EUROPEAN stairlift and platform lift supplier Access Business Development is expanding its offices, located on Preston Farm Business Park in Stockton.

The moves comes after growing considerably since relocating to the area from Teesside Industrial Estate in 2005.

After more than seven years in the existing building, Access BDD has taken on an additional building on the same site following several new dealer account wins across the UK and Europe which has given the company a broader coverage of the marketplace.

The new office has the potential to accommodate up to an additional 50 members of staff and will therefore be a fundamental part of the additional growth plans that the company has for the next three years and will also contribute to further recruitment in the local area.

Graham Chapman, managing director at Access BDD, said: “Access BDD has grown dramatically in the five years, swelling in head count from 27 to almost 80. This growth has happened as a result of a number of planned initiatives including the launch of new products and services as well as the new territories we have grown into.

“The new building will allow us to make some changes to the way we do business and will also provide room for the growth plans - particularly in the UK markets where more focus is needed on private sales following the reduction of public spending.”

The expansion coincides with the appointment of two new staff members. Paul Scott has been appointed UK sales team leader and Michael Clemmet has joined the field sales team.

The move into the new building has also enabled the company to create a new training and demonstration facility in the existing premises, which will be complete and ready for use by early spring this year.