A BLACKBURN firm which produces hand sanitiser has appointed a new sales director ahead of an expected period of growth.

Consumable sales expert Andrew Knight will take up the role with a brief to focus on sales strategies and marketing opportunities.

This comes after the Mahre Business Centre, Higher Audley Street based company responded to the global pandemic by producing PPE and a range of hand sanitiser gels.

Mr Knight said: "I’m thrilled to be joining Vital Life at such an exciting time in the brand’s development.

"The key focus for me will be delivering new sales strategies to accelerate growth across all channels, driving Vital Life even further."

Mr Knight has worked for 25 years across the UK and European grocery and wholesale sectors, having delivered sales strategies for large blue-chip companies such as Phillip Morris, RJ Reynolds, Golden Wonder, Baxters Food Group, GSK and Typhoo Tea.

He has also managed third party sales, covering convenience and wholesale and will now be using his skills to help promote Vital Life's various brands.

Vital Life managing director Saimina Adam said: "Andrew is an excellent addition to our growing team, his extensive experience across the sector and his ambition for driving new initiatives will help to accelerate our expansion across the UK.

"We’re thrilled to welcome such a passionate, accomplished individual to the team and can’t wait to see how his contributions benefit the business."

Vital Life’s product range includes Viacom’s children’s licensed hand sanitiser products for Baby Shark and PAW Patrol, the Florals range, with scents that include Orange and Bergamot, Rose and Jasmine and Lavender and Geranium and the Active range of energising fragrances.

Other products available include the Protect range, an un-fragranced sanitiser, with the company aiming to produce over 500,000 units of its different products a week from its Darwen factory.