A MALVERN-based firm that specialises in speech and audio analysis has made two new appointments to strengthen its team as it anticipates a busy year ahead.

Aurix, based at Malvern Hills Science Park, has appointed David Knowles as its director of operations and James Kirby as chief technical officer.

Mr Knowles has a defence background, having served as an Army optical and electronic engineer for 22 years.

Mr Kirby joined Aurix in 2006 and has more than 25 years of international business experience across both the public and private sectors.

Aurix is currently working to bring audio search technology, widely used by intelligence and the military, to the commercial world.