Genesis PR, based at Holbrook, near Ipswich, has appointed Edward Lloyd as account director.

Edward brings more than 20 years’ experience in communications, having worked agency and client side, both internationally and in the region.

He brings expertise in technology, telecommunications, FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods), healthcare, finance, luxury goods, charity and non-governmental organisations.

His core skill set covers consumer, business and corporate communications, media relations, community relations and public affairs.

The new growth role within the agency will allow Edward to lead and support the current team and grow the business whilst implementing new approaches and methods to benefit existing and potential clients.

Director Penny Arbuthnot said: “It is rare to find this calibre of candidate in the region and we are delighted to welcome Edward on board. Employing senior, quality members of staff is a key to our agency strategy. Edward’s experience is a great match for our business. He adds a level of input and support that gives our agency a dynamic and powerful structure – we are genuinely excited by the hire.”

Edward said joining the firm “gives me tremendous scope and freedom to implement innovative processes and support existing successful strategies that have made the agency a beacon in their field,” he said. “I am delighted and excited to join Genesis PR.”

Previously Edward has held senior posts in a variety of leading PR and communications agencies including joint managing director of Golin in the Middle East, managing director of MMD Eastern Europe, and global PR manager of Philips Semiconductors. Edward also ran a London and South East based PR agency for 10 years.

: : Creative agency Zero Above, based at Alphamstone, near Sudbury, has welcomed Chris Smith as its new digital manager.

Chris brings a wealth of diverse marketing experience to the role, particularly in the digital field and his analytical insight and creativity.

Chris grew up in north Lincolnshire, attending Caistor Grammar School, and studied tourism management in Sheffield before moving to London and working in the travel industry, where he played a major part in establishing Ionian Island Holidays as a significant player in the Greek holiday market.

He took his experience and ambition to southern Africa and, along with his new business partner, set up Mud Hut Travel, a bespoke online travel company offering tailor made “eco” safari holidays.

In order to broaden his marketing experience, Chris turned his hand to the luxury motorcar industry with a branding and marketing role with the prestigious Belgravia Garage, supplying a clientele of the world’s most wealthy residents with Ferraris, Bentleys and Rolls Royces.

He then decided to escape to the country and moved to north Essex, returning to the travel industry and establishing the digital marketing at cruise agent Reader Offers.

“What attracted me to Zero Above was the exposure to completely different sectors and a vast, unique and interesting portfolio, where we use cutting edge digital marketing techniques and technologies,” he said.

“Despite my previous tourism experience, the different target customer demographic, with an average age of 75, made this role more challenging, but they were surprisingly receptive to a new digital experience.”

He added: “The opportunity to work locally in a converted barn on the Essex/Suffolk borders is amazing, and enhances my work-life balance giving me more opportunity to enjoy the other passion in my life, sport.”

Chris is a keen hockey player and enthusiastic golfer, cricketer and ten-pin bowler.

: : Building firm Bennett Homes, based at Nowton, near Bury St Edmunds, has appointed a new site manager at its latest development in Watton.

Tom Beeston will run operations at The Signals, including day-to-day management of the site, and supervision of permanent staff and contractors.

Before joining Bennett Homes, Tom’s previous roles included working for a national building company where he progressed from labourer to site manager.

Tom said: “I am really enjoying working for a smaller family-run building company which is committed to creating high quality new homes. Maintaining this standard can be challenging but it is also very rewarding. I am looking forward to seeing The Signals take shape over the next few months.”

Managing director Edward Parker said: “We are delighted to welcome Tom to our team and look forward to seeing his contribution to our new development at Watton. His experience in managing a site and staff is very useful, as is his commitment to the high standards we maintain.”

: : Ipswich-based marketing agency StrategiQ has appointed three new staff members.

Cassie Bendall has joined as digital account manager, where she is responsible for managing social media and marketing campaigns across a wide base of clients. With four years in digital marketing, Cassie has two years international experience working for one of the largest telecommunications companies in Australia, following her graduation for University Campus Suffolk in 2012.

Chris Green joins from High Position as search engine optimisation and content manager. A seasoned speaker at a number of digital marketing events and a confirmed speaker for the prestigious BrightonSEO event in September, he is also a graduate of University Campus Suffolk. Chris will be leading digital strategies across all of StrategiQ’s clients.

Eren Coli, who has worked with brands such as The Telegraph and its popular Fantasy Football game as well as Genting Casinos, joins as digital account manager. Eren will be working with paid search clients and the conversion rate optimisation strategies across all clients.

Company director Andy Smith said: “We’ve been focusing heavily on building the business to support our ever-growing client base. Our three recent appointments represent a fantastic stride forward for StrategiQ and are testament to the hard work and the successes that we have enjoyed.”

: : Andrew Davies of Metcalfe Copeman & Pettefar Solicitors has become the new managing partner of the firm.

Andrew is based at the Thetford branch and has been specialising in property law for more than 20 years, helping many clients with sales, purchases and management of commercial property.

MCP has also appointed two new associates, Lorraine Campbell and Claire Walker. Both Lorraine and Claire have been with the firm for 15 years and specialise in property law.

Partner Tim Stevenson said: “Our new and expanded structure will help MCP gain momentum in the rapidly changing legal market place. As always, our goal is to operate within a structure that best serves our clients.”

Andrew said: “I am delighted at the new changes which MCP has gone through and I look forward to a progressive and bright future at the firm with talented and dedicated staff.”

: : Cambridge-based leisure park operator Fellstead, which owns two sites in Suffolk, near Saxmundham and Lowestoft, is recruiting two new members of staff to its head office team following strong sales and growth.

Holiday home sales have leapt 20% in recent months, compared with the same period in 2014, a surge that is being attributed in part to government changes to pension laws.

Chloe Fielder is joining the team as junior marketing manager, while her new colleague Jenna Davies will be taking up a position as accounts clerk.

In addition to liaising with the media to promote events, Chloe will be responsible for researching advertising opportunities, updating social media channels and helping secure holiday home sales.

Jenna will be part of the accounts team responsible for the operation and smooth running of all aspects of the company’s financial affairs.

Fellstead director David MacDonald said: “I am delighted to welcome two more capable people to the Fellstead team. This has been an excellent trading year for the company and we are forecasting continued growth as we look to exploit an expanding market.

“Sales are rising rapidly and we needed additional human resources to enable us to maintain the high levels of service that our customers expect.”

Fellstead has reported 34 new sales since legislative changes took effect on April 1 and retirees were given the option of withdrawing larger sums of money from their pension without having to purchase an annuity.