The vastly experienced Murphy – formerly chief executive of media group Carlton Communications and global logistics firm Exel – has agreed to accept the rather grand title of ‘retail champion’.

As ethereal as this sounds it means that he will be charged with evaluating a range of red-tape cutting measures, from ensuring that different regulatory bodies do not impose opposing regulatory requirements to overseeing the provision of more effective information and advice to retailers.

Commenting on the appointment, trade secretary Patricia Hewitt noted that ‘there is much for us to do [in terms of regulatory reform] and we want to use the expertise of business and the public sector to identify further areas for reform… Gerry Murphy will play a significant role in this.’

• For further information visit: www.dti.gov.uk/fiveyearprogramme.html