His appointment to the business comes six years after joining as operations director and follows the retirement of Frank Reid after 43 years of service.

In another appointment Morgans Sindall’s Ricky Brown has joined the business to fill the operational vacancy created by Phillips’s promotion.

Elliot Robertson, chief executive officer at Robertson Group, said: “With a wealth of experience, Ian’s passion and expertise will undoubtedly ensure the ongoing success of our Northern business.

“I extend a warm welcome to Ricky as he joins Team Robertson, bringing with him great expertise of the industry and passion. These two new appointments reinforce our commitment to the Northern business and will ensure its continued success.”