Appleby Westward's managing director has resigned and will leave the company at the end of September.

John Pattison joined the Spar wholesaler in December 2008 as group business director before being appointed managing director in April 2009, when he took over from Ian Connell, who retired after nine years at the helm.

The company is now on the hunt for a successor for Pattison. Chairman Leo Crawford said: "We entirely respect John's desire to progress his career and are working with him to effect an ­efficient handover ­before he leaves."