THE Nortech Group, the award-winning engineering design and project company, has created a new division and appointed Ian Basford as director.

The 61 year-old from Stockton will head Nortech Management & Consultancy Services (NMICS) which will offer strategic review and advice, management, supply chain, commercial, planning and dispute resolution services.

This division will serve existing Nortech clients in the oil and gas sector and new clients in the maritime, petrochemical, pharmaceuticals, renewables and power sectors.

Mr Basford is a former managing director of Stapleton International (Project Services) and group director of Stapleton Holdings. His role involved developing the global project resource business and development of its claims and dispute resolution business.

He was also business development director at Balfour Beatty Management Ltd, where he was responsible for developing the business in the North of England, and spent 32 years with Faithful and Gould where he became managing director and chief operating officer.

Nortech has undergone rapid expansion to 80 staff and a turnover exceeding £8m since being set up in April 2011.