A RECYCLING firm says it will create jobs after a £7.5m investment.

J&B Recycling, in Hartlepool, has received support from Business Growth Fund (BGF).

Bosses say the cash sum will bolster wider expansion plans, which include opening a Middlesbrough-based commercial waste treatment centre.

They told The Northern Echo they also expect it to deliver at least 25 new posts.

The company already operates two recycling sites in Hartlepool and a Middlesbrough waste transfer station, and works with a number of local authorities and housing organisations.

Employing more than 170 staff, the firm, run by Vikki Jackson-Smith, diverts waste away from landfill, and says it was the first in the Tees Valley to set up a plastic bottle bank scheme.

Ms Jackson-Smith, managing director, founded the recycling business in 2000 to build on the Solid Fuel Business her father Alan Jackson established in the 1970’s.

She said: “I’m delighted we have secured this significant investment to help execute our exciting growth plans.

“Together with our advisers, Cavu Corporate Finance, we reviewed the UK development capital market for investment and I was delighted with the substantial interest our plans created.

“We believe BGF will be the ideal partner for us; they take a long-term view, are experienced investors in family businesses, and the chemistry felt right from the very first meeting.

“This investment will further enhance our reputation as we look to collect, recover and recycle more and more waste to put to new use.”

Independent company BGF, which says it aims to help the UK’s growing businesses, said the investment was its first venture into Teesside, and comes after it put £8m into County Durham-based pub operator Wear Inns.

Richard Taylor, Business Growth Fund investment director, added: “J&B has developed from a small business into a reputable, established ethical recycling and waste management company, with an extremely strong family management team.

“Vikki is an excellent role model for aspiring female entrepreneurs, as she has built a business with longevity and the prospects for excellent future growth.

“We are also pleased to extend into Teesside and increase our investment momentum in the North-East.

“The creation of jobs will help the areas of Hartlepool and Middlesbrough, and we are looking forward to helping the company to develop further.”

Mr Taylor added as part of the investment, non-executive director Ross Smith will take on the role of non-executive chairman.