SIMON Andrews, former branch manager in Ipswich for estate agent Spicer McColl, is to head the first branch in the town to operate under the name of sister brand haart.

The firm has spent £150,000 on transforming the iconic Electric House building on Lloyds Avenue to create what is now its largest branch in East Anglia.

Mr Andrews will oversee a seven-strong sales team, and is joined by Lara Stevens, who has relocated from Bury St Edmunds to run the four-strong lettings team.

Between them they have more than 50 years’ experience of estate agency in East Anglia. The branch will eventually house some 15 people including a dedicated mortgage adviser from Just Mortgages.

Paul Smith, chief executive of haart, whic has more than 125 branches nationwide, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have opened our first haart branch in Ipswich. The town offers huge potential for a customer centric brand such as haart and we thought it only fitting that one of the UK’s most iconic estate agents should base itself within one Ipswich’s most iconic buildings.”

The new haart of Ipswich branch replaces the Spicer McColl branch which has been based in the town for more than a decade.

: : DAVID Scrivener, partner at East Anglia-based Ensors chartered accountants, has passed the Joint Insolvency Examination Board (JIEB) exams which are the gateway qualification to becoming a licensed insolvency practitioner. David becomes one of only a few individuals in the country to hold both the JIEB and Corporate Finance (CF) qualifications.

Having joined Ensors as a student in 1997 David went on to qualify as a chartered accountant in 2001. He helped establish the Corporate Finance team and in 2008 became partner in charge of the unit, a role that he continues to hold. In addition David will now join Mark Upton, partner in charge of the Business Recovery department, providing advice to businesses and individuals facing financial difficulties.

Danny Clifford, managing partner, said: “The partners and staff are really pleased for David and applaud his achievements.

“The services offered by the Corporate Finance and Business Recovery departments sit very closely together and David will be perfectly placed to exploit these synergies to the overall advantage of our clients and his extensive professional contacts across East Anglia.”

: : ESTATE agents Savills has promoted staff in its Ipswich rural agency team.

Gi d’Angibau becomes an associate director and her colleague Will Hargreaves is promoted to associate.

Mark Russell, head of Savills Ipswich rural team, said: “I would like to congratulate Gi and Will on their promotions which are richly deserved. They form an important part of Savills East Anglian rural team and contribute significantly to its success maximising value for our clients.”

: : CHARTERED financial planners, Kingsfleet Wealth, based in Dedham and Bury St Edmunds, has announced the arrival of two experienced independent financial advisers.

Gavin Wood is a chartered financial planner and joins the firm as financial planning director. Having been at the Oval Group in Ipswich (formerly Cook Sheppard Pinhey) for 15 years, Gavin has vast experience in advising business owners on their retirement planning and working with clients of solicitors and accountants.

David Greenwood is based in the firm’s Bury St Edmunds office and joins with many years’ experience in advising business owners in corporate banking, and more recently, having run his own business in Europe. David holds a degree in financial services and the diploma level of the PFS.

Managing director Colin Low said: “It is wonderful to be able to increase the depth of experience and knowledge available to our clients. Gavin has terrific expertise and is well known locally and David’s background will bring a wealth of experience to Corporate and Personal clients alike.

“At a time when many advisory firms are cutting back, it is a great time to be continuing to expand.”

: : LIZ Chidgey has joined Essex Cares Limited, taking the helm as managing director of the company. Liz brings extensive knowledge of adult social care, most recently running one of the largest adult services department in the country at Essex County Council.

During her time with Essex County Council Liz was instrumental in the formation of Essex Cares, the country’s first Local Authority Trading Company in adult social care. Liz is focused on continuing the integration between health and social care and offering exemplary service that is genuinely targeting the customer’s needs promoting independence, choice and enablement at every opportunity.

Liz said: “Essex Cares has grown significantly since its formation in 2009 and I am looking forward to being a part of the company’s future growth. It’s an exciting but challenging time in health and social care and Essex Cares has a great deal to offer.”