Mark, 40, will be responsible for the business' construction activities in the south and the Thames Valley. Beginning his career as an apprentice carpenter and joiner, Mark brings 24 years' experience to his new post. He joined Morgan Ashurst in 2001 as a project manager.

'I'm delighted to have inherited such a strong business and I'm excited at having the opportunity to grow our construction activities even further,' he said.

'In spite of the current economic downturn, Morgan Ashurst is well placed to move into 2009 with a healthy forward order book.

'A large proportion of our work is in the public sector, particularly within the education sector, which is seeing significant investment. We have also been appointed to a number of construction frameworks in the area which will drive a number of new public building projects.'

Morgan Ashurst is working on a number of other local schemes including a £12m project to build a six-storey office development on the former Johnson and Johnson site, just off the Junction 12 of the M27 at Cosham.

The new development, which is due to be completed early next year, will be occupied by Portsmouth-based company Raymarine.


Hampshire Mezzanine Floors employee Kerry Oxford has stepped up another level to join the direct sales team.

Kerry joined the company some nine years ago as a receptionist but is now part of the expanding sales team.

HMF is a main contractor for office and warehouse design and fit-out projects, including partitioning and suspended ceilings.