Mike Austin has been appointed to a senior role with the United Co-operatives group based in Bradford.

Reporting to him will be the heads of the Sunwin Motor Group, Sunwin Cash Processing Services, both Bradford-based and Concorde Contract Cleaning, which operates from Warrington.

Mr Austin has worked for United for 20 years, after early experience in the motor trade. He held posts in the Department Stores and Rentals businesses and was involved in the setting up of Cash Processing Services.

He was appointed to head the Sunwin Motor Group in 1996. Replacing Mr Austin as general manager of the Sunwin Motor Group is Tony Guest, who was previously group after sales manager.

Mr Guest has worked in the motor trade for 30 years, the last ten with Sunwin.

At the same time Steve Whitaker has moved up to become group operations manager for the Sunwin Motor Group. He previously held the position of Renault franchise manager for Sunwin, with particular responsibility for the flagship dealership in Bradford.

Mr Whitaker has many years of experience in motor dealerships, particularly in sales.

Mr Austin said: "My new role is to ensure the continuing development of three successful businesses. At the same time, we have strengthened the senior management of Sunwin Motor Group, making use of the deep industry experience of our top team."

United Co-operatives is the largest independent Co-operative Society in the UK, with a turnover of £1.7 million per year and employing 15,000 staff.

Sunwin Motor Group sold its 50,000th car during 2002. It operates Renault, Peugeot, Fiat, Nissan, Rover and Land Rover Dealerships in West Yorkshire.

Sunwin Cash Processing Services is a fast growing business which provides a range of money handling services to retailers and banks.

Concorde Contract Services' clients for cleaning and hygiene services include aviation companies at Manchester Airport, retailers and health clubs.