A new managing director has been appointed at Cumbrian training firm Gen2.

Paul Storey will replace Mike Smith OBE, who has taken up a new role with Gen2's parent company the City & Guilds Group, prior to his retirement in September.

Mr Storey was Gen2’s chief operating officer and has already spent over 10 years in an executive role within the organisation.

He said: “I am delighted to be appointed as Gen2’s new managing director.

"We have a fantastic team here at Gen2.

"Since Gen2’s formation, our apprenticeship programmes have seen over 2,500 young people move into full time employment in the local area.

"We are very proud of what we do and in particular the benefits we bring, not just to our customers, but also in the opportunities we help to make possible in the local community.

"I look forward to the future and continuing to deliver the solutions that allow our customers to thrive and succeed."

Chris Jones, City & Guilds Group chief executive, said: “I am delighted at Paul’s promotion.

"The experience and enthusiasm he brings for high quality training delivery will be key as Gen2 enters the next phase of its growth and we develop what we plan to be a network of Institutes of Advanced Technology able to serve both the UK and international customers.”