He brings 35 years’ experience in construction where he has held senior management roles, including working for 16 years as operations manager with Kier Construction Southern.

In his new role, Shergold heads up Stepnell’s construction operations in Dorset and the South West, which employs around 60 people.

Stepnell regional director Rob Speirs said: “This is an important and exciting time of expansion for the business and we are delighted that someone of Paul’s calibre will be playing a major role, spearheading our delivery of high-profile construction projects across the region.”

Current projects by Stepnell’s Poole office include a £4.2m contract to build a clubhouse for Parkstone Yacht Club in Parkstone, Poole; an £8.3m contract for high-end retirement living in Woking and an £11.6m 64-bedroom care home and 20 apartments in Winchester.