Dave Farthing has become the head of Furrows Group, the Shropshire dealer group with Ford, Kia, Mazda and Skoda outlets.

Farthing was previously the joint managing director of the £98 million turnover business, along with Russ Smith.

Smith has now retired after 50 years with the company.

In another managerial move, group sales manager Antony Frost, who started at Furrows as a sales executive 17 years ago, has been appointed dealer principal at Furrows of Shrewsbury.

Furrows said Farthing’s appointment as the sole managing director, having worked in the business for 27 years, is typical of the company’s approach to business and its track record of promoting the top team from within.

“I am very honoured to be asked to step up to the role and to take on the responsibility for a business that plays such a high-profile role in Shropshire,” said Farthing.

“We have just celebrated our centenary year, so it’s a wonderful time to be asked to take the company on, especially at such a landmark moment in our history.

"Furrows people make the business what it is, and it’s an honour to work with some great colleagues.”

Furrows is owned by the Yaxley and Coward family and has represented Ford since 1918.