Hamish Melville has stepped down from his position as chairman of Northern Recruitment as planned, along with the firm’s non-executive director Neil Davidson.

Leo Finn will now take over as company chairman after joining the Newcastle-upon-Tyne-based firm’s board in August.

Melville accompanied the news by unveiling another bullish trading statement, claiming revenues from temporary recruitment were “substantially ahead” of targets.

“We are well placed to achieve another year of good progress and to continue our successful development as a regionally based recruitment business with national capabilities,” added Melville.

The company has also opened a new office in the Tees Valley.