THE Suffolk Institute of Directors has elected Penny Arbuthnot to its committee.

As director of public relations agency Project PR, Penny has steered the company through several stages of development and growth, culminating last year in winning the Outstanding PR Consultancy of the Year title in the Chartered Institute of Public Relation PRide Awards for East Anglia.

She said: “I’m delighted to join the committee of the IoD and look forward to helping the branch raise its profile as a voice for the county on business issues and as an excellent forum for directors to enjoy meeting at business and social events.”

Penny’s first tasks include helping to promote Suffolk IoD’s Creativity Club which is being launched this month as a new service for IoD members.

Paul Winter, chairman of Suffolk IoD, said: “We are very pleased that Penny accepted our invitation to join the committee and bring her PR and business skills to the team.”

Penny has a joint honours degree in English and Italian from Warwick University and a post-graduate diploma in public relations. She began her PR career in London before moving to Suffolk where she established Project PR in 1996. In 2010 Project PR was named the fourth most awarded PR agency outside of London by Drum Magazine.

n AN Elmsett woman has been presented with a �2,000 scholarship to help fund her studies at Harper Adams University College in Shropshire.

Helen Wilson, 25, was has been awarded the Mercer Scholarship, alongside Stephen Mansbridge of West Sussex.

This competitive award is available to agriculture students with �1,000 being paid to Helen for two of her academic years.

Helen said: “I am delighted to have received this scholarship and it is good for Harper Adams that there are people such as Mr Mercer who are willing to invest in students.

“I believe that scholarships are incentives for students to work harder and obtain the best degree possible. I am starting my placement year in the summer, so this scholarship will certainly be very helpful.”

Helen’s scholarship was among more than 70 awards presented to students at the Harper Adams Development Trust Scholarship Ceremony.

Anthony Burgess, development trust chairman, said: “The scholarships are worth �120,000 compared to 2006 when we awarded 21 scholarships worth �17,000.

“It’s called the Development Trust Scholarship Presentation, but the trust is just the facilitator. Thank you to all the sponsors and the academics who give of their time freely and work incredibly hard.”

n CHARLOTTE Bindley, a catering manager at National Express East Anglia, won the IRO Young Professional Award at the 13th Rail Business Awards held at the London Hilton, Park Lane.

In October 2008 Charlotte was promoted from duty catering manager to catering manager at a time of rapid reorganisation within the business, when the award-winning dining car service on East Anglia was to be withdrawn. In addition, the establishment was also to be reduced from 107 to 64 employees.

Charlotte rose to the challenge and successfully conducted a smooth transition to offer a new on-board service product.

Among her achievements, Charlotte has gained Investor in People accreditation for the department and involved team members in product reviews and ways to improve service by running employee forums and incentive schemes.

Charlotte has also gained an effective working relationship with union representatives, delivered the best employee survey results within East Anglia for the second year running and organised charity staff days raising more than �7,000 during the year.

Category judge Chris Daughton, said: “Charlotte has inspired and led staff against a background of 43 posts being eliminated. The various initiatives she has introduced have resulted in internal and external recognition.

“I was particularly impressed with the staff forum bringing catering and conductor together. Similarly the job swop displayed her outstanding ability in a ‘cut throat’ costing department.”

n HEALTHCARE Partners (HCPL) has announced the appointment of two new members of management staff, in a move which will enhance the company’s strength in sales and communications.

Marc Chatfield and James Steele have both joined the Braintree-based company during the last month. Marc will take on the role of sales manager while James will hold a position as communications manager.

Marc said of his new role: “I am delighted to be a part of such a progressive and dynamic company and very much look forward to a successful future as sales manager.”

James added: “It is great to be welcomed into HCPL and I look forward to being part of a team which is committed to delivering advice and care of the highest possible standard.”

In addition to the expansive range of health insurance services offered by HCPL, Marc and James will also be working on the company’s Avanti Travel Insurance brand; offering high quality travel insurance to both individual and corporate clients.

n JASON Franklin has joined Rose Builders Ltd as Senior Contracts Manager for major projects.

Formerly with Hutton Construction for more than 20 years he brings with him a huge wealth of knowledge, experience and success in the Essex and East Anglian construction market.