H&H Reeds has welcomed two graphic design professionals to strengthen its growing division.

Working from the Carlisle office, Victoria Bushby joins the business as a senior graphic designer, to work alongside H&H Reeds’ commercial director, Simon Rees.

Joanna Kirkaldy has been appointed as a junior graphic designer.

With over 17 years’ experience and a degree in graphic design, Victoria is originally from the Netherlands and for the last six years she has been self-employed.

She said: “After years of self-employment, I am very much looking forward to working in a team environment.

“It’s a particularly exciting time to be joining the H&H Group, with its recent acquisition of Print Graphic Ltd.

“I am excited to be involved at this stage of the business’ growth, when we are building a strong team of talented people who can offer a wide range of services to our clients.

“Using my many years of experience, I hope to bring some fresh creativity to the company, as well as sharing my knowledge with the junior members.”

With a degree in photojournalism from Staffordshire University, Joanna said she had gained invaluable insight and knowledge of graphic design, covering areas of magazine design and development and production journalism.

Her new role will see her employing skills from university to work with print and graphic design software on multimedia projects.

She said: “I am delighted to join such a reputable company at this early stage of my career and to be given the opportunity to working with such a skilled team. Their support I know will be key, as I learn and grow as a designer and photographer.”

The appointments follow the recent acquisition of Print Graphic Ltd.

Andy Jackson, managing director for H&H Reeds, said: “Graphic design is a major part of our business and these appointments further strengthen our dedicated team as the business continues to deliver top-quality customer service.

“Both Victoria and Joanna are highly creative and highly-skilled, and together they bring with them technical knowledge and understanding of this fast-paced and continually evolving sector of our business.

“Victoria’s wealth of experience working for blue chip organisations and business across a range of industries will be integral to the services we provide to our valued clients, and instrumental in the company’s ongoing growth across Cumbria and South West Scotland.

“I look forward to working with and supporting them both, in their career development and in what is a very exciting year for H&H Reeds.”

H&H Reeds is one of the largest commercial printers in Cumbria following its acquisition of Print Graphic in Carlisle’s Warwick Road last month for an undisclosed sum.

The combined company has more than 40 members of staff, serving clients across the north of England and southern Scotland.

H&H Reeds Printers is more than 140 years old and also has a base at Southend Road, Penrith, is owned by H&H Group.

In addition to its print business, Carlisle-headquartered H&H Group includes operations in auctioneering, including the Borderway Mart, insurance and property, and employs nearly 300 people.