Fit-out firm Morris & Spottiswood has appointed a new strategic development director to help deliver an ambitious 10-year growth plan.

Edinburgh-based Viv Sutherland will be responsible for driving a long-term strategy to expand the firm’s client base with a focus on corporate sectors and national framework agreements.

Ms Sutherland brings a broad range of experience across marketing, sales, business development, commercial positioning and operations roles for firms including Hewlett Packard, Scottish Widows, Lloyds TSB and Matalan.

Morris & Spottiswood chief executive officer, Jon Dunwell, said the appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the firm with turnover projected to break the £100 million barrier for the first time in the next 12 months.

“The introduction of a new strategic development director is an important step forward as we look to build on strong performance over the last two years,” said Mr Dunwell. “Viv will help map out our strategy and business development agenda. We have identified major opportunities within our framework client base and through geographical expansion which we are keen to capitalise on.

“Viv’s will also assess and review internal processes to align with customers’ expectations and improve standard operating procedures. Viv will join our operational board and ensure that all output is monitored to meet company strategy and corporate performance. She will further lead marketing activity for the group and ensure the brand is positioned effectively both externally and internally.

“Further responsibilities include managing the proposal process to ensure Morris & Spottiswood achieves the highest ‘win rate’ possible. As the role develops it will also involve input with innovation, strategic partnerships, transformation and talent. We welcome Viv to our team.”

Morris & Spottiswood’s turnover is around £90m with a workforce of 390 people. It has four separate service divisions – fit-out, housing, M&E (Mechanical & Electrical) and maintenance. It works across many areas including education, retail, financial, housing, leisure, health and commercial sectors.

Ms Sutherland said it is a terrific time to be joining Morris & Spottiswood and to be part of an ambitious and exciting long-term growth strategy.

“I have followed the firm closely for a number of years,” she said. “It benefits from a strong market reputation in fit-out and housing especially which is underpinned by steady and consistent growth over decades. The company is perfectly positioned to ramp up activity on national frameworks and can penetrate the English regions with greater force through a local office network in Warrington and Leeds. This is a special and unique opportunity and I greatly look forward to working with the Morris & Spottiswood board and team.”