Michael Batty, head of the dispute resolution department at Greene & Greene Solicitors in Bury St Edmunds, has been appointed to chair the east region committee of UKELA – the United Kingdom Environmental Law Association.

The east region encompasses Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and part of Northamptonshire.

Founded in 1987 and with around 800 members, UKELA is a charity dedicated to working to improve the awareness and understanding of environmental law and to use the law to work for a better environment.

The association promotes discussion, training and networking opportunities amongst those interested in environmental law.

Michael said: “I am delighted to be involved with the East Region Committee, which was established earlier this year. We held a successful seminar in Cambridge during March 2014 and have a very exciting joint seminar with the UK Section of PIANC (the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure) fixed to take place at the London Gateway Port in October, involving not only a host of excellent speakers but also a guided tour of the Port”

Many UKELA events are open to non-members as well as members and can be booked through www.ukela.org.

: : Accountancy firm Scrutton Bland has welcomed two new recruits.

Faye Howard says she is thrilled to be joining the firm’s office in Ipswich as a private client tax director.

She will aiming to become a trusted adviser to the families of clients.

“Whilst we will happily provide a basic compliance service of completing accounts and tax returns each year, where we can add true value is by getting to know individual clients and their circumstances. This way we really are best placed to give advice that is best for the whole family to help preserve their hard earned wealth,” she said.

Laraine Daultry has joined the corporate tax advisory team in the Colchester office of Scrutton Bland as a senior manager (tax). She is looking forward to developing the Essex tax practice, working closely with the corporate finance team on all tax aspects of acquisitions, expansions and disposals.

Laraine has a particular interest in the motor and construction industries.

“I envisage exciting times ahead as the markets continue to improve – we aim to provide simple, commercial and tax-efficient solutions for companies and their owners to help meet their business needs, whilst recognising that client service is paramount,” she said.

: : Charlie Garrad has joined Green Energy Consulting based in Gateshead as a procurement consultant for the Anglia region.

The firm is an independent UK commercial energy consultant specialising in the renewable electricity and gas sectors.

Charlie, who is based at Ramsey, near Harwich, was previously acquisitions executive working with consultants countrywide through Haven Power.

Green Energy Consulting director Kilian Coyne said he was very pleased to have Charlie on board to build relationships for the company, using his comprehensive industry knowledge.

Charlie, who has a degree in business studies, has a young family, is a scout leader and is heavily involved in his local community. His interests include cinema, fishing cycling and motorbikes.