TRAIN operator GNER has appointed two new recruits to its York-based corporate affairs team.

Richard Allan, 31, joins as external relations manager from the Glasgow Herald where he was transport correspondent.

A graduate in politics from Glasgow University, Richard's new role is to look after GNER's routewide relationship with external stakeholders such as local authorities, regional development agencies and regional Government offices.

John Gelson, 38, joins as media relations manager after a career in newspapers and radio in the North East, most recently with BBC Radio Cleveland, where he was news editor.

Alan Hyde, GNER's corporate affairs manager, to whom both positions report, said: "I am delighted that Richard and John have joined GNER at such an exciting time in our development, as we work towards securing a new franchise.

"They will help to communicate GNER's plans and progress towards delivering a better and more reliable railway for passengers, as well as helping us to develop stronger partnerships with transport decision-makers and influencers."

Saville, the York-based audio visual specialist has appointed Simon Dorkin in a new role as technical and administration manager for the company's growing nationwide conference and hire division.

Born in Sunderland and educated at Ashville College, Harrogate, Simon joined the company from Yorkshire Electricity in 1999.

He worked in the Saville AV hire centres at York and Hull, before becoming hire manager for the company's new Midlands operation at Coventry in 2001. He also played a key part in introducing a computerised hire booking system for Saville's 15-centre UK network.

His appointment comes as Saville has invested in a new 5,000 sq ft premises for its Midland operation and relocated its York hire department from head office in Millfield Lane, York, to a 10,000 sq ft unit at York Business Park in Nether Poppleton.

BUSINESSES in York wanting to stash some cash can now call on help from another Yorkshire Bank expert.

Kathryn Dyer, 31 is joining the specialist team at the bank's business centre in Aviator Court, York.

She has switched from the generalist role of business manager with the organisation in Leeds to focus fully on the specialist area of deposit schemes.

In her newly-created role, Kathryn is operating across the bank's network of business centres across Yorkshire and the north-east.

She said: "The bank has a wide range of competitive products and services which are already benefiting businesses with cash to invest.

"My role is to help our managers make more companies aware of what we can offer and therefore make their funds go further, which can be a vital factor in determining whether a business is successful."

DARREN Howell, of Huby, is settling into his new job with CALA Homes, having joined the housebuilder as construction director.

Responsible for the company's construction and technical departments his job will be to ensure that new homes meet exacting quality controls and are completed within budget and on time.

Mr Howell, who is chairman of the Housebuilders' Federation Yorkshire Construction Group, spent seven years with Crosby Homes, joining as build manager and with a wide remit to grow its Yorkshire division.

But as the company grew he became construction director.

He has a Higher National Diploma in building studies and a diploma in building management and finance, both gained at Lancashire Polytechnic.

Married, with two children, he enjoys cricket and football and is a passionate Leeds United supporter.

A NEW face has joined the FPDSavills team in York as a director. But Jamie Wheldon is no stranger to the York market as he headed the former DTZ Debenham Tie Leung office in the city for three years. He specialises in agency and development work and has broad experience of most aspects of general practice surveying. He is currently chairman of the York Property Forum and has a law degree and a postgraduate diploma in property valuation and management.

Martin Foster, who heads FPDSavills commercial agency team in York, said: "Jamie is a highly qualified professional of considerable standing within our field of business and we are delighted that he has joined our growing team as our business development plans begin to take shape and become a reality. Our business has grown considerably over the last three or four years and we are now establishing ourselves as the largest, most experienced commercial practise in York, which is respected by a growing portfolio of clients."

Mr Wheldon said: "I am delighted to be joining an international company with a growth strategy across the region which will allow me to build on the experience and contacts I have developed across Yorkshire. York has emerged as an important commercial centre with much more still to offer as the city and outer areas redefine their markets.

"I look forward to rising to the challenge of growing the business in a familiar environment with the support of a truly professional team."

Updated: 09:53 Tuesday, June 22, 2004