The boss of a facilities management and services group is poised to retire after 25 years with the business.

Mike Britch, managing director of Norse Group, has announced he is to step down with Norse Commercial Services head Dean Wetteland to replace him.

Mr Britch will continue to work on a part-time basis over the next six months to ensure a smooth transition at the Norfolk County Council-owned business.

Mr Britch said: 'The past 25 years have been hugely fulfilling and exciting from when I first joined Norfolk County Council as managing director of NPS Property Consultants, to becoming managing director of the Norse Group in 2006 right through to the present day.

'The Norse Group has always prided itself on delivering good services, creating jobs and returning profit to help build strong public services both in Norfolk and beyond.

'I am proud that NPS and the Norse Group have grown in success and achieved a great deal of recognition for the county council and Norfolk in terms of being at the forefront of innovative public service delivery and effective public partnerships.

'I am very confident the company has an even more promising future, but after 25 years, I think it's time to let someone else take the helm.

'I am sure Dean can build on the success of the group. Over the next 6 months I will be very happy to play my part helping to make the transition a smooth one for all concerned.'

Chairman of the Norse Group Board, Tom McCabe, paid tribute to Mike Britch's strategic leadership of the group. He said:

'The Norse model is an extremely successful and winning formula which is why the companies have grown so successfully from their roots in Norfolk to the point where we have joint venture companies with local authorities up and down the country and an impressive order book.

'I would like to thank Mike for the great contribution he has made to the success of NPS and the Norse Group over many years. Twenty five years of public service in Norfolk and beyond is a major achievement. He has really earned his retirement and I wish him very well for the future. Mike leaves the group in a very strong position and with a very bright future.

'This decision makes this a timely moment to review our support services.

'As they have grown over time, NPS and NCS have developed different systems and ways of working in some instances. Bringing together teams and systems will both improve value for money and company profitability.

'As a board member Dean Wetteland already knows both companies well and I am very confident he will successfully lead the group to future success. Mike's continued assistance, over the next six months, will help make the transition as smooth as possible.'

NPS Group Operations Director Steve Daw will take on all operational NPS responsibilities under the management of Dean Wetteland.

Norse Group, which employs some 6,000 in Norfolk, is a member of the EDP/EADT Top 100 list of largest companies in Norfolk and Suffolk by turnover.