A major steel firm in the county has appointed a new managing director in a move which marks the end of an era for the business.

Canterbury-based ParkerSteel has hired the experienced Dylan Alexander - who previously worked at Morgan Stanley and as an oil and gas consultant.

He replaces Guy Parker who is retiring from the role to become chairman for the next year.

Mr Parker is the fourth, and last generation, of the Parker family in the business. He has worked for the firm for 38 years.

Two years ago, he faced his toughest period in the business when John Parker & Sons went into administration. But it was saved by investors with ParkerSteel being created from its ashes - protecting 250 jobs.

Mr Parker's great grandfather John Parker started the business with a ironmonger's shop in The Parade, Canterbury in 1904.

His replacement has been tasked with delivering the development and growth plans for the business.

ParkerSteel supplies steal and aluminium across the UK and abroad across its three depots. It holds over 15,000 tonnes of steel in stock at any one time and is backed by the billion-dollar Taurani Group in the UAE.

The new MD said: "This is a very exciting opportunity and it’s a huge privilege taking on Guy’s legacy and building on it. Guy has been a supportive role model, who built something genuinely special in ParkerSteel, and cares tremendously about the company and all its people.

"He has provided me with incredible leadership, inspiration, passion and I am really looking forward to working to achieve sustained success and deliver an exciting future for ParkerSteel.”

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