A DIRECTOR with one of York's largest technology companies is retiring after 45 years as the firm prepares to announced record trading results.

Ed Everard is stepping down from his role as sales and marketing director with Saville Audio Visual having joined the business at the age of 17.

Upon leaving the company Mr Everard is soon to take over as president of the York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

Starting with York photographic business John Saville and Sons in 1970, Mr Everard progressed to the firm's professional audio visual department and alongside managing director John Sills, helped to build a national network of Saville Audio Visual customers.

During his time with the company turnover has grown from £106,000 in 1970, to £16 million by the 1990s, and now to a landmark £40 million.

Mr Everard joined the board of the business in 1986, and ten years later became part of a three-man management buyout team.

Speaking about the timing of his decision, Mr Everard said: "This seems like the right time for me, as we prepare to announce record trading results for 2014.

"I also want to make room for new talent to take up the mantle.

"Like many specialist high tech businesses, we were faced with serious challenges during the difficult financial climate seven years ago.

"I'm pleased to say we approached the problems with a positive attitude and managed to ride it out.

"Today we are continuing to invest in new technology and expand our business operations."

As one of the region's largest technology-based employers, with headquarters in Nether Poppleton, Saville Audio Visual counts many of the UK's biggest blue-chip businesses and public sector organisations as its customers, from the likes of BAE Systems and Lloyds Register to universities, Government departments and the NHS.

Mr Everard has also seen the company develop an international portfolio of live event services in the UK and abroad, with the events team providing the staging facilities for the Press Business Awards and the York Community Pride Awards for almost 20 years.

Mr Everard, who will continue to be involved with Saville's in a consultancy role, said: "I'm happy to be handing over the commercial reins here knowing that the company is moving forward in great shape."