One of the largest independent contractors in the North of England and the Midlands, GMI is preparing to expand into other regions and sectors.

Powell said the controlled growth strategy would be delivered while maintaining GMI’s debt-free position.

He added: “As the UK continues to level up across all of its key regions, I want to ensure GMI is right at the heart of that growth and powering forward with our expert team.”

The builder presently operates out of offices in Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and Teesside.

It is now forecasting a major bounce-back in turnover from a covid-hit £115m in 2020 to more than £350m for 2022 and has already secured £300m worth of opportunities.

Previously the divisional managing director for GMI Construction in Yorkshire, Powell has already overseen strong growth in the region, together with its recent expansion into the North East – establishing an office in Stockton-on-Tees.

GMI Construction Group has also recently stepped up a gear in the size of projects it bids for.

It is presently on a £200m development to create a train manufacturing plant and rail supply chain village for Siemens Mobility in Goole, East Yorkshire and a £30m office building at Thorpe Park, Leeds.

GMI is also delivering a 437,000 sq ft fulfilment centre for an online fashion retailer at Fradley Park in Lichfield, Staffordshire and a 259 flats in an 11 storeys block, forming part of the £200m Becketwell regeneration scheme in Derby

David Shann, chief executive of GMI’s parent company Highgrove Group, said: “Lee’s appointment to this newly-created CEO role underlines our commitment to strengthen and grow our presence in the regions where we already operate, as well as looking towards developing new opportunities.

“As CEO, we believe Lee has the experience, energy and ability to take GMI to the next level.”