Alan Gayle, the commercial director of Portland limestone producers Albion Stone for the past five years, has moved to Croydon stone and conservation specialists Stonewest as group marketing director.

Stonewest bought first conservation specialists St Blaise in Dorchester, Dorset, and then Rattee & Kett in Longstanton, Cambridgeshire. Nick Wilson, previously marketing director, became managing director of St Blaise and Rattee & Kett.

Kevin Reuter, Stonewest managing director, wants to create a more cohesive, integrated group with the three companies sharing best practice and, where appropriate, co-operating with one another. The three companies will retain their separate names but the intention is to introduce a recognisable group identity to raise awareness among customers, suppliers and the wider building industry.

Stonewest have seen significant growth in every area of their operation for several years. For that growth to continue they want to differentiate themselves from competitors and raise their profile still further in the market.

Alan says: "My role will include building on the existing relationships with our key customers and clients, identifying opportunities for the future and targeting specific markets that will further develop the business."