Birketts is delighted to announce the arrival of solicitor Duncan McGregor, who started at the firm recently.

Duncan joins the shipping, logistics and international services team, based in Ipswich, which was recently praised in legal directory Chambers (UK 2011) for being “the same standard as London firms for nowhere near the price”.

Duncan, who has previously worked for international law firms in both London and Athens, has experience in a wide range of dispute resolution work including charterhire disputes, speed and consumption claims, safe berth/port warranties, recovery of General Average, salvage matters, ship construction disputes and ship arrest disputes.

Speaking of this new appointment, head of team Nicholas Woo commented: “We are very glad to welcome Duncan into the firm. The shipping and immigration team has grown from two members in 2004 to eleven members in 2011.

“ We hope to continue to attract young shipping lawyers like Duncan wishing to enjoy a country life without sacrificing City type quality (or quantity) of work.”

UK-leading mobility specialist TGA is delighted to announce the appointment of Dominic Thomas as its new Service Manager. He will now be responsible for the team delivering scooter servicing, maintenance and repairs at the company’s headquarters in Sudbury, Suffolk.

Dominic or ‘Dom’ Thomas, from Bury St Edmunds, brings over 20 years of engineering and management experience to TGA. Following completion of an engineering apprenticeship aged 15, Dom’s career has progressed very well over the years to include responsibility for delivering electrical and mechanical maintenance contracts for big names such as HBOS and Barclays.

Dom said: “My new status as Service Manager at TGA represents an exciting time in my career. I have been speaking with Daniel Stone, the TGA Managing Director, for some time now before joining the company as this role is so pivotal in his organisation. I am glad to say after many discussions, we both concluded this was the right move for me.”

HEALTHCARE Partners (HCPL) is pleased to announce the appointment of a new member of their sales team, in a move which will enhance the company’s sales operation.

Keith Smout has joined the Essex based company from May. Keith will take on the role of senior healthcare consultant and will be responsible for generating new business and servicing existing clients and reporting to sales manager, Marc Chatfield.

Keith has worked in various roles in the insurance industry for over 25 years. Keith said of his new role: “I am pleased to be part of such a dynamic and enthusiastic team at Healthcare Partners and am looking forward to achieving some impressive results for the company going forwards.”

CLIVE Phillips has been appointed as new regional manager in East Anglia for Huddersfield-based Ploughcroft Ltd’s growing solar division.

Phillips has over 40 years experience in the energy sector, and is an experienced energy assessor. The solar PV expert will be responsible for supporting the growth of Ploughcroft’s business in East Anglia and the Home Counties.

Clive said: “I am delighted to be joining Ploughcroft at what is a very exciting time for the company and the renewable energy sector. The demand for solar and renewable energy continues to rise and I am determined to drive the business forward and develop the Ploughcroft offering.”

PURE Resourcing Solutions, specialist professional services recruitment consultancy, is expanding with the appointment of three new recruitment consultants in its East Anglia offices.

Recently joining the consultancy’s Ipswich office is Craig Cordle and Donna Heeley who are supporting the existing team who, amongst them, have over 91 years combined experience in professional recruitment.

Craig, who has over six years recruitment experience predominantly across Suffolk and Essex, is concentrating on Permanent Part Qualified and Qualified Accountancy recruitment in Suffolk, offering a tailored dedicated service across the division.

Donna is working in the recently formed Financial Services division which recruits for businesses across insurance, pension firms and specialist mortgage providers to find experienced claims professionals, underwriters, project and change managers. Donna will specialise in recruiting Underwriters, Brokers and Account handlers across Suffolk.

Director of Pure, Lynn Walters, said: “The recruitment of new team members is a crucial to the future expansion of our business throughout East Anglia. Craig has a varied background recruiting senior and high volume roles for businesses of all sizes and has built a reputation locally of being a knowledgeable and reliable recruiter that does not compromise on quality.

“Donna has an excellent record in building relationships with both clients and candidates, having worked in recruitment for 8 years, and also adds depth to the Financial Services team’s experience through her insurance broking background prior to working as a recruitment consultant.”

Donna said: “I joined Pure as I wanted to work for a recruitment company with integrity and an honest approach. It is important for me to understand the client and candidates requirements in order to build successful relationships. At Pure I am fortunate to work with knowledgeable, professional and friendly people.”