One of the 海角视频's leading economists is taking up the role of visiting professor at Staffordshire University.
Business economist Mark Gregory has over 30 years' experience in more than 40 countries as an advisor to governments and industry.
He recently retired after spending 10 years as Ernst & Young's chief economist and has previously held roles at global organisations including IBM and PwC.
In his new role Mark will support economic development, growth and regeneration in North Staffordshire and hopes to play an active role in engaging businesses and students.
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Mark said: "I'm really looking forward to taking on this role at Staffordshire University, especially with its commitment to being a civic university. It means a lot to have the chance to give back to my hometown.
"More than anything I want to be a link between business and academia drawing on my network and experience. There is a lot of talk about 'levelling up', so understanding what that might mean for the area and how the university can help is important.
"In particular, engaging with businesses in the region to help them understand the economic and policy environment and how they can benefit their own businesses and the community."
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Alongside his new post, Mark will continue to be a member of the 海角视频 Government's Investment Trade Advisory Group and is actively involved with the Made in Stoke-on-Trent Network.
Elsewhere, Beswicks Legal has appointed experienced solicitor Ayesha Jetley and family lawyer Michael Gregory to its corporate and commercial law department and its family department, respectively.
Ayesha, who qualified in 2012, is an experienced corporate solicitor specialising in mergers and acquisitions, business sales and purchases and commercial agreements.
While Michael is skilled at handling matters relating to high-net-worth clients and their families - and is one of only a handful of solicitors to have expertise in the growing area of fertility and surrogacy law.
The pair's appointments follow the Stoke-based firm's acquisition of Altrincham-based solicitors Maddocks Clarke.
Ayesha said: "I am excited to be part of the team at Beswicks, which has a fantastic reputation for excellence. I already feel well-integrated with the team and with the firm's warm and open culture in the short space of time that I have been here."
Michael added: "I know the North West market really well and am excited to be part of Beswicks' new acquisition in Altrincham. This is an exciting time for the firm and it's great for me to be part of that."
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Meanwhile, a family-run financial services business has introduced the second generation to its team.
Filip Gronkiewicz has joined his parents Aga and Tom at GRN Financial Services, in Leek, Staffordshire.
It follows a busy start to 2021 the firm – which specialises in mortgages, life insurance, income protection services – and its sister company GRN Estate Planning, which assists with will writing.
Aga said: "We were looking to get additional support in the office as the demand for our services has grown in recent months and Filip came forward with a desire to join the business.
"He wants to learn the business from the bottom up and we’ll support him by offering training and development.
"We had thought Filip may want to go to university and we would have encouraged him with that. However, he is now looking to follow the vocational route and we will happily put him forward for training programmes while giving him on the job experience here at GRN."
Aga is a qualified mortgage adviser, while Tom is qualified in business protection and financial advice.
The couple launched GRN Financial Services in their home town of Leek in 2018 and moved into town centre offices a year later.
Tom said: "Having established our business here in Leek and developed a good base of clients in the Staffordshire Moorlands and further afield, we are now looking to grow and we’re delighted that Filip is determined to join us on that journey."
And tableware manufacturer Steelite International has welcomed Tim Harper to the role of vice president of sales for the 海角视频 & Ireland and William Edwards global.
Tim joins the Stoke-on-Trent business with a wealth of experience, having held a board position at Waterford Wedgwood plc. He was also managing director of Johnson Bros and sales and marketing director at Dema Glass.
Tim is also a member of the Institute of Directors, Royal Academy, and Culinary Arts and a qualified executive coach.
Steelite CEO John Miles said: "Tim is an outstanding addition to the Steelite team, as he brings a deep blend of sales and business development experience in the tabletop industry and what it takes to deliver client success.
"We look forward to working with Tim as we continue to provide quality, innovative products to the marketplace."
An independent financial advisor has welcomed two new members to its team.
Nantwich-based Applewood Independent has recruited Abigail Enstone and Carley Hulse to the roles of junior client support.
Working alongside the company's client support team and its advisors, the pair will help to enhance the "great customer service clients have come to expect."
Outside of work, Abi loves going to theme parks, taking her dog for walks and meeting up with friends and family while Carley enjoys cooking, walking and spending time with her children.
A spokesman for Applewood Independent said: "We would like to welcome Abi and Carley to our growing team. It’s great to have you on board ladies, and we wish you the best of luck."