Prowting has started the search for a chief executive and finance director – three months after the previous executives resigned after a profit warning.
Chairman Richard Fraser, who has also acted as chief executive since January, said the senior management team would be appointed over the next six months.

Prowting's failure to appoint a chief executive and finance director led to City speculation that the group was for sale. Fraser appeared to pour cold water on these rumours.

He said: "The current structure is not sustainable and now that we have a clearer picture and a credible business plan, we can start recruiting.

"I am confident we have things back on track now."

Prowting this week announced a pre-tax profit of £3.7m for the year to 28 February compared with £27.5m last year. Turnover fell 15% to £231.6m. The group sold 1307 units last year, the lowest number since 1997.