A FAMILY firm of Gateshead surveyors is expanding as it tries to win business further afield.

Wakefields Chartered Building Surveyors, which has been based in Gateshead since it was formed more than 60 years ago, is opening a second office in Leazes Park Road, Newcastle city centre.

The firm is led by partners Nick Lever, Andrew Lorimer and Mark Watson and boasts a team of three surveyors and two support staff. It expects to add to its team.

The second office is being opened to boost the company’s profile in the area and to grow the business organically and potentially through acquisition.

The company has acquired the four-storey Georgian property with the help of Gordon Brown Law Firm.

Andrew Lorimer, partner at the firm, said: “We’re a multi-disciplinary surveying firm and that broad toolkit has really helped us during the slow-down.

“We’ve worked hard over the last few years and are now in a strong position to grow.

“With retained clients and new business we will be looking at recruiting to ensure we continue to deliver quality services.”