A HEXHAM-based drinks manufacturer has recruited a new financial controller.

Craig Whitfield (38) is the latest addition at Fentimans, which has become a household name in artisan soft drinks and mixers, with stockists across the globe.

The botanical drinks manufacturer has been trading since 1905 and runs operations from its head office on Anick Road in Hexham.

As part of the company’s five-year plan for further expansion, which includes more than tripling its top line by 2020, Fentimans is creating a number of new job roles.

Chief operating officer, David Charlton, said Craig was chosen from a strong list of candidates.

“One of the candidates shone above the rest and, as such, we found our new financial controller,” he said.

“We have very ambitious plans for the growth of the business and we need a strong team in place to help get us there.”

Craig’s role was a new one for Fentimans after it decided to bring somebody in-house who could manage the day-to-day financial reporting and support the executive team as it focuses on the growth strategy.

“Having worked for a number of large manufacturing companies in the past, I recognised that this was a great opportunity to join a growing business,” said Craig, who lives in Forest Hall, North Tyneside but has family links to Hexham.

As financial controller, his job role includes responsibility for monthly reporting and financial forecasting at Fentimans. He is also tasked with the optimisation of the company’s enterprise resource planning system and will help to deliver continuous improvement programme efficiencies throughout the business.

To make the appointment Fentimans enlisted the help of Newcastle-based recruitment firm, Edward Reed, which specialises in mid to senior level management recruitment across the finance, human resources, operations, sales and marketing and IT sectors.