After 17 years leading and building Ipswich-based seeds firm Thompson and Morgan, John May has moved into the role of deputy chairman and passed the reins to Bryan Magrath.

Chairman Eddie Boss said he was “delighted” to announce the appointment.

“John has led the business through some turbulent times and is passing on a market leading business. We look forward to his continued contribution,” he said.

Formerly CEO of James Hull Associates, Vision Express and managing director of Dixons, Bryan brings a wealth of marketing, consumer focus and organisational strengths as well as being an enthusiastic recreational gardener.

Mark Davies has been promoted to head of building surveying at Ipswich-based Concertus Design & Property Consultants.

Mark, who is a member of the Chartered Institute of Building, has worked as a building surveyor for more than 25 years. His experience is broad and diverse, covering both the public and private sectors and ranging from maintenance projects to multi-million pound developments.

While in the private sector he has worked on projects at the Imperial War Museum, London and Leeds Castle, Maidstone.

Director Matthew Self said: “Mark joined Concertus In February 2014 and his rapid promotion shows the value and esteem we place on him as an important member of our multi-disciplinary team.”

Mark lives in Wyverstone, near Eye, and in his free time enjoys rebuilding and maintaining cars, going to music festivals and fell walking in the Lake District. He also likes sport and is a season ticket holder at Ipswich Town.

A businesswoman who started out as an employee of Printing.com in Bury St Edmunds after taking over the franchise three years ago is celebrating a move to bigger premises and taking on a new member of staff.

Melissa Stannard took over when the previous owners moved away. By incorporating her web and graphic design arm Limelight Design, she has grown the business and has just moved from a single office in Eastgate Street to larger premises at Acorn House, Western Way.

“We were literally bursting at the seams in our old office and needed to accommodate another member of staff and a new large format printer. Our new offices are brighter, more stylish and give us the space we need to grow further. We hope clients both old and new will call in to see us,” she said.

Following the appointment of web developer Darryl Bartlett, who specialises in PhP Programming and Java, the firm has increased its list of services to include handscripted and personalised email marketing.

Meanwhile, graduate Jessica Spragg recently joined the team in a part-time sales and marketing role. Investment in a special large format printer means wall decals, vinyl graphics, signs and even bespoke wallpaper can also be produced.

The business has just launched a webshop offering swift online ordering of posters, banners, business cards and stationery and Melissa is now working with business coach John Porter as part of the Government’s Growth Accelerator plan to take the business to the next level.

Ipswich-based marketing firm StrategiQ Marketing has this month celebrated its first anniversary with the appointment of four new members of staff.

The firm, started by Andy Smith, has welcomed Laurence Caton, who joins as a web developer, while Hayley Fraser-Webb heads up all future StrategiQ creative design work. The firm has also added social media and search engine optimisation expertise with the arrival of Andrew Smith and Rebecca Evans.

“We are really delighted to have begun adding some real talent to the team and I’m confident that each member will bring real value to our client’s experience,” said Andy.

“I couldn’t be more proud of how far StrategiQ has come in its first year. Our industry is ever developing, and StrategiQ has met every challenge that has been presented with aplomb.”

The firm’s client base includes Rocksure Property Ltd, London & Zurich, British Standard Cupboards and Ansaback.

Garden machinery maker SCH (Supplies) Ltd has named Ian Holder as its new workshop manager.

Ian will already be known to many dealers and customers, having worked for SCH, which is based at Holbrook, near Ipswich, for 10 years. He has also been present on the stand at many shows attended by SCH, enthusing about the company’s products

“I’m enjoying getting to grips with the new job. I’m interested in the whole process, from orders coming in, to products being developed, and most important, happy customers at the end of the day,” he said.

Delphine Barrais has taken on the role of head chef at the Bildeston Crown, at Bildeston, near Hadleigh.

Chris Perry joins social business Swarm Apprenticeships as managing director

Chris, who has a wealth of business and training industry experience from his previous roles as business manager at Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and with national training provider First 4 Skills, will be recruiting businesses and potential apprentices to Swarm, which is based at Wymondham in Norfolk.

“I am really pleased to be able to step into the role to lead the Swarm team in achieving its vision of growing the number of young and talented Enterprise Apprentices across the region who will deliver real added value to their employers. Swarm is currently embarking on a new phase of growth and there are a lot of exciting things happening that give our young apprentices the extra support and tools needed to become even more effective in delivering a return on investment for their employers,” he said.

Swarm in Suffolk will be launched at Framlingham Technology Centre with Fresh Aspirations Forum, a new initiative aimed at providing Framlingham’s young people with the skills they need to broaden their horizons, fill job opportunities and start their own businesses. The launch is on Thursday, September 18.

Felixstowe public relations firm Pier has made two new appointments as it continues to expand.

Jack Everett joins on a PR internship. Throughout the six month programme, he will be working closely with the existing team at Pier to experience all areas of agency work and gain a good understanding of the PR industry via on the job and external training. Having graduated with a sociology degree from the University of Kent and with three months’ experience as a marketing and sales intern in China, Jack is looking forward to developing his skills closer to home.

Chrystal Harris has been offered a promotion and full time position as account executive following her completion of Pier’s six month intern programme. Chrystal will be working across both business to business and consumer clients at Pier.

Director Kate Bowden Smith said: “Following our recent office expansion and new business wins, I am thrilled welcome Jack to the team, whilst Chrystal’s promotion and offer of a permanent position is a well-deserved result of her hard work and enthusiasm.”

East Bergholt-based software firm Fargo Systems has further strengthened its Essex-based support team with the appointment of Alex Mortimer to the role of first line support.

General manager Steve Collins said: “Our strategy was to create a first line of support and expand our customer service manager’s role. Appointing Alex has enabled us to provide our clients with a full proactive support service.