WITH a name like J H Shouksmith and Sons the York-based building services engineers is obviously a family venture.

However the business has gone beyond a father and son operation after appointing its seventh generation family members to managerial roles.

Based in Murton Way, and founded in 1820, the firm has appointed brothers David and Edward Shouksmith, both sons of company chairman Richard Shouksmith, as managing director and commercial manager respectively.

David will replace John Miller, who has been managing director since 2002 and is soon to retire following 49 years’ service.

Mr Miller will continue as a director of J H Shouksmiths and Sons Ltd. until the end of 2014 and will then act as a consultant to them until the end of 2016.

David, who joined the company's Leeds office in 2005, was appointed as director of the company in July 2012, and prior to that was York divisional manager, where he has been responsible for the general management, overall direction and successful completion of all projects delivered by the York Division.

Edward is a fully qualified estimator and started his career with Morfitts, a former trading division of J H Shouksmith and Sons Ltd. He is e-joining the company following time spent working in other organisations in the building services industry.

Chairman Richard Shouksmith said: “These are very exciting times for Shouksmiths and I am delighted that David and Edward have been appointed to these roles and will be the seventh generation of my family to be involved in running the company.

"They have already gathered a substantial amount of experience in the construction industry and are fully aware of both the opportunities and the challenges it brings. I wish them both great success and look forward to working with them in the future.

"I would also like to express my thanks to John Miller, who has given us such an enormous amount during his long service with us.

" We wish him well during his retirement and are delighted that he will be available to continue his association with the company for some time to come.”

Current contracts being undertaken by J H Shouksmith and Sons include work on a medical centre in Chester, student accommodation in Swansea and Leeds, housing schemes in South Yorkshire and homes refurbishment work in Doncaster. The company also has a specialist Maintenance and Refrigeration division based in Leeds.