The new sales manager at baby formula specialist Kendal Nutricare has already been instrumental in clinching new contracts.

Neill Duffy joined the firm in February from Walk Investments UK in Leeds, where he was sales and new business manager, and has helped to secure a listing for Nutricare’s Kendamil Infant Formula with Booths supermarkets.

He is originally from Carrickmacross in County Monaghan, Ireland, and will work closely with chief executive Ross McMahon who founded Kendal Nutricare last year when he bought the H J Heinz factory in Kendal.

Mr McMahon, said: “[Mr Duffy] is an ideal appointment at Kendal Nutricare, which has a small but tight team that wishes to shake up various UK and overseas markets including the infant formula sector.

“I have worked with him in the past and knew he would be a huge asset within our dynamic team here in Kendal.

“Having already helped win some significant clients and contracts, he has quickly demonstrated why Kendal Nutricare wanted him on board.”

The firm has been growing rapidly, with contracts secured in China, Libya and Indonesia, and negotiations underway in Africa, South East Asia and South America.

Mr Duffy said: “The new product development here at Kendal Nutricare is virtually non-stop and the exciting and differentiated brands have huge opportunities in their various markets.

“I am also relishing the opportunity to mentor other employees, as we have a relatively small team, but massive opportunities that could be seized by those with the right skills and attitude.”