News is breaking that Martin Barratt has joined the board of Mark Pyrah's AIM-listed Paragon Entertainment as a non-executive director.

Paragon, which began as an attractions designer and fabrication house, has grown strongly – both organically and through acquisition – to be a full-service business. The company offers everything from attractions design and build, to management and IP licensing through its three divisions: leisure and licensing, creative and attractions.

The company has been reporting strong results, with turnover in the year to December 31 2013 increasing to £10m – up from £6.1m in 2012.

Pyrah has plans to drive business growth going forward and Barratt's appointment comes as part of this strategy.

Commenting on the announcement, Pyrah said: "Martin Barratt's executive experience, deep knowledge of the industry and operational and development skills will be a crucial asset to Paragon's next exciting stage of development."

Barratt has a long pedigree in the attractions industry, having worked for a range of operators including, the Tussauds Group. He was also operations director and development director for Merlin Entertainments and CEO of BALPPA, the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions.

Barratt said: "Paragon has a unique and tremendous opportunity to expand its operations and I look forward to driving client and shareholder value.”

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Paragon Creative worked on 20 major projects in 2013, including the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland and the Eureka! children’s museum in Halifax, UK.