Oaklands House, in Southwold, has appointed a new manager with nearly 20 year’s experience in the caring profession.

Dawn Anderson has worked at the home for the last decade, first as carer and then deputy manager, before her promotion to manager. Dawn, who is married to husband Michael, has worked as a carer since she was 25 and had a previous role at The Gables, Great Yarmouth, another Healthcare Homes residence.

Dawn said Oaklands House is like ‘a home from home’ for her. She said: “I’m delighted to have been given this role. The residents and staff have been a huge part of my life for 10 years so I’m very happy here.

“I look forward to continuing the great work that we’ve been doing.”

Oaklands, in Blackwater Covert, Reydon, run by leading East Anglian care provider Healthcare Homes, has a rating of ‘Excellent’ from the Care Quality Commission.

Chief Executive of Healthcare Homes, Richard Clough, said: “Dawn has brought great enthusiasm to her previous role at Oaklands House and we’re sure this will translate to her new position as manager.”

Leading Suffolk based law firm Blocks Solicitors has recognised the growing expertise and the realisation of potential of four of its talented solicitors by appointing them as Associates.

John Riddett qualified in 1981 and has concentrated on private client work for over 25 years. He has vast experience in Court of Protection work, enduring powers of attorney, wills and the administration of estates and conveyancing. John is a member of The Law Society Private Client Section Executive Committee and The Society of Trust and Estate Practioners. He also lectures on various topics for Central Law Training and he is also a qualified Notary Public.

Nicola Weldon is also a specialist in private client work, including wills, trusts, probate and the elderly. Originally from Ipswich, studying at St Albans and Northgate Schools, Nicola gained a BSc Honours in Law at Hertfordshire University, completing her professional qualifications at the College of Law in Guildford.

Victoria Young is a dedicated employment solicitor. She graduated from Anglia Polytechnic with a first class degree in Forensic Science and Law. She has proved to be great asset providing local businesses with practical and sound legal advice on a wide range of employment issues and recently handled a notable victory in a tribunal on a major discrimination case.

Julie Hoy is part of the commercial property team, specialising in planning and development work, housing associations and shared ownership schemes. Julie completed her law degree at Essex University and studied for the LPC at Anglia Ruskin, Chelmsford.

Gerry Field, managing partner commented: “Our strategy for further growth requires us to have people in place who are not only exceptional lawyers but also possess strong leadership, communication and management skills.

They have clearly demonstrated the qualities and talent to make a significant contribution to the firm.”

Global Stone, the natural stone importing and sales company based at Little Tey near Colchester, has appointed two executive directors, effective from April 4.

Shirley Spittal has been promoted from general manager to managing director, and Julian Wood from sales and marketing manager to sales and marketing director. Shirley and Julian both live in the Colchester area.

Shirley and Julian have been involved in Global Stone from the very start and it is their hard work and skills that have made the company such a success, said Simon Blaxill, chairman of Global Stone.

They have come up with a number of innovative and market-leading products, as well as keeping a close relationship with both exporters and customers.

They recently oversaw Global Stones move to its purpose-designed four acre site at Little Tey, while their enhancement of the products last year resulted in Global Stone winning a silver medal for its garden at the Chelsea Flower Show.

We estimate that Global Stone now has around 10% of the UK natural stone paving market, with most of its competitors being major companies.

RICHARD Triolo, managing director of Systematic Logistics International Limited, a member of Palletways. Europe’s largest and fastest growing palletised freight network has been named the ‘2011 Colchester Connected Business Man of the Year’.

The awards ceremony was held at Colchester United FC with the chairman Robbie Cowling presenting Richard with the highly acclaimed award.

Mr Triolo was praised for his proactive business approach, as well as his focus and determination to take his business forward in a difficult climate.

Richard said: “I am honoured to receive this accolade and it is testimony to our desire and determination to be a leading player in the logistics marketplace.”