Leavening agents producer Kudos Blends has named James Youngman as the company’s first finance director.

Youngman joined the business in 2016 as a chartered accountant and has strengthened the company’s financial management and governance during his time at the company, according to Kudos.

The move comes as Kudos sets out plans for further growth and is currently undergoing a £1m expansion of facilities at its site in Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire, providing new packing lines, expansion of its test bakery and an additional warehouse.

“He (Youngman) has brought rigour and professionalism to our financial regime, and has contributed strongly and creatively, developing and refining our expansion plans,” said Kudos Blends managing director Dinnie Jordan.

“James is a complete all-rounder with a consistently positive approach, which is exactly what our company needs as it builds on the platform we have established from our base in Cleobury Mortimer.”