FAMILY solicitor Lisa Dawson, who is based in Ellisons’ Colchester office, has gained specialist status within Resolution, the national organisation of family lawyers committed to non-confrontational divorce, separation and other family problems.

Ms Dawson, has been with Ellisons since 2002 when she joined as a trainee and became a member of the five-strong family team on qualifying in 2004.

Head of the family department Jon Armstrong said: “Family law is a very fast moving specialism and divorce is increasingly about complex financial arrangements and sensitive childcare issues. It is important that as individual specialists, we keep up with these developments and bodies such as Resolution are pivotal to ensuring that we do so.”

A YOUNG entrepreneur from Colchester has launched a new service for East Anglian businesses looking for marketing and public relations on a shoestring.

Rechenda Smith, 27, has launched www.rechendasmithpr.co.uk after seven years in the industry. Ms Smith, who has a postgraduate diploma from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and is a previous winner of the Institute’s East Anglian Young Communicator of the Year award, has set up the company to work specifically with small to medium-sized businesses in the region.

She said: “As a freelancer, I am able to provide my services at a fraction of the usual cost which will benefit many small businesses that have a limited budget for their marketing. I will also be able to work side-by-side with clients in their offices, putting me at the heart of their business.

“I can also offer an extra pair of hands to many of the excellent PR and marketing agencies in the region. As a full member of the CIPR, I adhere to a professional code of conduct, which acts a quality mark for the work that I do. Using a freelancer can be a cost-friendly way for small businesses to get a top-quality PR service and a hassle-free solution for agencies looking to add additional resources.”

She previously held an account director role at regional PR agency Mosaic Publicity, as well as press officer roles at college Colchester Institute and social housing provider St Matthew Housing.

SUE Wardropper of Suffolk based legal firm Gotelee & Goldsmith, has been promoted to associate.

Ms Wardropper, who joined Gotelee & Goldsmith in 2006, has over 15 years’ experience in family law – focusing on the entire range of work arising from the breakdown of marriages or co-habiting relationships, with particular emphasis on the financial aspects of divorce. She also advises on agreements arising both prior and during relationships, such as: pre nuptial, co-habitation and post nuptial agreements.

Martin Whitworth, Gotelee & Goldsmith managing partner, said: “I’m pleased to recognise Sue as an Associate of the firm. She demonstrates excellent knowledge of family law and is a recognised specialist in the local area. I look forward to her continued progress within the business.”

Ms Wardropper qualified in 1994, and has worked locally and in London, Bedford and Sydney Australia. She is accredited by Resolution as a Specialist Family Solicitor and is trained in collaborative law.

A TRIO of new staff members has joined north Essex-based affordable homes provider Colne Housing, strengthening three of its departments.

Alistair Heron is the society’s new community development officer. With a wealth of experience behind him, Colchester-born Mr Heron will be responsible for building relationships with local communities.

His role entails working with external agencies including the police, youth workers, local councils and voluntary groups to create partnerships that will result in safer, happier neighbourhoods.

Daniel Fountain has joined the ICT department as an assistant to the team leader after applying via a youth apprenticeship scheme. Dealing with day-to-day IT issues and ongoing projects, Daniel will also attend college once a week to complete his level three diploma in ICT Professional Competence.

The third new member of the Colchester-based team is Alison Wade who has joined the Income Management department, bringing with her extensive knowledge of credit control. She is responsible for helping the Society’s residents pay their rent and giving advice to those who have debt problems.

Colne Housing Chief Executive Mark Powell Davies gave a warm welcome to the trio. He said: “Each of these new members of staff will bring something different to the Society. Alistair has already hit the ground running with projects at the Forest Road Meeting Hall in Greenstead in Colchester and Forest Park Avenue in Clacton and we’re sure he’ll do a great job.

“We are also pleased to be able to welcome Daniel as an apprentice and have no doubt he will prove to be an asset to our ICT department. It is important to the society to be able to give young people like Daniel a step up the career ladder.

“The income management department will also benefit strongly from Alison’s expertise in credit control and the experience she brings to her new role as a result.

“I wish all three the best of luck in their roles at Colne Housing.”

SOUTHWOLD advertising agency Spring has boosted its team with the recruitment of a new account manager.

Elizabeth Hirst, who was previously production assistant at Urban Outfitters and web editor at designer costume jeweller Lola Rose, has started work at the Southwold agency.

Spring’s MD Erika Clegg said: “We’ve always searched for skilled people in the area – Lizzie’s a Southwold girl at heart and with a great CV that meant we just had to snap her up.”

Ms Hirst said: “I am thrilled to be working with Spring: coming back to Southwold from London, it was like finding a little bit of the capital city in my home town.”