Ipswich-based Fox’s Marina has appointed David Russell as yard manager, joining Will Taylor-Jones who took over as managing director at Fox’s earlier this year.

A chartered engineer, member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, and an experienced blue water yachtsman, David brings a huge wealth of practical yacht building and marine engineering experience to the Fox’s team.

His career includes composite project manager at Devonport Dockyards, which included work on superyachts, naval vessels and lifeboats.

He later joined the renowned E C Landamore, as engineering manager, overseeing the new build of many new Oyster yachts, later becoming technical manager responsible for system design and installation, whilst also being responsible for managing the refit and repair of various custom projects.

When he’s not helping out at his local scout group where he is a scout leader, or working on customer’s boats, David likes nothing more than to be working or sailing on his own boat.

Previous projects have included refitting a 37-foot steel sailing yacht in which he subsequently went on to complete a five-year circumnavigation from 1995-2000 with his wife, Jane, who is the director of the Pilotage Foundation and author of the Atlantic Crossing Guide. This was followed by the fit-out of a 39-foot steel vessel in which David and Jane and their family undertook a 13-month cruise of the Mediterranean in 2011-2012.

: : Essex-based food ingredient producer Edme has further strengthened its team by recruiting Stephen Johnson and Natalija Simanec into its finance department.

Stephen takes up the role of finance and commercial director and Natalija joins him as a finance assistant. Stephen, a chartered management accountant, brings with him a wealth of experience from a variety of industries, including publishing and manufacturing.

“Edme is a great forward-looking company that’s investing heavily in the future and seeking out new ways to bring benefits and new products to its customers, locally, nationally and globally. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to be a part of that,” he said.

Natalija also joins Edme from a manufacturing background. Natalija said she was particularly looking forward to using her experience in dealing with European producers in her new role.

Managing director Peter Tichbon said: “These are exciting times for the business and we are delighted to welcome Steve and Natalija on board. They will both play a vital role in working closely with our suppliers and customers to ensure that we continue to source and deliver great quality products at the right price. I know that Steve and Natalija will be pivotal in ensuring that we continue to grow our business in the UK, Europe and beyond.”

Edme, based at Mistley, near Manningtree, produces a wide range of malted grains to the cereal and food industries.

: : m2fx, the Framlingham-based firm which created and makes Miniflex™ fibre communication cables has appointed Simon Roberts as regional sales director for the Middle East and Africa.

Simon joins from microwave technology vendor Bluwan where he was director of global sales and brings over 15 years’ experience in the telecoms and networking sector. He specialises in building channels to market and has extensive contacts in both Africa and the Middle East.

His appointment is part of a major expansion of the sales structure at the firm, following a successful $3m funding round earlier in 2013. The company is looking to grow its share of the global fibre telecommunications market and penetrate new areas, such as the oil and gas sector in the Middle East, where it will work closely with in country partner Middle East Fiber Cable Manufacturing Co. (MEFC).

In Europe, DataStructures will become the company’s first direct representative in Spain, helping target opportunities in the telecoms, industrial and aerospace markets. “We’ve identified the Middle East and Africa as critical markets for our growth, and Simon has the perfect mix of skills and experience to deepen our sales channels in these areas,” said vice-president of Europe, Middle East and Africa sales at the firm Martin Gossling.

“With information needs expanding dramatically, the world is moving to fibre as the communication network of choice. We have patented technology that is proven to speed up deployments and reduce costs across multiple markets Our major investment in growing our sales team and channels aims to accelerate our success and increase our presence across the globe.”

As well as Bluwan, Roberts has held a number of senior and sales positions within the telecoms industry, including roles at Intracom Telecom and Cambridge Broadband Networks. He has worked with tier one telecoms and mobile carriers and global and regional partners. A CIMA Foundation Level qualified accountant, Roberts has a BSc in Sociology from Bath University.

“The Middle East and Africa are seeing some of the fastest growth in the market, with operators and developers deploying ambitious new Fibre to the Home (FTTH) networks across both regions, as well as within a new generation of smart homes,” said Simon Roberts.

“With its combination of innovation, strength, lightness and flexibility m2fx has the right products to quickly and cost-effectively meet this expanding need. The product range is proven and I look forward to recruiting and working with our partners to take it to market.”

: : A newly-appointed managing director at Clacton-based Bowens International has pledged to recruit more skilled staff locally next year as part of an ambitious new global expansion programme for the professional photo-lighting and videography equipment company.

The company currently employs 35 staff at its Old Road UK HQ and more than 100 at manufacturing plants in China.

Emerson Roberts, 40, formerly sales and marketing director at the hugely successful west-London based Brompton Bicycle company, has been headhunted by Bowens to lead the group in its drive for growth.

On his seven year watch at the folding bicycle company exports increased by 80%, sales tripled and profits quadrupled - and Bowens directors believe Emerson’s international experience will prove a major asset to their own plans at home and abroad.

He plans to invest heavily in R&D and a raft of new hi-tech products which will start coming off production lines next year.

“Bowens is a heritage company and now we need to capitalise on its history with a new and sharper focus on its future. It’s time for a sea change in the way we do things. Bowens is nothing if it isn’t doing something important with technology. It’s what is expected of us in the professional imaging industry,” he said.

“Our two-location strategy enables us to take advantage of lower manufacturing costs abroad and still develop our expert team here in the UK.

Roberts, a rugby-loving family man, has three sons aged seven, four and one, and lives in Colchester. He still keeps his folding Brompton bicycle in the boot of his car.

He takes over from former MD Mike Taylor who spent 35 years with the Bowens Group.

: : A beekeeper from Ipswich has become next in line to the presidency of the world’s largest safety organisation at an event held in Leicestershire in November.

Ian Harper, 42, a local smallholder, took up the position as President Elect of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), at the chartered body’s Annual General Meeting, part of the charity’s two-day Networks Conference.

Ian, who keeps chickens, rare breed sheep, turkeys and bees on his land in Stowmarket, said: “I have been a member of IOSH for the past 15 years and want to give something back to the sector.

“In my opinion a safety professional works to make things better and more efficient – I hope that during my time in a presidential role for the Institution, I can continue to do just this, but on a much larger scale.”

When Ian is not busy trying to breed Hebridean sheep - currently under threat of extinction – or herding bees to pollinate his orchard, he works as a self-employed risk engineer.

Ian added: “For years I have worked saving lives in the construction sector. Construction still remains one of the biggest killers in the UK so we can’t afford to be complacent, as we can’t in any industry – safety and health has to be firmly on every business’ agenda.

“Contrary to the belief, health and safety doesn’t prevent people from doing things, it just means they can do them without killing themselves, or causing damage. Personally, I love riding speedway bikes, but it’s not health and safety that stopped me from doing that, it was my age.”

IOSH is the Chartered body for health and safety professionals, with more than 42,000 members in 100 countries. The Institution sets standards, and supports, develops and connects its members with resources, guidance, events and training. As the voice of the profession IOSH campaigns on issues that affect millions of working people.

Ian will become president of the Institution in November 2014.