AMBITIOUS duo Eamon Marren and Simon Thorburn are hungry for success after joining Pocklington-based Sundora Foods.

They say they are aiming to help strengthen Sundora's position as the number one brand in dried fruit.

Eamon, aged 46, is Sundora's new marketing manager, joining the company from the Harrogate office of market research agency ACNielsen.

His role includes helping co-ordinate the launch of innovative new products, in particular dried fruit snacks - one of the fastest-growing sectors in snacking.

"I chose Sundora because it's an ambitious company where I've got a real chance to make an impression and use some creativity," said Eamon, whose previous employers included Asda, Hazelwood Foods, the Co-op and Associated Fresh Foods.

"It's an exciting time for the company, given the growing interest in healthy eating, and one of my main goals is to gain a thorough understanding of our consumers in order to maximise the opportunities available."

Simon, aged 30, has taken the position of management accountant after spending two years at Interface Europe, the carpet tile manufacturers based near Halifax. Before that, he spent seven years with Malton Bacon Factory, now part of the Grampian Country Food Group. Simon said: "My remit is to improve the flow of information to the management team and ensure they have the relevant facts and figures available in order to make important decisions and drive the business forward," he said.

Eamon, who lives at Pool-in-Wharfedale, near Otley, holds a degree in Business Studies and a diploma accredited by the Institute of Marketing. Simon, who lives in Morley, Leeds, has a BSc in Economics from the University of Hull.

Away from work both employees are avid football fans. Eamon is a season ticket holder at Bolton while Simon enjoys following the fortunes of Newcastle United.

PAULA Flanagan has been appointed regional manager for The Royal Bank of Scotland. Her patch includes York as well as North and East Yorkshire. Spanning Newcastle to Lincoln it is one of the bank's largest regions.

Her mission: To create a world-class centre of excellence in finance for both personal and business customers.

Paula, 34, takes up her new position following maternity leave after giving birth to a daughter. She also has a six-year-old son and her demanding role means she has to work hard to ensure she has the work/life balance right. But with 17 years experience with the bank and five years as a regional manager, she believes she is up to the challenge "though this inevitably means that free time is precious," she said.

BARCLAYS has appointed Daniella Taylor and Sue Toulson as relationship managers, job sharing in its York Medium Business Team.

Daniella and Sue will be responsible for a portfolio of medium business accounts, typically with a turnover between £500,000 and £10 million, operating in the York area.

Sue said: "This is a great opportunity for Daniella and I to further our careers."

Daniella, 33 and Sue, 35, will be working closely with new and existing customers providing a whole range of products and services, with tailored solutions according to businesses individual needs and circumstances.

John Brown, medium business area director, said: "New business opportunities are key to the York Business Team and Daniella and Sue will play a vital role in recruiting new business." Both women have worked for the bank for 15 and 16 years respectively, mostly with the corporate team.

Their last role, as relationship development managers, gave them experience in working with a wide range of businesses and looking after their financial and day-to-day banking requirements.

Daniella said: "Our previous role was more office-based so it will be quite a change for both of us."

Updated: 13:36 Tuesday, April 27, 2004