Reg Vardy has strengthened its communications team with the appointment of JAMES PLATER.

The 25-year-old joins the motor retail group from Accent Magazines, in Gosforth, North Tyneside, where he was motoring correspondent and features writer.

Before joining Accent, he spent six months teaching English in a small town at the foot of Mount Fuji, in Japan.

He graduated with a degree in journalism from the University of Central Lancashire and began his career on local newspapers in North Wales and Cheshire.

At Reg Vardy, he will have responsibility for managing the reputation and raising the profile of the company with investors, customers, colleagues and the public and will also help to maintain the quality of correspondence issued to customers.