Robert Merry, formerly the managing director of London company Marble Arch, which went into administration in January, has joined PAYE Stonework & Restoration, also in London, to launch a new division supplying and installing marble, granite, limestone and slate.

PAYE managing director Paul Newsam says: "We\'ve been considering developing this element of the business for some time and when Robert became available we thought he would provide the perfect focal point for both our existing and new clients. We feel being able to offer both external and internal stone expertise on any particular project will be beneficial to our clients and as such it seemed logical to expand the business in this direction."