Vp names ex-National Express chief as non-executive director

Jeremy Pilkington, chairman of Harrogate-based Vp, said: “I am delighted to welcome Phil to the board of Vp.

“His extensive business experience, both in the UK and internationally, will undoubtedly be a great asset to the group.”

Vp rents out equipment ranging from hydraulic ground supports capable of holding up to 500 tonnes to temporary aluminium roadways to powered hand tools.

Mr White is non-executive chairman of construction, services and property firm Kier Group, motor group Lookers and The UNITE Group, which develops and manages student accommodation, as well as a non-executive director at public transport provider Stagecoach Group.

A graduate of the University of Leeds, Mr White qualified as a chartered accountant with Deloitte.

He subsequently served in a variety of roles in the transport sector, including as CEO of National Express Group from 1997 to 2006.

Peter Parkin, who has served as a non-executive director since January 2000, will not be seeking re-election at the annual general meeting in 2013, said Vp yesterday.

In February, Vp said in an update to the stock exchange that it was trading in line with expectations, as sustained infrastructure demand makes up for weak construction markets.

The group said trading through winter was “satisfactory”, and expected to report profits for the year to the end of March in line with expectations. Vp was forecast to be a £167m turnover company by the end of March.