SOUTHDALE, the construction and development specialist, has appointed Craig Knowles as its new North East Operations Director.

He joined the company in 2012 as commercial manager for the Yorkshire Region and was last year appointed commercial director for the Eastern Region, which covered the Yorkshire and Humber and North East regions.

His new role comes at a time when Southdale's North East division is on target to turnover £30m in the current financial year, is active on at least 12 sites in the region, and

has just leased new offices at Parsons Court, Aycliffe Business Park which will allow it to increase staffing from 30 to 50.

Mr Knowles said: "We have plans for sustainable growth in the North East, and that includes a significant increase in staffing and a broadening of the geographical area in which we operate.

“These new offices will allow us to grow and give us a base which is very easily accessible for all parts of the region, and we are looking forward to being at the heart of a vibrant business park.”

Paul Moore, group managing director, said: “Craig has been leading projects for Southdale in the North East for some time now. He has a superb track record and a great wealth of experience, which will be vital in helping to drive Southdale forward into a period of growth in the North East.”

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