Sherreard starts work this week after spending nearly 25 years at Cowlin Construction, the last 11 of which were as managing director.

He was also a director of Balfour Beatty Scottish and Southern following the sale of the Cowlin business to Balfour Beatty in 2007.

Bray & Slaughter was established 110 years ago and has been built up into a £15m turnover business.

Managing director, Grant Jefferies, said: “The opportunity of knowledge transfer from someone as experienced as Neil is a tremendous opportunity and we are excited at the prospect of having him on board to help us to achieve our ambitious plans for growth and the development of the company.”

Sherreard, who left Cowlin just last month, said: “Grant and his team have exciting and ambitious growth plans and I am very much looking forward to playing my part in helping them to achieve their aspirations.”