A NORTH-EAST consultancy has announced its second major expansion in less than a year and outlined further growth plans.

Stockton-based Steel River Consultants (SRC) has acquired Coresafe Consulting, in Liverpool as it continues to broaden its portfolio and expertise.

It will become SRC’s North-West satellite office from December 1, was established three years ago by 46-year-old Paul Jasper.

He said: “Linking up with SRC will enable us to go for bigger, more ambitious projects. SRC has the strength in depth that clients require. I’m confident SRC will be well placed to bid for many of the major construction and infrastructure projects taking shape across the North West.”

Graham Tyerman, SRC’s managing director, said the latest move was part of an ambitious strategy to offer health and safety services throughout the country.

Earlier this year the company opened a new office in Shardlow, six miles south-east of Derby, in a Grade-II listed building on the wharf-side of what was once a tributary of the Grand Union Canal.

He said: “Since we opened a new office in the Midlands the business has gone from strength-to-strength so when the opportunity to expand into the North West came along we didn’t hesitate.

“The North West is undergoing a major redevelopment at the moment and the market potential is huge. Coresafe already offered a broad range of services, from construction design and management, to asbestos surveys, workplace safety consultancy and health and safety audits. Now, with our muscle behind him, Paul will be able to bid for even bigger projects and framework agreements.”

Established in 2010, SRC has a core team of 16 experts who are working on projects throughout the country.

Mr Tyerman said the acquisition of Coresafe will open up new opportunities in the construction sector.

“We are always looking to diversify into new areas,” he said. “This deal offers new challenges and exciting opportunities for SRC. It increases our skills base and helps us deliver for clients in a new part of the country.”

“We are always looking for new expansion opportunities. Of course, it has to be the right fit for the business. We have the Midlands and the North West covered; going forward we will be looking at Scotland and strengthening our representation in the South East of England.”