EXPANDING Questions Answered, the York-based research and marketing agency, has recruited seven new people.

The move comes just months after a recruitment drive saw the company attract six high-quality graduates.

Questions Answered has been expanding since the company's move to Brackenhill, St George's Place, in March 2003 and now employs nearly 100 staff.

Managing director Peter Harrington said: "Demand for our services is at an all time high. This means we need to continue to invest in order to keep up with client expectations".

The new recruits are:

Chantal Trembath, a graduate of Northumbria University, who has moved from Northumbria Tourist Board with her considerable knowledge of tourism issues and trends.

University of York graduate Alan Johns, who becomes the fifth member of the local government research team responsible for panel research and consultation.

Former telephone researcher and English graduate, Claire Hayes, now supports on education and skills-based research projects for clients such as The Prince's Trust.

Jim Hinks, a graduate from Girton College, Cambridge, joins the children and young people team to support research for Sure Start partnerships and other child-related organisations.

Tim Gradwell, a graduate in computer systems and software engineering, is responsible for managing and organising databases and ensuring clients receive a high quality data service.

Ex-telephone researcher and social sciences graduate Danny Richardson supports research for the children and young people team.

Oxford mathematical sciences graduate Helen Burton manages the data inputting team and oversees the analysis of all collected data.

Mr Harrington said: "Standing still is not an option for Questions Answered. We want to continue to seek out the best of the local and national talent and bring it to York".

Hypnotherapist Robert Williams has joined The Healing Clinic natural health centre in Fulford Cross, Fulford, York.

A member of the Corporation of Advanced Hypnotherapy, Robert is a member of an elite group of hypnotherapists nationwide who have all done postgraduate training. He recently received his diploma from the Atkinson-Ball College of Hypnotherapy and hypnohealing.

He said: "It's generally assumed that hypnosis is limited to dealing with problems such as smoking and weight.

"Indeed, these problems are part of a hypnotherapist's work but increasingly the medical profession is recognising the value of hypnotherapy for a range of problems such as stress, phoboias, panic attacks, anxiety, insomnia and lack of confidence."

Physical problems such as arthritis, eczema, migraine and back pain, also respond well, he says.

The award-winning Hazlewood Castle Hotel, near Tadcaster, has strengthened its team with two key new appointments.

Paul Rowntree, one of Yorkshire's most talented chefs, has become head chef, while Tom Wildblood has joined Hazlewood as operations manager from the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hyde Park, London.

Twenty-five-year-old Paul, who is self-taught, has worked at Harvey Nicholls in Knightsbridge, London, Max Fischer's in Baslow, Derbyshire, and Guellers in Leeds.

While he was at Guellers, the restaurant was awarded a coveted Michelin Star.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for me," said Paul.

"I could not ask for a better working environment and it will be a tremendous experience cooking alongside John Benson-Smith, the hotel's chef patron. "The restaurant is the flagship of the hotel and our aim is to achieve a Michelin Star".

Tom Wildblood, 27, studied hotel management at Thomas Danby College in Leeds, before starting his career at Rudding Park Hotel, near Harrogate.

He worked at the Dorchester and Mandarin hotels, before deciding to move to Hazlewood in his native Yorkshire.

"I feel proud and excited to be part of such a vibrant management team," said Tom.

"We will be undertaking a major overhaul of the hotel's operation this year, making the comfort of our guests the very top priority.

"We want to make every aspect of Hazlewood a five-star experience, from weddings, conferences and banquets to eating here and staying here."

The strengthening of Hazlewood Castle's management team coincides with the return of Mr Benson-Smith to the hotel.

John, who helped to launch Hazlewood in 1997, has been working with Loyd Grossman and Manchester City FC for the past two years. He celebrated his return with a five-course dinner for specially invited celebrities and guests last month in the lavishly refurbished Restaurant 1086.

John said: "These are two very strong appointments, which underline our commitment to excellence at Hazlewood. Both Paul and Tom are proven experts in their field and will play a crucial part in making Hazlewood Castle one of the finest hotels in the north of England."

Christine Wright has been appointed national training manager for York-based Shepherd Engineering Services (SES).

In her new role, Christine will draw up and implement a new training strategy for the national building services company.

She will also liaise with different training organisations, monitor and evaluate training for SES's trainees and apprentices and deliver personal development plans for all company staff.

Christine has previously worked for British Telecom and latterly Accenture HR Services where she was a senior associate in learning and development. She therefore brings with her extensive experience in the learning services field with

specific expertise in running a variety programmes both nationally and internationally with diverse blue-chip organisations.

Allan McDougall, SES managing director, said: "We view training and life long learning of our staff as one of the key criteria to our business success. We are also confident the skills and experience she is bringing will enhance and develop what is already a very comprehensive training operation."

Updated: 12:03 Tuesday, February 24, 2004