Twenty-one internal promotions have been made at a Bicester-based energy company over the past 12 months.

Valda Energy, which supplies energy to nearly 40,000 businesses across the UK, was established in 2019 by CEO Steve James and his leadership team.

The recent round of promotions has seen three employees join the senior leadership team.

Claire Thomlinson, who began her Valda career as a customer service advisor, is now head of customer service.

Jon Ferguson has become head of collections after serving in roles as head of customer operations and head of metering and billing, and Alana Coleman has moved from the customer service team to become head of metering and billing.

Mr James said: "We’re delighted to not only be providing jobs locally but to be providing the training and career development which has led to so many internal promotions over the year.

"Retaining our culture during a period of transformational growth relies on true collaboration with our teams and fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity."

Seven new apprentices have recently joined the business and two of Valda's 2023 cohort now have permanent and specialist roles with the company.

Mr James added: “Our goal is to bring our people together, involving everyone in new ideas and decision making, and nurturing them in their roles so that they feel empowered and able to reach their full potential.

"That applies to everyone, from our senior leadership team to our cohort of apprentices.”