The boss of a civil engineering and construction company is set to step down.

After 13 years at the Gallagher Group, Nick Yandle has decided to step down from his chief executive role at the end of this year.

Gallagher Group chairman Pat Gallagher said: “Nick has made an invaluable contribution, alongside the members of the group’s management team, in building the business into the very successful enterprise which exists today.

“Whilst he is stepping down from his full time executive duties with us at the end of this year, we are delighted that we will be able to access his experience on an advisory basis beyond that time.

“On behalf of the Gallagher family and our wider business, I would like to extend our warmest thanks to Nick for his contribution and wish him well as he begins a new chapter in his successful career.

“It is an exciting time for our business as we celebrate 45 years of successful operation and head towards the end of our latest financial year (30th September) making further positive progress with strong trading across all our operations.”

Nick Yandle said: “My time with Gallagher has passed very quickly, with many highlights. This is testament to our varied activities and the fast moving and entrepreneurial approach we take to the opportunities we create.

“There is now another generation of ownership and management coming through in Gallagher and the time is right to hand on the baton. I’m looking forward to another chapter in my working life, continuing to help Pat and the Gallagher business along the way.”

The Gallagher group board, including the recently appointed non-executive directors, Steve Hollingshead and Paul Collins, is leading the search for a new chief executive to support the next phase of development at the family-owned firm.

Steve Hollingshead added: “We are progressing well with our plans to appoint a new CEO. It is an extremely attractive position and the successful candidate will join a strong, well-established business with the opportunity to work with the family owners and management team to set an exciting future strategy and plan for further profitable growth.”

The Gallagher Group has expanded from its Kent base to create a very strong presence across the South East of England around its four principle areas of operation: building, civil engineering, aggregates and property development.