United Kingdom: Scotland’s biggest independent brewer, Belhaven, has appointed Ron Robson as group finance director with effect from April 4. He joins from ARR Craib Transport, Scotland’s second largest logistics and distribution company and among the industry’s largest privately owned groups operating throughout the UK and Europe, where he is finance director. Stuart Ross, chief executive of the Dunbar-based Belhaven, said: "I extend a very warm welcome to Ron who I am sure will be a key member of Belhaven’s executive team for many years to come.

"His energy, drive, intellect, strong work ethic and down-to-earth business style should make him an excellent fit into the Belhaven team." Mr Robson replaces David Morrison, who has been finance director at Belhaven since 1989. The brewer last November posted record half-year profits, saying it was on course for a 15th successive year of sales and profit growth.

Belhaven posted a better-than-expected 27 per cent rise in profits to £9.7 million and a 20.4 per cent lift in sales to £47.15m in the six months to September 26. It said this was an "outstanding" performance against a background of poor summer weather. It also said that it was "on track" to hit its target of 300 pub outlets by the end of 2005.

The company added that it was working on plans to combat any negative effect on business from the forthcoming smoking ban in pubs.

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