Two new appointments have been announced at the top of what is probably Cheltenham's biggest private company and employer.

Spirax-Sarco Engineering plc has appointed Neil Daws to managing director of its steam specialties business, and Sean Clay joins the group as divisional director of the company's Europe, Middle East and Africa division.

Spirax Sarco employs an estimated 1,000 staff in the county, of which 28 are apprentices, and turned over £998million last year.

Nicholas Anderson, group chief executive, said: "The Spirax Sarco Group has grown considerably in recent years, both organically and through acquisitions and has created a group with over £1 billion revenue and 7,400 employees.

"The group's evolution in size and complexity makes this the right time to put in place the appropriate organisational structure that will better support our group's continued growth.

"Neil is extremely well qualified to take on his additional responsibility and I am delighted that he has agreed to this new challenge.

"This appointment will allow me to spend more time on medium and longer-term growth opportunities, including the further development of our Watson-Marlow and Chromalox businesses.

"We also welcome Sean Clay to the Group. His considerable experience of international business operations and sales management will strengthen and enhance our senior management team."

Mr Daws and Mr Clay will both take up their positions from September 1.