A FURNITURE maker from Teesdale is looking to expand his business and take on staff after moving into new premises.

Chris Beckett has opened Christopher Beckett Bespoke at Stainton Grove Industrial Estate, near Barnard Castle, following years of experience with high-end furniture makers.

His products vary from his years of experience in the industry and they range from kitchens and shelving to gates and shop interiors.

Mr Beckett, who has lived in Barnard Castle most of his life, said: "I love making furniture – the more challenging the better. The extra space at Stainton allows me to build furniture and I’ve built the spray shop and the office to run alongside.

"I’ve been doing this for years but there’s always something new to learn. It can be a challenge – especially when scribing the furniture to the walls of older buildings – but that’s what I like about the job."

Stainton Grove is run by Business Durham, the economic development company for County Durham working on behalf of Durham County Council.

Sarah Slaven, interim managing director, said: "It’s great that Chris has launched his own business at Stainton and that the premises are the perfect fit for his business. We looked forward to seeing the company thrive in the future."

Mr Beckett has been self-employed before with his own business Teesdale Furniture Makers, as well as working for high-end furniture companies, such as Anthony Nixon in Barnard Castle. He decided to launch Christopher Beckett Bespoke after being inundated with people wanting bespoke furniture.

"The new premises are great and I’ll have the space to build more furniture and take on more staff as the business grows," he said.