On the move: the latest East Midlands hires

Honest Communications, the Derby-based home and garden PR agency, has unveiled its new senior leadership team.

Founded by managing director Holly Daulby in 2018, the agency has strengthened its leadership with the promotion of long-time employees Fay Clarkson and Beth French.

Clarkson, one of the agency’s first hires, has been promoted to the newly created role of operations and account director in 2024.

She will continue to drive team productivity and efficiency while taking on additional responsibilities in business development and agency growth.

French, who now takes on the role of the agency’s first head of culture, will focus on managing team wellbeing and professional development and ensuring the agency’s core values remain at the heart of the company as it expands.

She will also lead marketing efforts and play a key role in new business acquisitions.

Both will maintain their client portfolios and account director duties, ensuring continued strong results for Honest Communications’ clients.

The agency has also welcomed Jenny Carter as its newest account manager. With extensive experience from her time at Greene King, Carter will oversee a diverse client portfolio in the home and garden sector, including Seedball, EP Barrus, and Henton & Chattell.

Managing director, Holly Daulby said: “The new year marks an incredibly exciting time for Honest Communications. After experiencing continued growth over the past six years, it felt like the right time to establish our senior leadership team to set us up for the next chapter of Honest.

“Fay and Beth have been instrumental in our journey so far, and their new roles will allow us to build on this success in many ways. With Jenny joining the team too, we’re on track for great things throughout the year ahead – and beyond.”

Johnny Wake, managing partner of Courteenhall Farms in South Northamptonshire, has been appointed to the LEAF Board of Trustees.

Dr Johnny Wake

Courteenhall, a rural estate just south of Northampton, has been in the Wake family since 1672 and is listed in the Domesday Book.

LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) is a charity dedicated to promoting sustainable farming to create a resilient food and farming system for future generations.

Before transitioning to full-time farming, Wake was a doctor and has since become a strong advocate for sustainable farming practices.

He is committed to ensuring the farm’s legacy is one to be proud of, with a focus on long-term sustainability.

Philip Wynn, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of LEAF said: “We are delighted to welcome Johnny to the LEAF Board of Trustees.  He is a leading light in the farming industry, dedicated to sustainable food production and a champion for nature, the countryside, and its people.

“His breadth of experience, expertise and insight into the challenges and opportunities facing our global farming and food systems in transitioning to more regenerative approaches, will bring valuable new perspectives at a key strategic moment for LEAF.”

Johnny Wake, managing partner of Courteenhall Farms said: “I have long been an admirer of the broad but excellent work LEAF does for food production, the environment, education and society. I am genuinely honoured and excited to have been asked to work with LEAF and make a contribution.”

Daltons Wadkin, a UK multi-material machine solution supplier, has expanded its team further by hiring a specialist to lead the company’s fiber laser and sheet metal offering.

Adrian Wright joined the family-run and Nottingham-based business this month as a fiber laser sales manager, bringing over three decades of experience in the fibre laser and sheet metal market, working for some of the most prestigious names in the industry.

He will now lead on managing Daltons Wadkin’s exclusive partnership with CNC and fiber laser producers, Kimla, to grow the fiber laser installations across the UK and Ireland.

Adrian Wright

Managing director Alex Dalton said: “We’re excited to welcome Adrian to lead our fiber laser division. His deep expertise in the sheet metal arena and fibre laser sector is exactly what we need to propel our growth. Kimla’s fibre laser technology is truly cutting-edge, supported by our robust network of trained engineers across the UK and Ireland. Adrian’s appointment is the final piece, allowing us to bring these components together and advance confidently in the market with a dedicated expert.”

Wright said: “I can’t wait to join the team at Dalton Wadkin, and especially the fantastic opportunity to show customers and companies alike the Kimla range of products, including the incredible Kimla Fiber Lasers machines. Kimla and Dalton Wadkin have built up a tremendously close working relationship over the past 15 years, and I intend to fully utilise and embrace introducing these machines to customers.

“Key to our success will be showcasing our machines to their fullest potential via live demonstrations in either Nottingham or Poland. Kimla are not just machine builders but are true innovators invested in developing the fiber laser machine from the ground up. Designing and manufacturing their own linear motors, coupled with their unique machine design, are just two examples of what makes a Kimla Fiber machine cut materials faster with unrivalled part quality.”