People.

NORTH-EAST law firm Blackett Hart and Pratt is welcoming new recruit Paul Monaghan, above. Paul has joined the firm - which has offices in Darlington, Durham and Newcastle - as an executive to increase the service it offers in the area of corporate recovery. The 27-year-old joins lawyer and corporate recovery partner Graham Ridler, appointed earlier this year.

WHITE Young Green has bolstered its presence in the region with the promotion of Helen Adamson to business development manager. Helen, 25, pictured right, from Durham, will support the Teesside and Newcastle management team in delivering its business plans. She has worked at White Young Green for four years.

FIREPLACE industry veteran Philip Malkin has been appointed to two of the industry's national organisations. Philip, 63, pictured left, from Hurworth, near Darlington, will step into the hot seat as executive director of the National Fireplace Association. He is also a council member of Hetas - the body which approves solid fuel domestic heating appliances, fuels and services.

SCOTT Wilson structural technician Phil Lightfoot has become one of the first in the company to be awarded a new career grade - Technician Member of the Institute of Structural Engineers. Mr Lightfoot, who joined the consultancy group's Middlesbrough office in 2001, achieved the designation after satisfying 12 core training objectives. He has worked on the refurbishment of the Dolphin Centre for Darlington Council and the All Saints Bells structure for Middlesbrough Council. Mr Lightfoot is pictured being presented with the award by IStructE president Sarah Buck.

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