THE UK’s largest livestock trading company has appointed two joint managing directors.

Harrison and Hetherington has promoted David Pritchard, former operations director, and Scott Donaldson, former sales director, with immediate effect.

Both are exceptionally well known within the livestock auctioneering industry, and have an in-depth knowledge of the company’s business and livestock trading.

They have worked together for many years. Mr Pritchard will have responsibility for the operations of the business, while Mr Donaldson will lead the sales team.

Both will be responsible for the overall running of the farmstock business, reporting directly to Richard Rankin, the Group’s new chief executive.

H&H operates nine auction marts, across the north of England and Scottish Borders including Kirby Stephen and Middleton in Teesdale- and employing 300 staff.

Mr Pritchard said: “Both Scott and I enjoy working together – it’s an important moment for the company, and a chance to look, again, at where we can take it, with new ideas and perspectives from Richard, our new CEO, and our chairman Michael Scott.”

Mr Donaldson said: "Both David and I are looking forward to this new challenge, and our most important objective going forward is to ensure that we have a strong and stable trading business, to maximise the potential for all of our customers.”