A heating company has hired a former boss at a multinational chemical and technology giant as its new head of HR.

David Bellis has joined Sittingbourne-based Swale Heating after 12 years at FTSE 100 firm Johnson Matthey, which has annual revenues of more than £10.7 billion.

He adds three decades of experience of human resources strategy implemented across Europe, Asia, Africa and North and South America.

Swale Heating, which has annual turnover of more than £45 million, employs more than 500 people across Kent, the South East, East Anglia and the Midlands.

It aims to double in size over the next five years.

Mr Bellis said: “Many businesses have a vast pool of talent that is under utilised.

“Swale Heating’s forward looking and experienced management team acknowledges that and is using HR as the change agent to support growth.

“It’s a trusted brand with thousands of loyal customers but there is more to do in terms of delivering consistently excellent customer service and bringing on our brightest workers.”

He added: “The Brexit vote has introduced a period of uncertainty and possible stagnation.

“Swale Heating’s commitment to fully empowering its workforce means it is well placed to do significantly better than companies that see a slow economic period as a reason for putting off changes.”

Mr Bellis’ appointment comes at a time of growth for the heating firm, which brought in civil engineer David Mathieson as its managing director in December.

Mr Mathieson said: “We are delighted that someone who has delivered outstanding and consistent results at an international level should see the potential of Swale Heating to move to the next level.”