Commercial engineering firm Robinsons M & E, based in North Yorkshire, has appointed a new managing director.

At 28, Luke Kitchen (pictured) becomes one of the UK’s youngest MDs and will take the helm of the expanding £5,000,000 firm in May when he replaces the current MD Chris Spencer.

Chris is taking a step back from the day-to-day operations of the business after 33 years with the company and will remain as chairman to assist with the strategic development of the firm over the next couple of years.

Having joined Robinsons M & E at the age of 21 and currently commercial director, Luke has helped to establish the firm as one of the region’s leading providers of mechanical, electrical and air conditioning services. The business, which was established in 1963 and is based at Hampsthwaite in Harrogate, employs 56 people and has recently enjoyed a period of record growth.

Prior to his seven years’ service at Robinsons M&E, Luke’s previous roles have included finance manager at Kelkay and trainee accountant at Naylor Wintersgill.

Over the past 12 months, he has helped to orchestrate the expansion of Robinsons Facilities Services which offers planned and preventative maintenance to commercial businesses. In addition, he has been at the forefront of the improved structure of the firm’s installation services, recruiting more skilled engineers and building long-term relationships with commercial clients. In 2015 the firm recruited 14 new members of staff across all areas of the business.

Once settled into his new role, Luke is determined to strengthen all areas of the business around the young, determined team.