QA Research, the York-based research and marketing agency, has appointed a business development manager.

He is Richard Bryan, a graduate of Leeds Metropolitan University who earned a First in Tourism Management before joining Questions Answered - later rebranded QA Research - in 2001.

His new role is the latest in a series of fast track promotions. Starting at project executive level, Richard became project manager responsible for managing tourism research studies in 2003 before taking the plunge and applying for the new post in November.

He said: "I moved into project management because I wanted to find out more about meeting new people and finding new clients. I wanted to become known as somebody who could help organisations such as the Yorkshire Tourist Board and the National Railway Museum find out what people wanted and to widen their appeal to the public."

Richard's new remit is to develop all new business across QA's five specialist teams of tourism, skills and education, community consultation, children and young People, and Health.

Business development has a special appeal for Richard. He said:"I enjoy the chase and I'm passionate about what QA Research has to offer. The challenge of developing new business across our dynamic range of sector specialisms means I'm always learning something new every day.

"I am particularly excited about our new 'Sounding Out' network, which allows us to speak to up to 2,000 people aged 14 - 17 at 18 different night club venues across the UK."

Updated: 10:43 Wednesday, January 19, 2005