ANDREW LACEY has been appointed as the new head of SAC Consulting Solutions.

Northumberland-born Andrew has extensive international experience as a senior leader in technical and business consultancy, and has been working most recently within the automotive industry in China, although he has formerly held senior consulting positions on a diverse range of high profile projects in Sweden and the UK, working on renewable fuels and energy projects; and acting as advisor to manufacturing and construction industry sectors.

Andrew will now lead his 200 SAC Consulting Solutions colleagues in delivering services focused upon supporting farms and rural businesses during this unprecedented period of change.

Managing director of SAC Consulting Mike Wijnberg said: “In line with SRUC’s wider strategy, the extremely challenging environment in which farms and rural businesses are operating requires SAC Consulting to reshape its range of services to meet future demands.

"This will involve the provision of high quality technical and business advice that will involve improving integration of resources and services within SRUC, as well as with our external clients and partners. Andrew’s wide-ranging experience in senior consultancy and practical managerial roles will help to ensure we are fit for future, with the right customer-focused services and robust internal systems.”

Mr Lacey said: “I am very much looking forward to working with the SAC Consulting team, wider SRUC colleagues and our customers as we support farms and rural businesses during this challenging period. Over the coming months in the lead-up to Brexit, the priority will be on what we can do meaningfully as an organisation to support and guide our clients. I am also keen to draw on my previous experience of managing large, diverse teams to take full advantage of the skills and expertise that exist within SAC Consulting solutions and to identify areas for growth.”