M-Partners will provide marketing, PR and agency services to production and supply companies in the sector.

In the short-term, Lock will continue to work with MAN Roland GB, where he has been employed for more than 20 years, in a consultancy capacity from his new office in Wallington, Surrey.

"I'm leaving a really dynamic team at MAN Roland GB, and I will certainly miss working with them on a day-to-day basis," said Lock.

The new company has already been appointed by Alderson Brothers to assist in marketing strategy. A number of other clients are expected to be announced in the near future.

Lock's long-term plan is to expand the operation by working with specialists to expand M-Partners' services. "I'm also looking at finance and taking on agency representations in the UK," said Lock.