SCOTLAND’S leading haulier is driving its UK expansion in the North East after investing £70,000 in new premises and taking on four members of staff.

Aberdeen-based Grampian Continental recently moved into new warehouse space in Bedlington, Northumberland, which becomes the firm’s third base in the United Kingdom.

The North East base will offer access to new trade lanes, complimenting its European service to Holland via the DFDS Seaways ferry link.

The award-winning firm, named Scotland’s European Haulier of the Year 2012, has shown significant growth in the last year with an expansion to its premises in Aberdeen, the launch of the firm’s second European base in Verona, Italy, and an increase to its modern fleet.

The new Bedlington base boasts a 205 sq m warehouse along with an acre of yard space.

The opening of the office is part of a five-year investment for the company.

It will see Grampian Continental expanding into new trade lanes within the United Kingdom, while focussing mainly on London, Manchester and the North East.

Finance director for Grampian Continental, Neil Bremner, said: “We have received some good feedback already on the new Bedlington premises. This allows us to concentrate on the international markets to offer easier transportation of loads for new and existing customers.

“We see Newcastle as a key hotspot within the UK haulage industry and have plans to further grow the office and client base in the area.”