TOP businessman Richard Jackson has been appointed as non-executive director of The Skelwith Group, the rapidly-expanding York-based developer.

Mr Jackson was formerly executive chairman of Nidd Vale Motors, managing director of Centaur Clothes Group and a successful property entrepreneur for more than 40 years. He was awarded an MBE for his services to charity in 2002.

He arrives as The Skelwith Group is developing various high-profile schemes, including the £100 million Flaxby Country Resort due to open between Harrogate and York in 2011; Raithwaite Hall in Whitby; Aspire, the scheme due to open in York in January housing a branch of Sainsbury’s, apartments and serviced offices, and a £30 million apartments conversion completed last month at Woolston Warehouse in Bradford city centre. And he will be in the company of other well-known names. Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan joined the Skelwith board earlier this year and will be the figurehead to attract major golfing events to the Flaxby Country Resort, where he has already invested in one of its 300 luxury rooms.

Paul Ellis, founder and managing director of the five-year-old Skelwith Group, said: “Having someone of Richard’s calibre on the Skelwith board is a real coup for the firm and will help in continuing our rapid growth and success. “He has a history of achievement over many years, in various sectors, and he will add experience to the already strong Skelwith team. I am very excited about working with him and learning from him.”

Mr Jackson said: “It is a very exciting time for the company and I hope I can add to the continuing progress of the firm. Over the last two years the Skelwith Group has led the way in the Yorkshire development and leisure market with some fantastic schemes and very high ambitions. “It’s a great opportunity to help the company grow further and deliver the iconic developments in the pipeline.”