Econ Engineering, the North Yorkshire highway maintenance equipment company, has promoted Joanne Carver to a sales development post.

In addition to managing Econ's after-sales business in the North of England, the Midlands and Wales, she is now responsible for generating new business from local authorities and contractors based on the M62 corridor from Liverpool to Hull.

Joanne also appears on a video on the firm's website - www.econ.uk.com - describing the benefits of Econ's Spargo control system.

Joanne has been with the Ripon-based firm for five years and was previously in the marketing department before joining the sales team in October 2003.

Andrew Lupton, Econ's sales director, said: "Joanne has proved a great success in after-sales and is now ready to tackle this business development role as well. She will initially concentrate on the new business opportunities we have identified along the M62."

Joanne lives in Ripon and was involved in property sales before joining Econ.

Meanwhile, Michelle Horne has been promoted to account director with Harrogate-based RAM PR - after only seven months in her previous role as a senior account manager.

The 29-year-old's promotion has been triggered by her increasing responsibilities within the agency, which has doubled turnover during 2004 and expanded its customer base, including winning five new clients and £125,000 of additional fees within the last month.

Peter Davenport, RAM PR's managing director, said: "Michelle has proven to be an excellent addition to the agency.

"She is enthusiastic, dedicated and has a wide range of experience in many different sectors, which is a tremendous benefit to a very talented team."

Michelle's current clients include, NCI Vehicle Rescue, Oxford Stationery, the UK's leading manufacturer of high-quality stationery products, Dine and Marilyn Stowe.

RAM PR is part of the RAM Media Group, founded in 1995. The group has more than 120 clients around the country and employs more than 30 staff.

Updated: 11:18 Thursday, November 04, 2004