Expanding company's export plan

Ellis Patents, based in Rillington, near Malton, in North Yorkshire, hired Isabelle Nourry from machine systems firm AXYZ International.

The firm has won contracts in Kazakhstan, Australia, Germany, the United States, Sweden, Norway and Hong Kong over the last 12 months.

Export sales manager Tony Conroy said: "In recent years, we have cemented our position as a UK manufacturer with a global reputation, which has led to export sales rising to such an extent that it now accounts for virtually half of our annual turnover.

"With the level of business now so high, and the potential for further growth huge it was imperative to strengthen our export

hand in order to safeguard current business and maximise future sales."

Last year, Ellis won a major contract to supply a $250m Brazilian floating oil rig.