Ipswich-based insurance brokers and financial advisers Woodward Markwell continues to grow and has just recruited Tony Mann and Charlie McEntee.

Tony Mann joins from Axa Direct where he was responsible for direct commercial insurances.

He brings a wealth of knowledge of working with local companies and an in-depth understanding of their needs.

Tony has more than 25 years’ experience of commercial insurances and will be responsible for serving commercial clients alongside the current team of executives, which consists of David McGowan, Mark Parlett, Matt Scutcher and Amy Weir.

Charlie McEntee joins from AMAS Ltd as an independent financial adviser. She has specialised in personal finances for 25 years, specifically dealing with high net-worth cases.

Managing director Andrew Johnson said: “Having Tony and Charlie with us adds to our already substantial knowledge-base and will enable us to continue to service our existing and new client’s needs to the high standards we set ourselves.”

In the coming months Woodward Markwell is set to grow further with the recruitment of another account executive, independent financial adviser, account handler and apprentice.

: : Financial planning manager David Heaton has been recruited by Essex-based Birkett Long Independent Financial Advisers.

David joins the team as financial planning manager and will be working across the firm’s offices in Basildon, Chelmsford and Colchester.

With 25 years in the profession, he is well placed to advise clients on all aspects of investment, pensions, insurance and mortgages having worked with firms such as Sun Life, Sedgwick Independent Financial Advisers, Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Banking Group before joining Birkett Long Independent Financial Advisers.

David, who is married with two grown-up children, said: “I’m really excited about the opportunity to work with existing advisers Nicola Ward, Colin Hyoms and Paul Chilver. I bring wide-ranging experience, which includes advice for individuals and business clients.”

: : Nick Pickersgill has joined the commercial property team at regional law firm Birketts as a senior associate.

Nick said: “Birketts is recognised as one of the top UK law firms and is consistently rated in the top bandings in the leading legal directories. I am delighted to be joining a team with such an extensive property offering.”

Kath Herbert, partner and head of Birketts’ commercial property team in Cambridge, said: “Nick is a fantastic addition to the team. His experience covers all aspects of commercial property transactions. He has acted for a wide variety of public and private sector clients, including housing associations, further and higher education colleges, financial institutions and property developers.

“He has also advised both landlords and tenants, those disposing or acquiring land, banks and corporate clients, advising on the property aspects of corporate acquisitions and disposals and on the refinancing and securitisation of larger commercial and residential property portfolios.”

Nick is based at the firm’s Cambridge office but supports colleagues across Birketts’ four offices in Ipswich, Chelmsford, Cambridge and Norwich.

: : Chasing leads has taken on a whole new angle for Stowmarket’s Steve Penny.

Former journalist Steve, who has worked for a variety of newspapers across East Anglia, including the East Anglian Daily Times and Diss Express, has started a new business, delivering pet food across Suffolk and Norfolk.

After being made redundant by the Press Association he decided the time was right for a complete change of career and bought a Husse franchise with his partner Jan Pinder.

“I hit the big 5-0 last year and, when we heard I was being made redundant, we thought now was the time to work for ourselves together in something we enjoy doing,” said Steve, who has launched the Husse Norfolk & Suffolk pet nutrition and free home delivery service.

Husse is a Swedish pet food brand, which has been popular on the continent for 28 years. The couple has weekly stalls at Bury St Edmunds’ Wednesday market and at Stonham Barns car boot sale on Sundays.

“It is the market leader in many countries but has only recently been introduced to England,” said Steve, who has undergone intensive training for his career switch.

“We feed our own dogs on Husse and have been very impressed with the effect it has had on them. Their coats have never been as shiny and they seem so much happier.”

Jan has left her job as a service manager with Mencap in Bury St Edmunds to join Steve in the venture.

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