BURY-based Pennine Telecom has strengthened its management team following its management buy-out (MBO).

Ann Barnes has been appointed human resources (HR) manager while Nigel Beaumont takes up the post of financial controller.

Ann joined Salford Street-based Pennine from the Royal & Sun Alliance insurance company.

A native of Bury, but now living in Rossendale, Ann is married with two children. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Her colleague Nigel Beaumont is also hoping to contribute to Pennine's success following the MBO.

He commented: "Pennine is a company that has evolved over a long period of time and my role is to develop the financial controls needed to continue to take the business forward."

Nigel, from Salmesbury, near Blackburn, has wide experience in company finance earned in several organisations including Kidsons Impey, chartered accountants in Blackburn, and Micro Peripherals in Altham.

A chartered management accountant, he is married with a two-year-old son. He is a keen squash player, and enjoys outdoor pursuits.