Paul Blunden has been appointed as head of business development for The Garden Centre Group.
In his new role, Mr Blunden will be heading up a team tasked with looking at new ways to grow the business.

The Garden Centre Group's chief financial officer Antonia Jenkinson said: "We are delighted to welcome Paul to the group. He brings a wealth of analytical skills and energy to the company. Paul will be putting forward and appraising the group's significant investment and development plans."

Prior to joining the company, Mr Blunden was a director for property investor aAIM Group, after starting his career at Deloitte as a graduate in the banking and securities sector.

He said: "I'm really looking forward to the challenges ahead and contributing towards the future success of The Garden Centre Group. As well as looking for new ways for the business to grow, I will also be involved in the group's multi-million pound programme of investment into its restaurants and garden centres."