in building a highly-skilled team here to help us realise our ambitions right across the county.

“Robert adds an impressive range of high-level experience to the team, while Matthew is already showing the skills and dedication required to build a successful career in the property development industry.”

Primula Cheese

Kavli UK, part of Kavli Group and the charitable foundation behind Gateshead’s Primula Cheese, has announced Mark Butel as its new Managing Director.

Having previously been with Kavli UK for over 15 years, including nine years in a role as Head of Sales, Mark brings a lot of sector experience to the role.

Mark Butel (Image: Primula Cheese)

As Kavli celebrates its 100-year anniversary and eyes significant growth in 2024, Mark will oversee the brand’s continued CSR efforts in the North East region.

Mark Butel said: “It is an honour to lead Kavli UK during this historic milestone.

“Our commitment to excellence, coupled with our dedication to continued growth, being socially responsible and working together as a team, will guide us as we continue to provide high-quality products to our consumers.” As part of the Kavli Trust, Primula donates all profits to good causes. Last year, North East communities received £1.24 million in donations.

Butel continued: “Primula, one of Kavli’s most iconic brands, holds a special place in the hearts of consumers across the country, particularly in the North East.

“I intend to build upon this by fostering innovation and sustained growth in the food sector, ensuring we continue to uphold our commitment to supporting local employment for years to come.” Lisa Thornton, Head of Marketing at Kavli UK, said: “At Primula, our dedication to sharing has been a cornerstone of our ethos for 100 years, including over 60 years under the ownership of Kavli.

“Mark’s unwavering commitment to community engagement aligns seamlessly with our brand values and trajectory, and we look forward to supporting more local families under Mark’s leadership”