Archie Meikle

Mr Meikle, 59, who co-founded Ashwood in 1999 with current commercial director David Charman, is relinquishing his position as managing director after 23 years.

David Charman, 49, will take up the role of managing director while Graeme Hadden, 56, becomes operations director, The Scotsman reports.

Mr Meikle will assist the two during the transition period and will also take on responsibility for the company’s significant property portfolio, seeking appropriate development opportunities and business development activities of the core business as Ashwood moves out of the pandemic.

Mr Meikle said: “This management restructure at Ashwood has been carefully planned and choreographed over the last six months to ensure business continuity and retain stakeholder confidence.

“The company is debt free with strong cash flow and I have no doubt that David, along with Graeme, will now lead the business forward in their typically astute fashion – strengthening the ethos of the business and building on the successes we have enjoyed.”

Under Mr Meikle’s management, Ashwood has grown from a start-up in a two-person office to a business with a £12 million turnover. The firm now employs more than 85 staff and has a track record of reporting profit quarter on quarter for the last 22-and-a-half years.

Mr Charman added: “Archie has led Ashwood with distinction for over two decades and I am honoured to now be taking on the role of managing director. His guidance and counsel will be welcomed by Graeme and I as we begin to drive the business forward together.”