Essex crisp maker Fairfields Farm has appointed Steve Bush as its brand manager and Janette Osman as business development manager to help grow its business nationally and internationally.

Steve brings with him more than 15 years’ experience working in the snacks market and he will be supported by Janette to help build customer relationships and drive new business for the family-owned firm based in Colchester.

“Steve has plenty of relevant experience within the food industry and, since he started with us in December 2016, he has already made significant progress. Janette joined the telesales team in the summer of 2016 and after proving her value was promoted. Janette has a strong background in sales and people development and is a great asset to the team,” said head of sales and marketing Ian Bates.

“We have ambitious plans to grow the Fairfields Farm brand in 2017 and with Steve and Janette’s help we are confident we can double the size of the business,” adds Robert Strathern, founder of Fairfields Farm.

•Martlesham-based Suffolk Canine Creche has promoted its front of house manager Valerie Friend to franchise support manager.

Valerie will be at the forefront of support and direction to new franchisees and will travel the country providing them with guidance as well as ensuring they remain on brand profile and adhere to the business model.

Kerry Laredo takes on the new role of general manager, which has been created to help managing director and founder Candace Rose.

Kerry, who previously worked for local Ipswich engineering firm, will be tasked with launching a new service in the next quarter for dog owners.

Kelly Yallop replaces Valerie as front of house manager. She has worked in hotel operations, mostly recently at Orford.

Candace said: “The standard of candidates wishing to join our group is phenomenal. We have a wealth of talent in Suffolk and I have been impressed at the choice and levels of candidates that were open to me.

“I am delighted that Valerie’s length of service and her knowledge of our industry has been rewarded with her promotion. She will be a great advantage to the new franchisees.

“Attracting both Kerry and Kelly to our business is testament to how the animal care industry is changing, becoming more professional ranked against main stream industries.”

•Felixstowe-based PR firm Pier PR & Marketing has appointed experienced marketer and specialist copywriter Kate Southgate to the role of copywriter.

Having worked in marketing for seven years, Kate joins Pier from marketing agency Banbury Howard. She has turned her hand to numerous writing challenges, from award entries and editorial to a wide variety of digital content.

Kate said she was “thrilled” to join the team.

“I am really looking forward to sinking my teeth into a wide range of campaigns and projects,” she said.

She will be responsible for writing creative copy for many of Pier’s clients, as well as delivering a range of marketing solutions.

Managing director Kate Bowden Smith said: “Kate Southgate brings with her a wealth of experience and exceptional writing skills to our ever-increasing pool of talent here at Pier and we are looking forward to introducing her to our clients.”

•Ipswich-based law firm Prettys is expanding its family law department with the appointment of senior associate Matt Clemence.

Matt previously worked at Prettys between 2003 and 2009 before joining Newmarket firm Edmondson Hall.

He specialises in high net worth complex financial cases which often include businesses, trusts, overseas property as well as having extensive experience in farming cases.

Georgie Hall, partner and head of family law, said: “I am delighted to welcome Matt back to the team. His experience will be a huge benefit to our clients, especially those who wish to take a collaborative approach using Talking Works, our innovative dispute resolution service.”

Matt said he was looking forward to rejoining the Prettys team and using his skills and knowledge to further enhance the service the firm offers.

Prettys has also welcomed back associate Vanessa Bell after maternity leave. Vanessa is part of the employment team.

•Solicitor Tim Field has returned to the law after 10 years working in other sectors.

Tim has joined law firm Birkett Long’s business team in Colchester, helping corporate and not-for-profit clients with negotiating contracts, buying and selling businesses and drafting terms and conditions.

After taking his A levels at Westcliff High School for Boys and studying Law at university, Tim completed the Bar Vocational Course, which qualifies lawyers to practise as barristers.

But instead of entering the legal profession, he went into the insurance business for five years, managing the Colchester office of a national claims firm and its team of more than 25 staff, and generating fees of around £3m a year.

He then moved to a construction and project management company as operations manager, before deciding to return to the law. Even though his daughter was born a week before his final Legal Practice Course exam, he gained a distinction and began a training contract with a Colchester-based law firm in 2014. He qualified as a solicitor last May.

Tim, who lives in Colchester, said: “I felt that returning to the legal profession was right for me and I enjoy the intellectual challenge that it provides.

“With the experience I gained working in industry for 10 years, I feel I am well positioned to help my clients and ensure they receive practical and legal advice that is tailored to their requirements.”

•Ipswich-based law firm Ashtons Legal has expanded its private client services with the appointment of two new solicitors to its Lifetime Planning division.

Suzanne Whyman and Louisa Bradberry recently joined Ashtons’ Bury St Edmunds and Norwich offices.

Suzanne has joined as an associate in the lifetime planning team. Her role involves advising clients on capital tax and estate planning and assisting in the preparation of wills, trusts and powers of attorney.

Louisa qualified as a solicitor in 2005 and has specialised in wills and probate since 2007. She has worked for firms in Cambridge and most recently Bury St Edmunds before joining Ashtons Legal. She is currently studying for the STEP Trusts and Estates Diploma.

Partner and head of individual client services Alan Brown said: “Ashtons is going through a period of significant growth and expansion at the moment and Louisa and Suzanne’s appointments are part of the exciting steps we are taking in further developing our regional presence.”