Collectibles firm Hornby has further strengthened its backroom team after recruiting the current chair of the Land Registry to its board.

The Margate-based firm confirmed Neil Sachdev, 65, will serve as non-executive chairman. He replaces Lyndon Davies who stepped down for “personal, health-related” reasons in April. John Stansfield had filled in as interim chair during the intervening months.

Mr Davies had served in the role for 15 months and had previously spent several years as the company’s chief executive.

Neil Sachdev has a long and varied CV which includes stints as stores board director at supermarket giant Tesco, responsible for property and operations in the UK, and group property director for Sainsbury.

Olly Raeburn, Hornby’s current CEO, said: "This is a pivotal time for Hornby and Neil's retail and supply chain experience will add a valuable perspective, and provide welcomed support, to the turnaround that's already underway."

Mr Sachdev added: “I am looking forward to working with Olly and the rest of the board to support them as this iconic and enriching business continues its journey to profitability."

The appointment comes hot on the heels of last month’s financial results for the year which revealed the company saw losses, after tax, of £12.1million for the 12 months ending March 31, 2024.

That’s more than double the loss of £5.9m last year.

It blamed delays on containers containing stock due to the Israel/Palestine conflict and Easter falling later this year.

However, revenue was up 2% to £56.2m.