A CONSTRUCTION firm has expanded in a move bosses hope will lay the foundations for further market growth and new jobs.

Francis W Group has taken on 5,000sq ft warehouse space at Darlington’s Lingfield Point.

Officials say the move is part of a wider investment in the company’s workforce and capabilities, which will allow it to provide a greater service range.

The firm incorporates Francis W Construction Limited and the newly-formed Francis W Groundworks Limited, and director Francis Ward said its Lingfield Point switch was necessitated, in part, by a market takeover, which has bolstered its offering and workforce.

He said: “We’re expanding as there is a lot of construction work taking place in the region and we want to capitalise on it.

“We’ve recently purchased an asphalt and resurfacing company, which included employing its staff, and we needed a bigger space to accommodate our growing team.

“Lingfield Point offered exactly what we wanted.

“We’ve found a great unit here; it’s spacious, has great access and the site is very secure with CCTV and automatic number plate recognition.

“The unit is spacious enough for both companies and our equipment and the site offers everything we could need.”

The company is also about to take on four apprentices as it seeks to navigate a skills shortage.

Chris Howard, another director at the firm, said: “We recognise the need to build skills for the future, which is why we are about to take on the new apprentices.

“We envisage even further growth of our team and sub-contractor supply chain.”

Eddie Humphries, estate manager at Lingfield Point, said Francis W Group’s arrival was another fillip for the business hub, which already counts operators such as outsourcing firm Capita and the Student Loans Company as tenants.

He added: “Francis W Group joins a growing number of regional, national and international firms choosing to join our business community.

“We’re seeing a healthy uptake across all sectors from construction to financial services.

“Our continuing success is due to the great location, flexible spaces and fantastic customer service.”