A BUILDING control firm is looking to double the size of its workforce after adding new offices and securing new contracts despite the problems facing the construction sector.

Middlesbrough-based Aedis Regulatory Services has seen demand for its inspection services increase over recent months, allowing it to launch two new offices in Farnborough and London, with a further office at Thorpe Park in Leeds set to open in the coming weeks.

The firm’s wide remit has allowed it to grow through a downturn, with its work including a contract with national sandwich chain Subway, which recently surpassed McDonald’s as the world’s biggest fast food chain with 33,749 sites across the globe.

The firm, which was launched in 2008, is now looking to add a project management arm to the business, along with a range of regulatory assessment services.

The company’s client list also includes Hilton Hotels, for which it has overseen a number of refurbishment projects, and Coventry City Football Club.

In addition to its larger contracts, the firm is also benefiting from growing demand from domestic customers, which includes overseeing housing extensions and loft conversions.

With a steady pipeline of work, the company has seen its workforce grow from three staff in 2009 to 15 currently, with the firm hoping to grow this to 30 over the next three years. The company, which also operates out of offices in Newcastle, Sunderland, Richmond, Warrington, Coventry, and Northampton, is also looking to double its £500,000 turnover in the same period.

Company director Steven Spence said: “We always knew that there was a great opportunity for our inspection services.

“Traditionally, most local authorities have delivered building inspection but private sector accredited companies such as ourselves are ensuring there is now a better choice for all parts of the market.

“We can offer our expert services to the general public, building contractors, architects and planners, as they all recognise the advantages we offer.

“They like the way we do business – quick, practical and pragmatic is our approach, working within all the legal and statutory guidelines.”

With the Government looking to cuts costs in all areas, the firm is hoping to secure more public sector work, and is currently bidding on two such contracts.

Mr Spence said: “It is clear that the public sector is shrinking in all departments, so there is definitely an opportunity for us in this area.”