An insight and research consultancy based in Norfolk has opened a new office in Abu Dhabi.

Vivid Interface, based in Wymondham, hopes to expand its work in the Middle East and North Africa from the office.

It is being led by Sally Peers, previously a director of Exhibition Audience Audits, which was acquired by Vivid a number of years ago.

Geoffrey Dixon, managing director at Vivid, said: 'Emerging markets are very important to our long-term growth and we have increased our work in the Middle East over the last 18 months to the point where an office is now justified to offer our clients the highest possible service.

'Through our work in the Middle East we have become expert particularly in oil and gas markets and in the construction industries, which are still growth markets.

'With Sally's appointment we hope to capitalise on this and you never know, even help East Anglian companies to take advantage of the opportunities these markets offer.

'The opportunities are there if you know how to chase them.'

The firm, which had a turnover of more than �800,000 and employs 25 people, has also recently taken on two new members of staff.

Charlotte Hudson joins as associate director of research from Millward Brown where she led brand and communications research projects across financial services, food, children's toys, pharmaceuticals, retail and telecoms.

Lorna Savage has been appointed as research executive. She came to Vivid through the UEA's Evolve internship programme and was offered a full-time role when that came to an end.