Cheshire company, Bridgemere UK has appointed a new chief financial officer, Nicole Burstow.

Ms Burstow is joining from deputy CEO and CFO roles at Dow Schofield Watts.

This change comes as the previous CFO, Ashley Lewis, is set to retire after 20 years with the company.

Bridgemere UK, overseen by Steve Morgan CBE, forms part of the billion-pound Bridgemere Group.

Making investments primarily in property and leisure sectors, they hold stakes in companies such as Carden Park Hotel & Spa and Castle Green Homes, one of the UK’s fastest-growing housebuilders.

Mr Morgan celebrated the appointment, saying: "It’s an exciting time for Bridgemere and we’re delighted to have recruited someone of Nicole’s calibre."

Nicole Burstow outside Carden Park Hotel & Spa  (Image: Bridgemere UK)

He explained the high degree of interest in the position due to its unusual location outside of London and highlighted the diversity of the business's projects.

"Nicole was an exceptional candidate in a very strong field, and she joins the company at a time of huge opportunity," he added.

Detailing the company's recent ventures, Mr Morgan mentioned: "Castle Green Homes is looking to build 600 homes in the current financial year while we’ve invested £25m in the last five years alone at the Carden Park Hotel, including £10m to develop an award-winning spa, now recognised as one of the best in Europe."

Ms Burstow expressed her excitement at her new role, saying: "I’m delighted to have joined Bridgemere.

"It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I knew I just couldn’t turn down."

Speaking to the special circumstances of the job, she added: "The range and diversity of the role is unique and we are seeing a number of exciting opportunities in the current market."

Lastly, Mr Morgan paid tribute to outgoing CFO, at the end of a two-decade professional relationship, wishing him well for his retirement.