GRANT Thornton East Anglia has further strengthened its audit team with the appointment of a new director.

Neil Knights brings more than 20 years’ experience of working with some of the region’s largest owner-managed companies, housing associations and charities, as well as advising on pension schemes.

In his new role, Neil will further strengthen the delivery of the audit service. He will also play a key role in the the award winning national pensions team.

Neil said: “Grant Thornton already has an enviable reputation for its audit services. I am extremely pleased to be joining such an established team and I hope my experience will add real value to the services we offer to clients across the region.”

TW Gaze, Diss based Chartered Surveyors and Auctioneers are pleased to announce the appointment of Dawn Gadd BA (Hons) to the Residential Lettings Department.

Dawn brings with her more than 15 years experience in customer service and quality management. Earlier in her career Dawn studied hotel management and worked for Trust House Forte Group, Granada and Bass Charrington where she oversaw group buying as regional manager.

Residential Partner Mike Sarson said: “Dawn has been assisting our sales team for the past year and we’re delighted that she is joining the lettings department”.

MARITIME Transport (Maritime) is delighted to announce the appointment of two new directors to the board of the company. Richard Lond has been appointed Finance Director and Tim Goddard to the position of IT/Personnel Director.

Richard entered the transport industry with Russell Davies in 1995 and reached the position of general manager of finance. He joined Maritime in 2003, in project management role, to oversee implementation of new IT finance system and then took on the management of the day-to-day accounting function.

Tim has worked in the Logistics sector since 1980, having held senior management positions within shipping and transportation organisations in the UK, Continental Europe and United States.

“Both Richard and Tim have a strong track record of achievement at Maritime and these appointments reflect their hard work and commitment as we start to build the next generation of senior managers within the company,” said John Williams, Managing Director.

RICHARD Glinn first became a member of Foundation East in order to network with other local business people, but he has found working with the business finance organisation so rewarding that he has joined them full-time in a newly created role of marketing and membership manager.

Richard was most recently managing director of Northgate PLC’s East Anglian Division. He grew the operation in less than five years from a temporary office in a portacabin and 20 vans to a six depot organisation with 4,000 vans and a turnover of �1.5m a month – a transformation he had previously achieved with a number of other companies. Growing businesses and building key accounts are two of the strengths he is bringing to Foundation East.

Richard said: “Networking has always been invaluable in the businesses that I have headed up, and as Foundation East has a presence across the East of England I thought it would be a good way to meet a cross section of people. However as I got more involved I saw what a difference it was making to people’s lives and how worthwhile it is.”

LISA Tuckwell of solicitors Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP has recently completed her LPC, qualifying as a solicitor on October 17 of this year.

Lisa who specialises in family law has worked in the legal profession since 1985 and has been part of the FJG family for over 13 years. She became one of the first legal executives in the country to be made a partner in a law firm in 2009 and following the completion of studies to convert to become a solicitor.

Lisa said: “I feel immensely proud to have qualified as a solicitor after many years of studying and working full time. I believe that with hard work and determination it is possible for everyone to achieve their dreams and I look forward to continuing with my career in the law.”

ANDREW Fuller has taken over as senior product development technologist for Muntons Ingredients.

In his new role Andrew will be leading the Stowmarket technical sales support team and will be driving new product development and innovation, whilst also taking over responsibility for the smooth running of their purpose built, ‘Centre for Excellence.’

Andrew has been with Muntons Ingredients for over four years, having spent the previous 16 years working within the food industry.

“My aim is for the team to continue to deliver high levels of service to customers and channel partners, completing development projects in a timely fashion,” said Andrew.

Gary Lancaster has joined the sales team as UK sales manager, with his main focus on UK food manufacturing.

With 27 years experience within the food and milling industry, Gary’s technical milling background will prove to be an invaluable asset for Muntons rapidly growing ingredient business.

Gary said: “Muntons are seeing continued growth and interest in malted ingredients. My experience within the milling and food industry, combined with the technical resources that Muntons already have in place, should prove a strong blend and help in the development and growth of new specialist markets and novel applications.”