People: NatWest; Punch Creative; Adigi; and more
Paula Williamson has been appointed as the local enterprise manager where she will be working with the Sheffield City Region LEP as part of NatWest’s Expert in Residence Programme.
NatWest has launched the programme across the UK, dedicating 28 roles based in branches and communities to help female entrepreneurs realise their growth ambitions.
The initiative is launched in conjunction with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The 28 Expert in Residence roles will be based in NatWest branches, in growth hubs and in their wider community, and will be available to host events, provide expert insight and advice on business finance, and support their LEP to access additional expertise to help female-led businesses achieve their potential.
Expert in Residence is the latest action taken by the bank following the Rose Review of Female Entrepreneurship, which was launched in 2019 and co-authored by NatWest’s CEO Alison Rose.
The review demonstrated that up to £250bn of new value could be added to the UK economy, if women started and scaled new businesses at the same rate as UK men.
Rose said: “Since the launch of the Rose Review in 2019, strong progress has been made in breaking-down barriers facing female entrepreneurs, with considerable commitment and action across financial services and the wider business landscape.
“Yet there is more to do and, post-pandemic, support which is practical, face-to-face, and tailored to local communities, will be critical in enabling entrepreneurs to rebuild and thrive.
“We are delighted to be working with BEIS and the LEP Network to roll out NatWest’s Expert in Residence programme across the UK, and I encourage businesses to reach out to their local Expert in Residence via their LEP or Growth hub in order to advantage of what they can offer.”
Mark Livesey, chief executive, LEP Network said: “We are committed to realising the untapped potential of female entrepreneurs across every LEP area in the country.
“One of the keys to the success of the programme is the role of LEP Growth Hubs in understanding the barriers that prevent women-led businesses from applying for grant funding and reaching out for support.
“LEPs are uniquely placed to help overcome this and will prove a key driver of its future success.”
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Independent content marketing agency, Punch Creative, has bolstered its Creative, Content and Client Services teams with five new hires including three recent graduates.
The Leeds-based agency has recently offered extended paid internships to two graduates.
Emily Grote joins the Content Team as a marketing intern and Megan Lent joins the Creative Team as a junior design intern.
Both completed a four-week work experience placement at Punch, which allowed them to showcase their talent and earn themselves six-month paid internships at the agency.
Phoebe Holden, a recent Leeds University graduate, joins the Content Team as a marketing executive.
After completing a university placement year at Oxfam, she brings a wealth of experience, passion for B2C content marketing and a flair for generating organic engagement across social media. Her skills are expected to add value to Punch’s large client base in the hospitality industry.
Jack Eustace, a long time client of Punch, joins the Client Services team as an account manager.
His experience of working both agency and client-side means he has a unique perspective on managing client relationships and projects.
Eustace brings a level of understanding to the client services team that will support the growth of existing accounts as well as the onboarding of new long-term partnerships.
Finally, Jade Tregilgas has joined the agency as digital strategist, a brand new role, signalling an increased focus on data and digital insight.
Her wealth of experience in the hospitality industry makes her a great hire for the agency and its clients in this sector.
Commercial director, Louise Wright, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming so many new members to the team and we feel privileged to be in a position to be offering experience and opportunities for graduates.
“Building a strong talent pipeline is one of our core business objectives and I strongly believe it is our cultural initiatives such as the four-day week, our focus on wellbeing and our staff profit share scheme that enables us to attract and recruit the top talent, regardless of how far into their career they are.”
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A Harrogate digital agency chasing significant growth has appointed a strategic business advisor and mentor as a director.
Tony Webster – an Institute of Directors ambassador, portfolio non executive director, consultant and Leeds City Region LEP growth coach – has joined Adigi as it sets its sights on doubling turnover and expanding its creative team.
The company was launched nine years ago by co-founders Dan Martin and Jonny Wight, and provides expert creative and digital services across a wide range of sectors both in the UK and abroad.
Current clients include Wensleydale Creamery, Masons Gin, Wharfedale Homes, Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge, CNG, Ripley Castle, Baird Mint Collection and Children’s E-Hospital.
It has also worked with a number of sports figures and clubs.
Earlier this year, Adigi took advantage of the Leeds City Region LEP Strategic Growth Program initiative whereby businesses are able to benefit from a number of free hours with a growth coach. In Adigi’s case, it was partnered with Webster, who has 25 years’ experience at Board level.
Over the last 10 years, he has provided advice under his WayFinder business, helping businesses find their way to high growth and high performance in a sustainable way, covering all sectors, which have recently included legal, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, scrap metal and a major football club.
He also has a keen interest in sport, being an Honorary Vice President of Hull City and has recently completed a two-year Masters in Sporting Directorship in Manchester.
Martin said: “We are a successful, growing business and keen to grow further, and thanks to Tony’s expertise we are now on our way to achieving this.
“His advice has been invaluable, and when his hours with us had come to an end, we knew we wanted to maintain our relationship with him.
“We were introduced to Tony last year under another business support program, Higher Performing Workplaces provided by West Yorkshire College Consortium, administered locally by Peter Dickinson, Harrogate Business Advisors, an initiative set up to help businesses like ours realise their potential through our people.”
Webster said: “Over the last 12 months I’ve got to know Dan and the Adigi team very well. This is a really exciting business and one that has the potential to become a significant player in the UK digital industry.”
“My background in the ‘business of sport’ is where I believe I can add real value to Adigi, acting as a ‘translator’ for both agency and client in effecting digital transformation.
“I’m now signed up to a team that I know can make it into the big league!”
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Sheffield training academy, The Source, has strengthened its senior management team.
Natalie Doherty joins as director of quality, curriculum and innovation.
Liverpudlian Doherty, 45, brings over 20 years of education sector management expertise to The Source, a registered charity which has been helping people into work and training since 2003.
She began her career as a dancer and choreographer, headed to university at the age of 20 for teaching qualifications and a career driving high-quality educational provision across numerous sectors ensued.
For two years she was head of education at a male prison in the East of England, enabling inmates to study subjects ranging from maths to motor vehicle mechanics and construction skills.
She moved into quality control as assistant director of a college in her home city and before moving to The Source was quality manager for Liverpool training provider The Learning Foundry.
Doherty is passionate about giving people second chances in life through education.
“When I walked into The Source I felt like I’d been there forever. Its ethos of helping people to find their forte in life is exactly in line with mine,” she said.
“I have worked with people from a cross section of society, including prisoners, and firmly believe people can change their direction at any point, given the right help and support.”
Tricia Smith, CEO of The Source, said: “We knew instantly Natalie was the right person to enhance our management team.
“She is dynamic, driven and compassionate and has inspired young people and adults throughout her life. She brings an outstanding record of success to our organisation.”
