A NORTH Ayrshire company who are a leading name in the fish farm net industry have started the new year with two new board members.

W & J Knox, the leading Scottish fish farm net manufacturer, who are Kilbirnie based, has announced two key appointments to the board from within the company’s existing management.

Managing director Jim Traynor, who has been with the business since 1979 and successfully led a management buyout from Cosalt plc in 2004, becomes chairman and is succeeded as managing director by Dave Hutchens, who joined the company in 2008.

Dave has worked in the industry since 1980 and has been taking an increasing role in the management of the business since the sale of the company’s fibres division in 2013. Roger Dehany becomes deputy chairman and is succeeded by his assistant for many years, Finlay Oman, who becomes commercial director.

Jim Borrows remains in his role as part-time director, sharing responsibility for financial matters with David Sloan, company secretary. The changes took effect from January 1.

Dave said: “I am looking forward to this exciting new challenge and will continue to develop our excellent relationship with the Scottish aquaculture sector.”