DAVID Hicks has been given a new job as tax director at business advisory firm Deloitte's Newcastle office.

Hicks, who has been with the firm for over 20 years, takes up his new role after a promotion in the private client services tax team, working with clients across the North East, this month.

The Newcastle tax practice enjoyed a particularly strong 2011/12 growing by 25%. The team in Newcastle now totals 45 people and continues to expand despite the challenging market conditions.

Deloitte’s Yorkshire and North East operations have 550 staff and a turnover of £90m between them.

Earlier this year, Deloitte strengthened its global employer services team in the North East ahead of the introduction of new regulations that will affect companies every time they pay their staff. To meet a growing demand it has recruited Kathryn Davidson and Sarah Willoughby to its employer services tax team in Newcastle.

Stephen Hall, tax partner at Deloitte in Newcastle, said: “This is a fantastic achievement and a significant career milestone. It’s particularly rewarding to see the development of in-house talent as we increase and diversify the skills of the tax team. David’s promotion and the addition of Kathryn and Sarah is another example of the wealth of expertise available in the Newcastle office and demonstrates our commitment to offering our clients across the North East a complete package of tax advice and support.”

David Hicks, private client services team director at Deloitte in the North East, said: “We have a great team in Newcastle and have built a fantastic reputation helping clients manage their tax affairs. Over the years I’ve dealt with all kinds of clients, from individuals, family trusts and owner managers, working on projects from selling businesses to ongoing affairs.

“I’m looking forward to working with Stephen to help shape our strategic direction and growing Deloitte’s business in the North East.”