Woodbridge PR firm Kendalls has strengthened its team with a number of changes.

Following a 10 year career in the regional press with the East Anglian Daily Times, Craig Robinson has started as an accounts manager at the firm, which specialises in food, farming and environment-related issues.

Craig began life with the EADT as a trainee reporter and, after spending time in the Ipswich and East Suffolk offices, left as deputy news editor.

He covered a wide range of issues touching on all aspects of life, from health and the environment through to agriculture and business.

He has built wide ranging contacts within the industry including in national and regional media, with MPs and UK-wide organisations and companies.

Craig said: “I’m delighted to have joined Kendalls. It’s an exciting time to be part of the company and I hope that my experience and expertise will add to what is a very impressive and knowledgeable team”.

After graduating this summer, Louise Crosby has joined Kendalls as a junior accounts executive. She spent the last four years working towards her BSc French and International Relations at Aston University in Birmingham.

As part of her course she chose to explore multinational agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology corporations, the EU agri-food sector and childhood obesity in France. She is bilingual and has lived in six countries including Lebanon and New Caledonia. As well as having a research background, Louise has experience in events and client relations.

She said: “I am pleased to be part of the Kendalls team and to work in such a varied field with such a diverse clientele.”

Meanwhile, Sam Ehlert, who has been with Kendalls since 2013 and has worked in office and customer service roles for the last 20 years, has been promoted so that her responsibilities now include greater involvement in organising client events, press releases and reception duties.

Emma Brunning, a trained collaborative lawyer, has joined Birketts’ family team in Chelmsford as a senior associate.

Emma said: “I am extremely pleased to be joining a team and firm with such an excellent reputation. The family law team at Birketts is consistently rated in the top bandings in the leading legal directories. I am really looking forward to being part of the team and firm’s growth and contributing to and enhancing its strong reputation in Chelmsford.”

Melanie Wilson, partner in the family team in Chelmsford, said: “I am delighted that Emma has joined us. Emma qualified as a solicitor over fifteen years ago and has worked in Chelmsford, specialising in family law throughout her career.

“Emma has a particular interest in financial issues arising from the breakdown of relationships. The addition of such a highly qualified member of the team underlines our commitment to provide the optimum level of service to our clients.”

Holton St Mary-based data supplier The Data Partnership has appointed seven new employees.

Experienced account executives Simon Bowen, Lewis Hammond, Peter Masters and call centre operative Alan Morely have joined the sales team.

Becki Wainwright has joined the company as an online digital marketing executive to implement online and offline marketing and PR strategies.

Experienced personal assistant Gina Glease has been appointed to assist with all administration and finance for the company, ensuring the smooth running and organisation of the office.

Postgraduate James Wargent has been recruited as a junior SQL administrator to support the current database and IT administration team.

Managing director Victoria Pooley said: “We are delighted with how the business has grown organically over the past 14 years and welcome the abundance of industry knowledge and expertise that our recruits collectively bring to the company. We are confident that all our new appointments will strengthen our dynamic team and we’re excited to support their career development at The Data Partnership.”

Claire Rutterford of Ellisons Solicitors in Colchester has completed her training contract and is now a qualified solicitor with the firm.

Claire studied law and criminology at university, attaining a 2:1 degree before completing her Legal Practice Course at Anglia Ruskin University. Claire joined Ellisons in May 2012 as a paralegal before beginning her training contact in November 2012.

Claire will join the private client team as an assistant solicitor, dealing with wills, powers of attorney, probate and trusts.

Managing partner and head of private client, Tim Logan, said: “I am delighted to welcome Claire Rutterford to the department.

“As a trainee, Claire has already proved she is an asset to our firm and so we were very pleased to offer her a permanent position upon completing.”

Claire said: “Ellisons is an excellent place to work, with an enviable network of clients and contacts and a fantastic history. I look forward to joining my new department and meeting new clients.”