The Greenery, Europe's leading grower-owned fresh produce specialist, has announced key personnel changes to its wholesale market branches in Gateshead and Manchester, to take effect from the end of this month.

At Greenery Gateshead, Patrick Spoors has been appointed as director of the company with effect from July 1. Spoors has been with the company for 18 years and brings to the role a wealth of experience. In addition to his new role, he will also continue to manage the fruit department at Gateshead.

Managing director of Greenery Manchester, Jeff Livesey (63), will retire from his position after 43 years with the company. Michael Morgan will assume the role of managing director and will also continue in his role as Manager of the exotics department.

Manager of the salad department at Greenery Manchester, Steve McKay, has been also promoted to Director of the company and will take up his position on July 1.

Nick Scrase, managing director of Greenery UK, said: 'These appointments have been made to strengthen the management teams at Gateshead and Manchester, and will help to consolidate The Greenery's position within the wholesale markets.

'They are all internal appointments that recognise the knowledge and experience of Patrick, Michael and Steve and will help to ensure the success of the wholesale market businesses. This will continue to build upon last year's success that was our best year yet.' He concluded: 'Jeff has been a part of the UK businesses for over forty three years and it is impossible to overestimate the contributions he has made to the companies in that time. We wish him an extremely happy and rewarding retirement.'