BUSINESSMAN Gary Lumby has been appointed non-executive director by Newton Aycliffe BTS Facades & Fabrications, to help with its ambitious growth plans.

The firm, which has worked on projects including Tottenham Hotspurs' new stadium, the Jaguar Land Rover Gaydon site, and student accommodation in Wembley and Coventry, met Mr Lumby at its recent open day and believed his skills could offer considerable benefits.

Mr Lumby works with 22 other clients across the North East and Yorkshire, adding value to the businesses and contributing to growth. His role at BTS will include coaching, strategic planning, and advice. He is joining the firm to help oversee plans to automate its production process and sustain its impressive growth.

He said: "BTS is a fabulous company that is growing fast already and is investing heavily in automation and people. The development of its rainwater screening and facade business is fuelling that growth and I am excited to be working with the company to accelerate it even further."

BTS employs 49 people and has seen turnover grow from £5.3m to a forecasted £7m over the past 12 months. The company has also invested in low voltage LED lighting throughout its factory and offices, and a biomass heating system to help reduce its carbon footprint.

Phil Atkinson, managing director, said: "Gary's appointment is a real triumph for us; my mission for the business is to be one of the UK's leading manufacturers of rainscreen systems and metal fabrications. I'd like to see turnover reach £10m in the next three to four years and I believe Gary will help us achieve that."