NMBS has made a new appointment to its national sales team, appointing Ian Young as business development manager (central/northern).

He will be responsible for developing NMBS's membership and offering across a territory that ranges from Derbyshire and Cheshire, to the Shetland Islands in the North.

For the last fourteen years, Mr Young has worked as key account manager (north) for United Merchants. Prior to that, he spent 20 years working within the brick industry, giving him particular heavyside expertise.

Mr Young said: "I am delighted to be joining NMBS at a particularly momentous period in its history. Not only has the society just celebrated its 50th anniversary, but it has also recently announced its amalgamation merger with United Merchants – a move that will create a merchant buying supergroup with turnover in excess of £1bn. It was the right opportunity at the right time and I'm looking forward to new and exciting challenges."

Chris Hayward, managing director at NMBS, added: "Ian's appointment is particularly significant both for NMBS and our members. His expertise, specialist knowledge and hard-won experience will be instrumental in strengthening our offer to merchants in the central/northern region and we are very pleased to welcome him on board."