Leonard Curtis appoints experienced business development specialist
Leonard Curtis in Gateshead has added an experienced business development specialist to its rapidly-expanding North East team with the appointment of Sarah Gray.
The appointment arrives hot on the heels of Teesside insolvency expert Jonathan Todd, who also recently joined the company’s Team Valley office as it continues its strong start to life.
It is a key hire for Iain Nairn who heads up the Gateshead team – as the business brings in another industry expert after business recovery titan John White retired in December.
Sarah joins as business development manager with a wealth of experience – having cut her teeth in the family footwear business working in such areas as product development, sales and logistics.
After working on the international side of the business visiting factories in The Far East and showcasing at European trade fairs, Sarah decided to shift her focus to the retail arm of the company, developing an e-commerce site and new store.
Following several years of self-employment, Sarah joined a wealth management company where she further developed her skill set and knowledge in a new sector.
A move into law followed – with Sarah taking up a business development role in Newcastle where she established many connections across North East professional services.
Sarah commented: “I am really excited to be joining Leonard Curtis at this time – providing such important services to the SME business community in the NE – and help Iain and the team make its contribution to ambitious growth plans for the company as a whole.
“As I was self-employed for many years I know what it takes to make a business a success, skills I will use to raise awareness of what Leonard Curtis can do to meet turnaround, funding and legal requirements in this market.”
Sarah will also bring Leonard Curtis into an established charity event to raise money for one of the UK’s leading dementia research organisations. The business will be partnering with Alzheimer’s Research UK next year on a ‘Ladies Day’ at The Hilton, Gateshead.
Sarah said: “We raised over £10k last time we ran this event and am looking to smash that figure next year.”
Gateshead’s Iain Nairn said: “Sarah’s ability to talk to business owners and their professional advisors makes her the ideal fit for our business and the team across the North East. Combined with a can-do attitude and drive to help business owners and individuals across the North East, I’m sure that Sarah will become a well known face and great source of support for the North East business community.”
Sean Williams, head of Yorkshire & North East region at Leonard Curtis, added: “We are striving to really make our mark on the North East over the coming months and support businesses in this part of England that really need our help.
“Sarah’s experience will prove invaluable as we continue to establish this office as the go-to firm in the region for business recovery guidance.”