Bents Garden & Home has made two new appointments as part of its £10m vision for the future; a general manager, a role specifically created as part of the company's new management structure, and a new marketing manager.
Mike Parker has joined the Bents team to take over the day-to-day running of the business, to allow current managing director, Matthew Bent, to focus on the overall strategic development of the business.

Mr Bent said of the appointment: "As [my father] focuses more on his retirement, I will be looking to take on [his] areas of responsibility, working on the overall development of the Bents business, which means we need a strong general manager in place. Mike brings with him fantastic experience from both Tesco and PC World and we believe he will be a great asset to the team."

Mr Parker added: "I am relishing the opportunity to get involved with Bents. As a family owned and run business it is a very different prospect, but it is a business with huge ambition and one where you feel you can really make a difference."

The garden centre retailer has also appointed Amanda Prescott as its new marketing manager. She has returned to her north west roots, after having travelled the country while working with companies like Fujitsu and Northgate Arinso, and has over 20 years' experience of both consumer and business-to-business marketing.

Ms Prescott said: "I originally lived in Culcheth and have seen the Bents business grow and develop over the years. I understand how ambitious a company it is. I am looking forward to being part of its future."

Ms Prescott has replaced Helen Bent in the role, who has left on maternity leave. Ms Bent will return to the business next year in a more strategic marketing position.