An Ilkley management consultancy has announced plans to establish an international presence thanks to increasing customer demand.

Active Management, a specialist supply chain and procurement management company, has just established a presence in North America, Holland and Germany.

The firm was founded in 1997 and already works with many leading companies including BT and RAC.

It specialises in delivering procurement and supply-chain management solutions to fast-moving corporations.

Its team of specialists focus on the external purchases made by client companies and has provided multi-million pound savings, often up to 20 per cent of their total procurement budget.

Active's managing director Andy Brown, formerly Head of Commercial Development for Asda, said: "We know we're the best in our field - now we want the world to be aware of that too."

Active's expansion has been made possible following its acquisition by Unicorn Professional Services, the management services investment arm of Mercury Private Equity in May 2000.

This has provided an established international network that Active is now using to boost its growth.

The company has also strengthened its management team with the appointment of Richard Lewis as a non-executive director.

Formerly chairman of Poulter Partners, Yorkshire's largest marketing communications company, Richard will bring marketing and management skills to the business.

He said: "I am delighted to be able to play a part in the company's expansive plans for growth."

Mr Brown added: "Bringing Richard Lewis on board in a non-executive capacity means that we will have the benefit of his enormous experience to help us raise our profile and get our message across to new customers."