Pavement specialists Asphalt Group has appointed Stephen Cooke as managing director, taking over from father Howard Cooke, who founded the business over twenty years ago.

The company said that under Stephen Cooke's leadership it will continue to provide sustainable and safe solutions – reinforcement, preservation and surface dressing – that extend the life of asphalt pavement assets.

Stephen Cooke (pictured, right) said: ‘We are a brand with a great heritage and reputation in the industry, with fantastic foundations laid by Howard Cooke over the last twenty years. We have a very exciting future, and I look forward to leading the team as we continue to grow and develop our business.

‘I am looking forward to writing the next chapter in our story. We work closely with our clients and will continue to encourage early collaboration to allow for timely interventional value for money.

'Our strategy is to prioritise making sustainable choices when given the opportunity and we are working towards making our business carbon neutral.'

Asphalt Group said that Stephen Cooke has experience working across all areas of the business and that focus will be on continuing to grow the company while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and customer service, as he aims to make the business more sustainable and reduce the carbon footprint.

Howard Cooke (pictured, right) will remain involved with Asphalt Group as a non-executive director.

He said: ‘Businesses need to adapt to thrive, and I am confident that under Stephen's leadership, Asphalt Group will go from strength to strength. I am delighted that he will be taking over the reins to lead a young and dynamic team, hungry to continue our success as the premium deliverer of innovative asphalt solutions.'