A diet firm has appointed a business development consultant a non-executive director as it goes through unprecedented growth.

Shaun Kelly has joined Ashford-based Forza Supplements after it saw sales of capsules triple in the last year.

New partnerships with Boots, Superdrug, Costco, Harrods and other retailers have triggered the good performance.

The Javelin Business Park company has also benefitted from high-profile celebrity endorsements from reality stars like TOWIE's Sam Faiers and Made in Chelsea's Spencer Matthews.

It has doubled its staff to 15 and appointed a new sales team in America.

Forza managing director Lee Smith said: “Shaun Kelly is a genuine asset for Forza and we have been extremely lucky that he has agreed to join us.

“There are many challenges when developing a small enterprise into a well-established and respected yet profitable business and we firmly believe Shaun will be a crucial advisor as we continue growing into 2014.”

Mr Kelly has 25 years’ experience in commercial banking and was previously managing director for RBS Midlands and head of UK corporate business development for Santander.

He is working with Forza in association with Maidstone-based asb Law solicitors where he is a consultant.

Mr Kelly said “SMEs are the backbone of the local economy in Kent and Forza is a stunning example of success in this segment - creating wealth and jobs.

“The asb-consultancy arm is delighted to be on board and personally, I’m looking forward to supporting Lee and the leadership team as they grow the business”.

See www.forzasupplements.co.uk.