COMMUNICATIONS firm Executel has strengthened its finance department with the appointment of Caroline Charlton.

Ms Charlton has joined the Gateshead-based firm to take up the position of financial controller, leaving her position of dealership accountant with Benfield Motors. Prior to this, she spent three years as an accountant for JCT Porsche.

She joins the Executel team during a period of rapid expansion which sees the company doubling the size of its premises, adding a further 2,500sq ft and taking over the upper floor of Cameron House at the Metro Centre where the firm is based.

Peter Watson, finance director of Executel, said: "We are delighted to welcome Caroline on board during a period of significant growth for the company. Her appointment has enabled me to step back from the financial side of the business somewhat and instead focus my attentions on the overall development of Executel alongside our MD, Tim Price."