Managing director Ian Whitfield’s son Tom Whitfield has re-joined the business as finance director, having previously worked at Alpha Card for nearly two years from its inception in 2013. In the intervening period he worked as management accountant and then group accountant for healthcare technology business Emis Group.

Kate Shropshall, meanwhile, has joined the company as marketing manager, having held a similar position for US business QST Industries.

Both joining last month, the appointments capped off a successful year of growth for Alpha Card, which also acquired French distributor Media de Poche and German print specialist Card Media and opened its first US office, in Florida, during 2018.

The firm, which is forecasting a turnover increase of 30% over the next 12 months, said Whitfield and Shropshall will both be key to its continued growth in 2019.

“Both Tom and Kate boast a wealth of experience in the finance and marketing sectors, respectively, and will therefore be instrumental in supporting and driving our continued growth strategy across the UK and overseas,” said Ian Whitfield.

Tom Whitfield added: “In just five years, Alpha Card has grown from a start-up into the UK’s leading manufacturer of z-folding cards and other direct marketing materials.

“Both Kate and I are extremely excited to be joining the business as it continues its expansion and are now working hard on implementing and driving an equally successful growth strategy for 2019.”

Alpha Card produces more than 10 million z-folding cards per year and has served almost every market sector since its inception, with clients including SMEs, local and national governments, and multinational companies such as Shell and Toyota.