A NEWPORT retail services company has announced that Celtic Manor Resort CEO Dylan Matthews has joined its board, as it targets growth in its international exports.

Langstone-based Retail Merchandising Services, a firm which employs around 800 people throughout the UK, has recruited Dylan Matthews as a non-executive director, spearheading its new technology division, and with the responsibility for increasing sales throughout the business.

Dylan has also been appointed as a director of RMS’ Mini Checkout arm. The business, owned by RMS, has pioneered an app targeted at Britain’s 47,000 convenience retailers, an industry worth £35bn a year. It allows shoppers to scan items’ barcodes and directly charges their bank account, saving the time that would have been spent queuing in store, ensuring a more convenient, less stressful shopping experience.

RMS provides a full range of retail services to retail chains including store design and build, recruitment, training, technology and distribution. Its client base includes national retailers such as Tesco, John Lewis, B&Q and Asda.

The company, which increased sales by 229 per cent between 2010 and 2012, was recently awarded the title of ‘fastest growing firm in the retail and wholesale sector’ in the Wales Fast Growth 50 awards. The firm is also targeting increased sales further this financial year.

Chief executive officer Peter O’Toole won the Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the recent IWA Business Awards.

Dylan Matthews said: “I’m looking forward to contributing to the entrepreneurial culture here and supporting the development of RMS’ market-leading technology offering.”

Peter O’Toole, CEO of RMS, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome Dylan to the team at RMS. It’s a huge coup for us and we expect him to play a significant role in our ambitious growth plans. He brings a wealth of experience that will help us progress to the next level.

“This year, we are seeking to export the RMS model, targeting growth in markets both across the UK and beyond. The key areas for growth are our unique Merchandising Standards Academy (MSA) training programmes - which have been endorsed by the Institute of Leadership and Management and are continuing to develop - and our new Mini Checkout smartphone app, which we believe will drive mobile payment innovation into the retail market.”