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Richard, 32, has spent the past seven years working through the ranks at the Almondbury BMW dealership in Huddersfield.

"In my new role at Prestons, my biggest challenge will lie in the on-going success of our new models: the C1 and the Mini," he said.

"These launches have been key to my main ambition for the business which is to develop it into one of the premier BMW dealers in the country, while maintaining an enviable reputation for first class customer service."

Managing director of Prestons Group, Lee Collins, said: "Richard is a very welcome and valued addition to the Colne team. We will certainly reap the benefits of his experience.

"Richards has already proved that he is committed to maintaining BMW's first class reputation and we look forward to working with him as the dealership continues to grow and develop."

BLACKBURN-based software solutions provider FORMFILL has recruited Alistair Allen to strengthen the company's IT operations. Alistair, 34, joins the company as a JAVA developer, responsible for enhancing Formfill's existing product range within local government, utilities, manufacturing, retail and financial services. Before joining Formfill, Alastair worked at Unisys., developing a number of internet-related products. He has also worked on projects for Northern Electric.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a company that is undergoing considerable expansion," he said. "Formfill's vision makes it a company that remains at the sharp end of the industry because it is progressively seeking ways of cutting the costs of its customers' operations."

Chartered accountants and business advisors FUREY GRANGE has appointed Graeme Drummond as client services director. Another recent arrival at the Blackburn-based practice is trainee accountant Clare Dawber who will specialise in VAT returns, company accounts, sole trader accounts and general book-keeping.

The Eccleston-based MAWDSLEY CONSULTANCY, which specialises in executive search and selection and interim management, has announced three senior appointments. Barry Tollefson has more than 12 years' experience of recruitment in the engineering and manufacturing industries.He has worked for Auston Knight, MSL and TMP Worldwide.

Edward Geraghty has spent the past 15 years in human resource management. His recruitment expertise lies in IT, outsourcing and the financial services sector. His previous experience has included periods spent at ICL, Henry Cookes, Lehman Brothers and the London Stock Exchange.

Laurence Conway specialises in the recruitment of candidates with MBAs. He has more than 25 years of high-level management experience in the UK and abroad.

Underlay manufacturers DURALAY has appointed John Paterson as area manager for the Midlands and South West. John has worked in the flooring industry for more than 30 years, starting out as a floor layer. He joins the specialist sales team for Duralay's Durafit, the UK's leading contract flooring underlay. NTL has appointed Debbie Lucas as managing director of its North West operations. As sales and field operations director, Debbie had led her team to a series of national awards. "I want to see NTL become the consumers' preferred provider of telephone, television and internet services in the North West," said Debbie, 37. "The North West was one of the very first areas to have widespread access to digital TV and now NTL's robust fibre optic network means we are leading the way with broadband as well." BRITISH Gas has appointed Linda Dixon to a new role of working with voluntary groups, charities and other agencies to ease the burden of fuel poverty in East Lancashire.

Part of her job will be to identify customers who would benefit from the energy efficiency schemes the company runs in the region. These include projects to replace old boilers with up-to-date models or to provide proper insulation.

Linda, who has worked for British Gas for 13 years, said: "Energy efficiency has been part of my previous jobs with the company, but it will be at the forefront of this role.

"We are a socially responsible company committed to improving energy efficiency and tackling fuel poverty. I know that the work I'll be doing will make a real difference to the lives of the most disadvantaged people living in the community." YORKSHIRE Bank has appointed David Black executive banking manager within its premium financial services team in East Lancashire. David has worked in banking for the past 17 years, including time spent as a branch manager. In his new role, he will be proving wealth management advice to today's high-earning professionals - customers with a sole income above £35,000 or a joint income of more than £50,000. "Many people find themselves with a significant income, but no time in which to manage it to the greatest effect," he said. "As a dedicated executive banking manager, I will be co-ordinating everything from help on taxation issues, trust and estate planning, investments and independent advice on behalf of my clients who will have access to preferential terms for a range of banking products." New managers get a Pierce of the action MOVE: From left, John Duckett, Paul Hilton and Jane Smith APPOINTMENTS BLACKBURN chartered accountants and business advisors Pierce has strengthened its practice with four senior promotions. Paul Hilton has become senior manager and John Duckett, Linda Wilkinson and Jane Smith have all been made managers. A forensic accountant, Paul, 34, joined Pierce in 1992. In addition to his forensic work, Paul will by a senior manager within the practice's corporate finance team. Based in the forensic department, John Duckett,38, will take up a new management position while Linda Wilkibnson, 33, will assume senior responsibilities within the firm's audit department. Jane Smith, 30, has become a business services manager, in charge of the audit department. ACCRINGTON-based accountants Mayes Business Partnership has appointed Eva Ribbeck to join its team of business advisors. Eva, right, has worked in the specialist field of taxation for more than 15 years and moves to the practice from West Yorkshire. "I am looking forward to working with the team to develop the firm's tax advisory services," she said. "The prospect of working with owner-managed businesses and high net worth individuals to exploit the many tax planning opportunities is exciting."