Rapid growth and development has led to Wales' largest independent contact centre taking on two new strong members of the team.

Richard Overy, top left, has been appointed as operations manager at dial. Richard, aged 47, moves to take up the key position at dial after a career spanning 25 years at UK self-catering holiday business Hoseasons, a company employing some 500 people with an annual turnover of £150m.

The father of two grown-up children, who had England rugby trials and who is an avid Norwich City fan, says he is looking forward to his first visit to the Millennium Stadium. He was a director in charge of IT at Hoseasons and will bring his years of experience in that role to dial where some £10m has been invested since 2000.

Richard, who has moved to Caerleon, said: "Part of what attracted me to South Wales was the quality of life here but the main attraction was the opportunity to make a real difference at dial which I see as having a very bright future. "I am keen to share my experiences gained over the years in tourism and with charities and to develop these sectors to the benefit of dial. "I am impressed by what I have seen so far at dial and with the workforce that we have and the technology we take for granted but that most organisations can only dream of. "We are growing the business in the short and medium term and I am looking forward to playing an integral part in this growth." dial managing director Lionel Phillips said: "We are delighted to have been able to recruit someone of Richard's calibre, experience and know-how who will play an important part in helping us to deliver the exciting plans we have for growth of this dynamic business." Samantha Starbuck, bottom left, has been appointed as head of business development at dial.

Samantha, aged 32, was account director working with blue chip customers such as Reader's Digest handling some two million calls a year at the Phonetic contact centre. Samantha said: "I have built up a valuable stock of experience in the contact centre industry over the years and I am keen to use my knowledge in my new position with dial. "I am impressed with the business culture and ethos at dial. dial has some exciting ideas for the future to develop the business and I am looking forward to playing a key role in making our expansion plans happen."

Lionel Phillips said: "Samantha brings a wealth of experience with her and will play a crucial role in ensuring our existing staff are fully aware of the exciting development plans we have for the centre and that they will want to remain with us to fully develop their careers."

dial, a 350-seat centre based at Llantarnam Business Park, Cwmbran, with a £5m annual turnover, provides contact centre services for a number of multinational organisations across many sectors of UK industry.