Recruitment firm 24-7 Staffing has appointed three new directors as part of its strategy to widen its services in Wiltshire and Bristol.

Chippenham branch manager Carl Stenning becomes operations director, while Salisbury branch manager Shane Stevens also becomes a director of the company.

Dave Bullock joins the team as sales director. He first worked at the Chippenham-headquartered agency seven years ago, as branch manager and then business development manager.

Three trainee solicitors and a trainee litigator have been appointed to Wiltshire law firm Goughs, following a rigorous selection process.

The firm – which has offices in Calne, Chippenham, Corsham, Devizes, Melksham, and Trowbridge – has hired Hollie Plumb, Natasha Miller, and Louis Mancini as trainee solicitors.

Hollie obtained a first class degree in Law and completed the Legal Practice Course in Bristol at the University of Law. Hollie is beginning her training contract with the firm's family department.

Alongside Hollie, Natasha has also began her training contract in the Goughs Family department. Natasha has experience in the Family Courts and a passion for assisting clients with their domestic needs.

Louis is beginning his training contract working in the Goughs private client department in Calne. During his three years at Southampton Solent University Louis opened and ran the Solent Law Clinic. This allowed his peers to gain legal work experience by offering free legal advice to students.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Stiddard has joined Goughs as a trainee litigator. Prior to joining the company, Elizabeth spent over two years working as a litigation assistant for Bonallack & Bishop Solicitors.

“We’re delighted to have appointed four talented, enthusiastic individuals as they embrace the next stage of their legal careers," said HR director Victoria Nash.

"Our trainees are an integral part of our long-term success and our training programme provides them with a strong foundation on which to build a career in the legal profession.”

Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative at Business West has appointed Dave Battrick as initiative manager.

Dave joins the Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative this month following a 12-year stint at the Federation of Small Businesses, where he worked as a membership advisor and South West regional sales manager.

Prior to working at the FSB, Dave spent 25+ years as a managing director and business owner in the retail sector.

“The Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative is an integral part of the region’s policy-making and decision-taking, and I relish the opportunity to get involved in shaping the local economy and business environment," said Dave.

Ian Larrard, director of Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative at Business West, said: “I am delighted to welcome Dave to the Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative at what is a really exciting time for the team.

"Dave brings a wealth of knowledge and experience of the business environment in the region. Moreover, as a former managing director himself, Dave clearly has an understanding of what it takes to become a successful business leader.”

The managing director of IT provider Mintivo is stepping down from the role to become company chairman.

Having led the company through the company’s 300 percent growth over the past two years, Steve Healy will be making way for Chris Gough, who is currently the firm's technical director.

“Steve’s experience has been invaluable to our growth to date and it’s fantastic to have him as Chairman to continue to provide strategic direction going forward,” said Chris.

Meanwhile, Dave Swift becomes the company's new technical director, and joins the management team and board. Matt Bray has been appointed as new business sales manager, Paula Harsley has joined as business support manager, and Sam Hughes has become service delivery manager.

Operations manager Mark Adams said: "My initial vision to provide and manage the right IT solutions for organisations to achieve success has grown and developed with the support of Steve and Chris, introducing new products and services assisting our clients even more.

"Bringing Dave into the company has increased our technical capabilities further, and his insight will be invaluable”.

Mintivo employs 15 people from offices in Chippenham and intends to grow its team to 20 in 2020.

Established in 2015, the company provides support, solutions and consultancy to national companies including Investors in People, Mulberry and The Tote, and local businesses including White Horse Surveyors and Hartham Park.

Teenagers Jack Head and Josh Lamb have joined the team at John Williams Heating Services Ltd as the company’s latest apprentices.

Josh, 18 and Jack, 17 have both just completed NVQ Level 1 in plumbing and are now working on the job at the Chippenham-based company and are being mentored by qualified engineers. Jack has now started his Level 2 qualification and Josh will start his shortly.

Both decided to go down the apprenticeship route to kick start their careers as they describe themselves as hands-on, practical young men.

“I enjoyed school,” Josh, a former student of Devizes School, said. “However I always knew I wanted to work with my hands and not be stuck in an office. I just prefer making stuff and doing things, I’m not a ‘sit around’ type of person.”

Jack, who lives in Pewsham and is a former student of Abbeyfield School, said: “Sixth form and A levels just weren’t for me. I’m very practical and learning a trade appealed to me. I’ve learned so much since being here.

“You learn so many different ways of working with the other engineers and you have to take great care in what you do. You have to show respect when you are working in the homes of other people.”

Founders of John Williams Heating Services, John and Debbie Williams, have always been committed to employing apprentices.

They currently have several within the team and many of their engineers have already risen through the company having fully qualified.

Debbie said: “John started his career as an apprentice and we’ve always supported apprenticeships since our business was founded 15 years ago.

"We work closely with local colleges to find committed and enthusiastic young people who want to learn from us.”

Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking has appointed a new director for large corporate clients in the South West and South Wales to support businesses’ growth plans, including debt origination.

Carmen Peacock brings more than 10 years’ experience in the banking industry, having most recently worked with a large number of local corporates, primarily supporting private equity-backed transactions and corporate acquisition activity at Santander. Previously, she has also held positions at the Royal Bank of Scotland and Bank of England.

In her new role she will work to support businesses with an annual turnover of more than £100 million across a range of sectors in the South West and South Wales.

She will also be focused on cementing the bank’s long-standing relationships with some of the region’s most ambitious companies and providing them with tailored funding solutions to support growth plans.

David Willock, head of large corporates, South West & South Wales said: “Carmen has an impressive track record and a wealth of industry expertise and experience, which will prove an invaluable addition to our team of sector and product specialists. She also knows the intricacies of the regional business landscape and is well placed to continue to stand by the side of local companies.”

Carmen added: “This is an exciting time to join Lloyds Bank and lead the Large Corporate offering in the region, which is home to an impressive array of quality businesses. I’m really looking forward to working with our talented team to deliver the range of solutions available to help the South West and South Wales prosper."