The man credited with transforming the fortunes of engineering business Mouchel is to become chairman of Norfolk construction services company May Gurney.

The man credited with transforming the fortunes of engineering business Mouchel is to become chairman of Norfolk construction services company May Gurney.

Jim Harding succeeds Alan Koran, who had earlier announced his intention to retire this November after 28 years with May Gurney.

Mr Harding, a Cambridge engineering graduate, spent his early career with major companies such as Vickers, Tube Investments and Otis before joining Mouchel in the early 1980s.

He built up Mouchel before heading a successful Stock Market flotation.

David Sterry, May Gurney chief executive, said: "We are extremely pleased to have appointed someone of such high calibre to help May Gurney continue to achieve its ambitions."

In June, May Gurney said it was committed to maintaining its headquarters in Norwich despite a nationwide expansion which has seen it increase turnover by £100m over the past two years.

The company is involved in dozens of projects locally, including piling work for the £275m Chapelfield retail development.