Chris Churm, the new Managing Director of landscape product company Marshalls' Landscape Protection business, is working with experts in the company's team to ensure it can offer a range of products to meet the requirements of the Protect Duty expected to become law next year.

Also known as Martyn’s Law, the Protect Duty will require the owners of publicly accessible areas to implement protective measures to mitigate against the threat of terrorist attacks.

It earned the name of Martyn's Law as a result of the attack on the Manchester Arena during an Ariana Grande concert in 2017. The name refers to Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the attack where a suicide bomber killed 22 people and injured hundreds more.

Chris Churm says: “Protect Duty is also an important topic in our industry right now. The new legislation expected to come into force in 2023 is one of our priorities and we are working with the experts in our team to ensure that our product range offers suitable solutions to meet requirements.”

To go to the section of Marshalls website dealing with Landscape Protection and street furniture, click here. 

Chris Churm was appointed Managing Director of Marshalls Landscape Protection in June, also becoming MD of Marshalls Natural Stone. He has taken responsibility for the day-to-day management and trading performance of the two business areas of the leading landscape company.  

Chris joined Marshalls in 2006 and has worked across the company in various roles, most recently as Trading Director responsible for the company's business with domestic installers, including responsibility for Marshalls' Register of Accredited Landscape Contractors.

Before that his roles included Commercial Regional Trading Manager, engaging with specifiers and commercial contractors across all Marshalls' catalogues, and National Accounts Director, managing sales teams focused on builders merchants.

Commenting on his latest promotion, Chris said: “I am delighted to be working in this role, which covers our Landscape Protection and Natural Stone businesses. With the support of a fantastic team, we have already begun to develop the business areas further.

"In terms of Landscape Protection, we have placed a focus on supporting those responsible for the safety and design of the public realm with our vast portfolio of protective and non-protective street furniture, post and rail and active travelling products.

"Additionally, our stone business gives me the opportunity to work with colleagues and customers to really develop our total value proposition across Marshalls’ portfolio of beautiful and technically outstanding ranges."