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The team has also been further strengthened by two additional senior management appointments.

Following the recent internal restructuring to improve both the clarity and focus across the Group, through the merging of the seven member companies, the Group now has two operating divisions - Real Affinity Agency and Real Affinity Events.

Martyn Archer, ACMA, aged 48, will assume the role of Group Finance Director, with effect from 1st November 2007. Mr Archer has over 20 years of senior business, financial and commercial experience, having worked in a variety of market sectors. These include engineering, service based industries and most recently printing, with Polestar and Communisis plc.

Mr Archer is also a director of Excerno Ltd and has been a director of Communisis Chorleys Ltd within the last five years.

Additionally, two other Leeds-based managers, already with the Group, have been promoted to new roles.

Jo Rawnsley has been appointed as the new Head of Group Development, being charged with ensuring that all areas of the Group adopt best policy procedures and working practices, in order to maximise all internal and external opportunities.

Furthermore, the former Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire county cricketer, Ashley Metcalfe, has been installed as the new Head of Group Marketing, with a remit to build a strong, precise and consistent brand strategy.

John Ross, Executive Chairman commented: "Following the recent restructuring we now have a new and forward-thinking Group with just two divisions. The new management will undoubtedly strengthen our approach and Martyn in particular will add a fresh approach."

"The Group is one of the leading names in the UK's marketing and event management sectors and it is servicing an impressive list of blue-chip clients, which includes industry leaders such as BT, BP/Castrol, WH Smith, Diageo, Harley Davidson, Green Flag, Tesco and Intercontinental Hotels. This gives us a very solid base which we can build upon."

At the end of September, Real Affinity reported interim results for the period ended 31 March 2007 that included an increase in turnover from £9.91 million in 2006 to £19.58 million in 2007. The Group's loss before tax increased to £4.12 million post exceptional items of £2.88 million, compared to £1.22 million in 2006. Group gross profit increased marginally.

"Whilst it is disappointing to report a year of continuing losses, I am able to confirm that progress is being made on both restructuring and refocussing the Group and, most importantly, resolving its underlying problems," John Ross said.

"Whilst it is too early to predict the outcome for the year we are confident that the continuing businesses are in better shape, the primary lossmaking businesses have been discontinued and the restructuring has been completed.”

Related links

• Real Affinity plc