Benfield has appointed Mark Chandler as marketing manager with responsibility for developing group strategy.

His main focus will be to assess the North-east dealer group's e-commerce needs. Responsibilities will also include aftersales marketing, branding and specific campaigns aimed at providing value and service for the customer.

Mr Chandler said: “E-commerce is a challenging and rapid growth area for all businesses. It demands innovation and flexibility throughout the organisation to react to changes which are taking place.

“All of our dealers are online and it is important that the website mirrors our actual dealerships and are easy and effective for customers to use.” Mr Chandler, joins Benfield from Sunderland City Council.