Fountains, the environmental support services company, quoted on the alternative investment market of the London Stock Exchange, has appointed a finance director at its UK operating company. He is MATTHEW TURNOCK, 37, a chartered accountant. He worked for Axa and Hogg Robinson before joining Fountains in 2000 as group financial controller. He joins Fountains Support Services following a year of 17 per cent growth in utility services and grounds maintenance work. Mr Turnock will be reviewing back office administration systems, key controls and reporting to support the further development of the business. Peter Neighbour, group finance director, said: "The board recognises the continuing need to develop our management capability. "This appointment acknowledges Matthew's pro-gress since he joined Fountains and strengthens our management team." Abbey National business, the business banking and finance arm of the Abbey National Group, has appointed CLIVE BRIGGS as direct development manager for the North of England. He will be responsible for helping local businesses benefit from Abbey National business cashflow finance service. The 39-year-old has 20 years experience in the financial arena, having spent the past few years in the invoice finance marketplace with Close Invoice Finance, Alliance and Leicester, and Sterling Capital Reserve. Curtis Office Furniture, a national specialist based in Darlington, has appointed CHRIS GUSTAFSSON as area sales executive for the East Coast. Mr Gustafsson, from Marton in Middlesbrough, has a wide understanding of the furniture industry and has more than five years' experience in sales. He also has extensive experience in the operation of large exhibitions and has worked closely with architects and CAD engineers. Based at the showroom in Darlington, which is being refurbished and extended, Chris will be responsible for existing clients and the recruitment of new customers. Jennings Brewery has strengthened its North-East team with a key sales appointment. JOHN HARRISON joins the company as area sales manager, free trade. He will cover Northumberland, County Durham, Tyne and Wear, Teesside and the Yorkshire Dales. He joins Jennings from the Federation Brewery, and will be responsible for selling Jenning's range of real ales to pubs and clubs. MIKE AXE, formerly of English Partnerships, has been appointed finance director of Three Rivers Housing Group. He has worked closely with local authorities, development companies and private sector partners on regeneration projects in various parts of the UK. The former chairman of John Laing has been appointed as an executive director at development company UK Land Estates (Partnership). DERRICK ARDERN was executive chairman of John Laing Property and a board member of the company until 2002. Prior to joining John Laing he was managing director of Oppidan Estates Ltd, which he joined from Storehouse Property. X-ray instruments specialist Bede has appointed WILLIAM GEORGE FLECKY, 48, to its board. The chief executive of its US-based subsidiary, Bede Scientific Incorporated, he has been promoted to the position of president and chief executive officer of Bede Inc, and to the Bede board as an executive director.