CONSTRUCTION firm Southdale has appointed Craig Knowles as its new North-East operations director.

With more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Mr Knowles joined Southdale in 2012 as Commercial Manager for the Yorkshire Region, overseeing Southdale’s commercial and operational elements in the region.

It comes as Southdale is on track for a regional turnover of £30m in the current financial year and to be active on at least 12 sites in the North-East.

The company is also planning further expansion and job creation in the region.

Mr Knowles has overseen a range of projects in the North East, including projects for Livin, Derwentside Homes and the partners of the new Thirteen Group, creating new, affordable housing in communities across the Tees Valley and County Durham. Among the growth aspirations of Southdale is to expand further into the Tyneside and Wearside areas.

Group Managing Director Paul Moore said: “Craig has been leading projects for Southdale in the North East for some time now.

“He has a superb track record and a great wealth of experience, which will be vital in helping to drive Southdale forward into a period of growth in the North-East.”