People: Notch Communications; AeroCloud; Signature Property Finance; Greater Manchester Youth Network; Sway PR; Hurst

Notch Communications, a strategic and creative B2B marketing agency focused on the science and technology sectors, has appointed a new chief executive and further strengthened its operations team.

Dr Kate Whelan (PhD), who formerly held the role of chief operating officer at Notch Communications, takes the position of CEO. Whelan began her journey in marketing at kdm communications and subsequently rose to account director at Gyro, a New York-based advertising firm.

She founded Manchester-based Notch in 2011 with the vision of helping life science organisations of all sizes effectively communicate their innovations in crowded markets. Whelan’s transition to CEO follows the appointment of Carla Knight, formerly director of agency services at APS Group, as client services director.

Notch has also been strengthened over recent months by two key appointments to its operations team. Liz Fitzgerald, formerly finance manager at BRS, joins as finance manager, and Suzanne Craig, formerly office manager and workplace coordinator at Teya, a fintech company, takes up the position of office, culture, and logistics manager.

Dr Kate Whelan said: “We’ve recently experienced phenomenal growth, more than doubling in size over the last three years, and this is a trend we intend to continue. My move to CEO, and the key appointments to the operations team, further strengthen our core value proposition and support our incredible scientists and marketers to continue delivering significant impact for clients.”

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Uri Guterman

AeroCloud, the intelligent airport management platform that improves collaboration and operational efficiencies, has appointed Uri Guterman as vice president (VP) of product to drive its product strategy and innovation as the company focuses on enhancing its offerings and increasing its market presence.

This expansion of Stockport-based AeroCloud’s leadership team follows the company’s Series A funding of $12.6m earlier this year, which has helped it accelerate product development and market expansion plans and will support its mission of becoming the global go-to-solution for intelligent airport management software.

With a career spanning over 25 years in the technology sector, Guterman brings with him an extensive background in product management and a track record of successfully launching numerous software and hardware products that address customer pain points. He has held senior roles at Qognify, SilverRail, and most recently, Hanwha Vision Europe, where he served as head of product and marketing.

George Richardson, co-founder and CEO of AeroCloud, said: “Uri’s appointment underscores AeroCloud’s commitment to delivering innovative, cloud-native solutions that leverage predictive AI, machine learning, and IoT technologies. He is just as passionate as we are in driving digital transformation across the airport sector and is a valuable addition to our leadership team at this significant period of growth.”

Uri Guterman said: “AeroCloud’s vision is truly inspiring. Its commitment to innovation aligns perfectly with my passion for pioneering solutions.”

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Paul Ratcliffe

Signature Property Finance has appointed Paul Ratcliffe as relationship manager for the North and North West of England.

He brings more than 30 years of banking experience to the role, having previously held similar positions with Yorkshire Bank and Santander.

Thomas Howells, chief operating officer at Signature said: “It is gratifying that the continued growth and success of Signature allows us to attract individuals of Paul’s calibre and following in the region. The North West in particular is one region we know we could do more business, as brokers come to understand the way we work and our commitment to providing the certainty of funding their property developer clients are seeking.”

Paul Ratcliffe said: “There has been a lot of coverage of the success Signature Property Finance has enjoyed in recent years and when the opportunity presented itself, I knew this role was too good to turn down.”

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Phil Harris

Greater Manchester Youth Network has welcomed its newest recruit, Phil Harris, who joins as income and partnerships lead.

Phil joined the charity this month after working as a recruitment consultant for the past seven years, and is looking forward to working in the charity sector and network with businesses across the North West.

Previously having volunteered with the charity before the pandemic, Phil understands the purpose of GMYN after working with some of the young people closely on various programmes. He said: “I feel very lucky to have found this role at GMYN, a charity I’ve volunteered for in the past and who make such a positive impact on young people who are facing adversity.

“I’m beyond excited to see where this journey takes me, and I’m grateful to be part of such an impactful mission.”

Alex Fairweather, founder and CEO of GMYN, says: “We’re so pleased to welcome Phil to the GMYN team, he is a great addition to boost our business support alongside our new campaign.”

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Guy Robb

Sway PR has appointed Guy Robb as its head of B2B PR, adding a presence in Scotland to its current offering in Manchester, Leeds and Shefield.

Robb previously worked for Integris Communications, a Scottish Tech PR Agency, for seven years before freelancing for the past six, working with brands such as Toshiba Medical Visualisation Systems and including Oracle tool developers and IoT systems designers.

Robb also brings a wealth of business experience having held senior management positions within global organisations such as Ingenico, where he was director of product management and director of product development.

Founded in Manchester, Sway PR is growing rapidly, recording a 350% increase in turnover since 2020 having expanded from consumer PR into tech, charity and the B-2-B sector.

Mark Hayward, managing director at Sway PR, said; “Guy has a fantastic track record of delivering for his clients. He fits in perfectly here and has already made significant contributions to our B2B clients.”

Robb said: “I’m joining Sway PR at a very exciting time as they expand the amazing work they are doing in the UK and internationally – it’s great to be part of it.”

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From left: right: Chris Stewardson, Rebecca McLoughlin, Mike Jackson, Ryan Tattler, Lisa Everett, Paul Corner

ndependent accounting and business advisory firm, Hurst, has announced a raft of promotions in its business services team.

Four of the five people promoted began their careers with the firm as trainees. Chris Stewardson, who has become a partner, joined as a trainee in 2005. He was promoted to manager in 2014 and to associate partner level in 2021.

Ryan Tattler, who joined as a trainee in 2015, becomes a senior manager. He became an associate manager in 2019 and a manager in 2021.

Rebecca McLoughlin has been promoted to manager. She joined as a trainee in 2017.

Lisa Everett, who has become an associate manager, started at the firm as a trainee in 2019.

Paul Corner, who has been at Hurst since 2001, has become a senior manager.

Mike Jackson, who leads the business services team, said: “Our growth has been propelled by our genuinely different approach to dealing with clients, and this is made possible by the team we have built at the firm. They understand our culture and how we work with clients to deliver a great service, and our clients really value these relationships.

“I’m really proud of the individuals we have promoted. They have all shown they are ready to take on new challenges and I look forward to working with them to take our business forward.”