A solicitor has become a part-owner of the Ipswich law firm she joined 30 years ago.

Jane Riley, who is head of the residential property department at Kerseys Solicitors, qualified as a solicitor in 1988.

She returned to Kerseys in 2000 after a short break bringing up her three children.

Jane, who originally dealt with commercial property, went on to specialise in residential property and has now been promoted to equity partner.

“This is an opportunity to play a role in Kerseys’ management and help shape its future,” she said.

“I’ve always found Kerseys to be an approachable and pro-active firm and I am keen to play my part in developing this.”

Jane, 52, was born in Ipswich and went to school at Northgate Grammar School for Girls. After a law degree at University of Hull, she returned to Ipswich and took up a training contract at Kerseys.

She is active in the local community, and was elected as a councillor at Ipswich Borough Council in 2014.

She is also chair of the Ipswich Film Theatre Trust, which operates the independent cinema at the Corn Exchange in Ipswich; the internationally-acclaimed Gecko Theatre Company, and educational charity The Northgate Foundation.

Managing partner Anthony Wooding said: “Jane has been a long-standing asset to the company and we are delighted to have her as one of our equity partners. She is experienced, knowledgeable and efficient. She is a pleasure to work with.”

::Ipswich, Colchester, Chelmsford and London-based chartered accountants LB Group has promoted Richard Lane to director.

Richard joined LB Group in 2011 and currently manages the audit and accounts department at its Stratford office. He is a chartered accountant and has a wide range of audit, accounts and tax knowledge allowing him to work closely alongside businesses. Richard specialises in SME owner-managed business, and audits across all industry sectors particularly hospitality.

He has worked within the audit departments of two London based top-50 firms. Taking his experience from this environment he has used it to help companies of all sizes succeed and grow.

Director Trevor Lake said: “Richard brings a wealth of experience to LB Group and his knowledge and experience is invaluable as we look to define more proactive accountancy, tax and business solutions for our clients and grow our presence locally.”

Richard said: “I am delighted to take on this promotion with LB Group with the intention of growing the business, while at the same time delivering an all-round client service. LB Group is a dynamic, forward thinking company, constantly seeking to improve the service we can offer to our clients and I look forward to being able to continue to add value to a well-established team which shares the same values as I do.”

::Ipswich-based law firm Gotelee has appointed lawyer with expertise in serving elderly clients.

Tax, wills, powers of attorney and probate expert Kay Baker qualified as a solicitor in 2007 and has specialised in private client Law since then. She is a fully accredited member of Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) and holds the Older Client Care in Practice Award.

She has a wide range of experience acting for elderly and vulnerable clients, as well as families and business people needing advice on tax planning.

Kay is also a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). She has a particular interest in contentious probate matters and is one of the only solicitors in the local area to be a full member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS).

“I am delighted to join Gotelee and looking forward to helping the community of Hadleigh,” she said.

“Gotelee has an outstanding reputation and I am very much looking forward to helping contribute to the firm’s continued success.”

Chief executive officer Alistair Laing said: “Kay joins us with an outstanding reputation and we are thrilled to welcome her to the firm.

Department head Peter Crix said: “Her arrival will add another string to our bow, particularly given her expertise in acting for elderly and vulnerable clients.”

Gotelee has offices in Ipswich, Felixstowe, Hadleigh, Melton and Woodbridge.

::Insurance broker Bluefin has appointed Maria Delves as branch director of its Newmarket office.

Maria brings more than 20 years of insurance broking experience having previously owned her own brokerage for 15 years. The appointment is in line with the growth plans of the regional office which already accommodates specialist teams from the broker’s retail broking division and underwriting teams.

Maria said she was “really excited” to join.

Regional managing director Andy White said: “This is a fantastic hire and I am delighted to welcome Maria to the team. One of my colleagues likened this to signing Gareth Bale which was a fun analogy but the sentiment’s absolutely true. I believe with Maria’s depth of experience Newmarket will go from strength to strength and we can achieve real growth as well as providing some great opportunities for the development of the team. In addition I believe Maria will add significant input to the southern region with her sales drive.”

::Estate agents Connells’ land and new homes division has taken on Simon Wasley and Tia Newport.

Simon joins as land manager and Tia as new homes manager, strengthening the firm’s offering in the Essex and Suffolk region

Simon and Tia both bring with them a wealth of experience. Tia celebrates 15 years with Connells this year, having worked her way up through the ranks from a new homes site rep to her most recent position as branch manager at Connells in Braintree. She has built up a broad knowledge of both the local market and across all aspects of the housing industry. Simon brings with him more than five years’ experience, having worked in rural and central London markets.

“I’m delighted to take up my new role at a very exciting time for the new homes market,” said Tia.

Simon said he was “thrilled” to be joining.

Regional director for land and new homes Trevor Hill welcomed the new recruits.

::Alastair Capon has been promoted to associate director of Rose Builders Limited, responsible for heading the team delivering traditional building works in South Suffolk and North Essex.

Alastair is described by the firm, which is based at Lawford, near Manningtree, as “highly experienced and knowledgeable”.

“Alastair has earnt his promotion through his expertise and hard work,” it said.

He has more than 30 years’ experience in the industry and developed his career in South Essex at Bakers of Danbury.