Ian Lawrence, who has headed up the business as managing director for the past eight years, has stepped down from the role to be succeeded by Will Newman, former engineering services arm south east area chief.

(L-r) Will Newman takes over as MD of Engineering services as Ian Lawrence step down

Lawrence has been with the business for 36 years and will remain both a Briggs & Forrester Group board director and an Engineering Services board director, helping to transition the business to the new management structure.

He will also continue to oversee the marketing, quality and sustainability departments for the group.

Newman started his career with the business as a technical trainee back in 2002 progressing to the position of project manager.

After leaving for a four-year stint as operations manager at SES Engineering Services, he returned to Briggs & Forrester in 2017 to successfully steer growth of the South East region into an £80m turnover business.

Lawrence said: “As everyone knows the industry has faced challenging trading conditions during the last few years but it is pleasing that the business is thriving with a record order book of good quality work.

“It is therefore the ideal time to implement the next phase of our succession plan and hand over the reigns to Will.”