Groundforce managing director Simon Littlewood has left the company to join competitor MGF.

Simon Littlewood spent nearly 20 years with Vp Group, and had been in charge of its excavation shoring division, Groundforce, since 2008.

He joins MGF as director and managing director designate.

Manchester-based MGF manufactures, hires and sells fully engineered excavation shoring systems, confined space entry equipment and pipe stoppers.

“I’m delighted to be joining MGF Ltd at an exciting time for the business,” Mr Littlewood said. “It’s reputation in the UK excavation support systems market is very strong, underpinned by an excellent team of people, versatile product portfolio and a growing network of depots. The business is now planning for further growth in its geographical coverage along with expansion of its specialist product range.”

Current managing director Gerald Nowicki said: “Simon has a wealth of experience in our sector and his skills and abilities will be invaluable to us as we take our business to the next stage of its growth. Simon was the outstanding candidate to succeed me and our chairman Michael O’Hara and, along with the team at MGF, we are delighted to have him on board.”