Tony Tompkins has been appointed network director of the Fortec Distribution Network.

The role will see him work closely with the company’s three regional commercial managers - Neil Kinnear in the north, Steve Wyton in the Midlands and David Spong in the south - forging stronger relationships with each of the 65-strong licensees and in turn developing a more robust network.

Through the regional commercial managers he will also build relationships with the Fortec staff, helping them reach their full potential for the benefit of the company and its licensees.

Tony, who is originally from the north east but who now lives in Warwickshire, started in the transport industry in 1978 at the age of 21 when he joined the National Freight Corporation. He started as a trainee before moving into management.

In 1980 he joined United Carriers, working his way up from depot manager to regional manager. In 1990, he moved into hub management when he joined Carryfast, which was later taken over by UPS.

In 1993, he joined Target Express as a senior manager and in 2007 he became a regional director with City Link, which had acquired Target Express. He remained with City Link until last year.