Caldwell assumes day-to-day responsibility for all aspects of the Sunderland-based business, which is now in its 25th year. Carling’s group role includes sister company AUK Heating and Cooling Distribution.

Carling said: “We have seen double-digit growth in the past three years, while turnover has more than doubled. We moved into our new 30,000 sq ft premises in late 2022 and have taken on more key staff. We are now preparing the business to more than double in size in the next five years. Our aim is to continue to be the UK’s largest specialist renewables distributor. I will be handing over to Chris, helping him into the new role and assisting him to steer the business forward.’’

Caldwell joined Secon in 2010 in a technical support role and was later promoted to technical sales manager, before being appointed sales director in 2017. He said: “On the back of our recent expansion, I am excited to be taking Secon forward and growing the business in existing and new renewable markets.”

Paul Hind will continue as operations director, and Caldwell will be supported by commercial director Nigel Jefferson and head of new build Simon Brown.