Co-op recruits for Northern acquisitions

The Co-operative Food has appointed Mike Harrison as regional acquisitions manager for the North of England.

Harrison has 35 years' experience in the property sector most recently with Original Factory Shop, and will identify and acquire new sites for food stores alongside opportunities for store relocations.

He will be working in Des Malone's North team, alongside Tim Hanser and Chris Moss, focusing on Cumbria, Northumberland and the North East.

Andrew Coles, the Co-operative Food's National Acquisitions Manager, said: "Mike has a huge amount of experience within the retail property sector, both nationally and regionally, and he will be integral to growing the food business across northern England."

The Co-operative has announced plans to open over 100 new stores in 2014, on both a leasehold and freehold basis, between 2,000 sq ft and 4,000 sq ft net sales area, particularly in high street and local community locations.