Newport-based recruitment and training company Acorn has appointed a new business developer to strengthen its established network in Wales.

Katrina Raposo, 33, who lives in Caerphilly, joins the group as commercial business development manager for South Wales.

She brings 15 years’ experience in the recruitment industry with particular expertise in finance, legal, medical, administration, marketing, sales, contact centre and customer service sectors.

In her new role, Katrina will be responsible for the development of key accounts and attracting new business, with a particular focus on the development of national and multi-regional accounts as Acorn continues to expand its geographical reach UK-wide.

Katrina said: “With my experience in business development and knowledge in recruitment, I plan to create and develop some great relationships with leading companies and introduce them to our Cardiff, Caerphilly, Newport, Blackwood and Swansea branches.

“I have joined Acorn at a really exciting time, as we have just announced a record turnover for 2013 at £102m. There are some very positive signs in recruitment that the economy is finally on the mend, and I’m therefore eager to see what I can bring to Acorn’s success.”

Acorn’s director of operations in South Wales, Maria Larcombe, said: “Katrina joins the business at a key time for us. We are delighted to have attracted someone of her quality and standing within the industry as we look to expand our network further. Her contribution will be a vital factor in attracting and retaining new accounts nationwide, and she will therefore be a key element of the company’s growth in 2014.”

With more than 20 years in the business, Acorn has its UK headquarters at the Celtic Springs Business Park in Newport and operates from 38 branches across Wales and the South West, North West and South East of England.

Acorn places up to 6,500 people into the workplace with around 850 different clients each week. The group also delivers training to more than 1,000 individuals and makes 1,700 permanent placements every year.