Companies and organisations featuring in this week’s round-up include: Northumbrian Water, Bellway, James Burrell and Business Enterprise Fund

Northumbrian Water has promoted University of Sunderland apprentice Jodie Stewart to the role of business analyst.

The move comes in the second year of Ms Stewart’s studies following her start as digital technology solutions apprentice. She joined the degree apprenticeship programme which offers six pathways including software engineering, IT consulting, business analysis, cybersecurity, data analysis and network engineering.

Ms Stewart said: “I had already attended a year of university to become a primary school teacher, and I decided that that wasn’t the right career for me. It was when I was working in a co-working space for tech companies and start-ups, I found what they were doing really interesting. So when I found this apprenticeship, I thought it was absolutely perfect because you get to see so many different teams and departments that cover so many aspects of digital solutions.”

Louise Patterson, head of IS operations and resource management at Northumbrian Water, said: “Jodie truly reflects what our apprenticeship scheme is all about, her drive, curiosity and willingness to immerse herself across different digital teams, which has not only accelerated her own development but also made a real impact here at Northumbrian Water. We’re incredibly proud of her progression and the positive impact she’s had across the region and excited to see where her talent and determination will take her next.”

Not for profit finance provider Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) North East has appointed Lizzie Jowett to its Sunderland-based team.

Ms Jowett’s more than 13 year career has covered stints at Santander, Metro Bank and as director of Bradford BID. She is said to bring a deep commercial expertise and enthusiasm to the role, along with a talent for helping female-led organisations to thrive.

She said: “Joining BEF’s North East office is an exciting journey for me. This is one of the most dynamic regions in the UK to do business. People in a huge mix of sectors are being constantly inspired to do great things. It feels amazing to be the one who gets to help them along the road to success.”

Lee Vickers, BEF’s head of North East investments said: “We’re more than delighted to have Lizzie join us. Growing a team is always a positive sign, but being able to grow it with your ideal choice of candidates is particularly rewarding. We’re humbled that the very best talent wants to come and work with us. Lizzie’s track record places her firmly within that bracket. North East businesses have gained a fantastic advocate.”

Housebuilder Bellway says it has helped a 23 year-old apprentice quantity surveyor to get his career on the right track.

The Newcastle firm employed Ciaran Wilson from Swindon after he decided a law degree was not for him. He says his degree apprenticeship is the path he would have taken after leaving school had he known it was an option and believe the route should be more widely recognised.

The end result is a degree of the same value as one achieved on a full-time course. Mr Wilson’s degree apprenticeship with Bellway and Northumbria University will finish it in the summer of 2029.

He said: “I didn’t know about apprenticeships before but if I had been shown a degree apprenticeship before I’d have taken it. He added: “I can learn something in a lecture and then see it in reality. I can come to work and say I understand it. It means you get more overall knowledge. My uni work increases my understanding in my job, and my job informs what to write in my uni work. My essays are much stronger, and I feel better about them and have a greater understanding.”

James Burrell Builders Merchants has appointed Nick Richardson to its board of directors, joining fellow directors Mark Richardson and Rob Richardson.

Mr Richardson joined James Burrell in 2017, beginning his career within the accounts team, where he spent several years developing a detailed understanding of the company’s financial operations. He later broadened his experience within the purchasing team, gaining valuable insight into supplier relationships and stock management.

He has led the integration of a company-wide computer system, a transformational investment that has overhauled internal processes, improved efficiency, and laid strong foundations for future growth.

Mark Richardson said: “As a family-run business, we take great pride in our heritage and the values that have guided us for generations. We also remain committed to innovation and to meeting the evolving needs of the construction industry. Nick’s appointment is the natural next step on his journey, and we are confident that his expertise and leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of the company.”