A FAMILY fire-fighting business set up only seven months ago in Durham is expanding rapidly - in more than one direction.

Brian Hogg and Paul Bainbridge set up Fyr Fyter (UK) to provide a one-stop service to the business and domestic market. Both families are backing the pair all the way, with wives Sheryl and Sue as well as Paul's parents Rosalyn and Les helping with book-keeping, accounts, sales and stock controle.

Not only is the business expanding but the families are growing too. Brian's daughter Sophi arrived in March followed two months later by Paul's little girl Charlotte.

"It certainly has been a busy few months," said Brian, whose business is based on Durham's Dragonville Industrial Park.

"We are pleased with progress so far and would not be here without the backing and hard work of our families. It's been a real team effort."

Fyr Fyter not only supplies and services everything from fire extinguishers and hose-reels to fire alarms, but also installs fireproof barriers, carries out risk assessments and surveys for all types of businesses and home.

The company has mobile workshop facilities and offers an on-site CO2 filling facilities for extinguishers as well as a 24-hour call out, same-day delivery service and staff training.

The construction industry around the UK is proving to be a big customer and work is also coming from the retail, industrial and domestic markets. Between them, the pair have more than 30 years experience in the fire products industry. The two met while working at a large company along with Lynsey Newhouse, who is their new office manager.

"We seem to be filling a gap in the market by providing a flexible and fast service high-quality equipment and competitive rates," said Paul. "One of the reasons that we wanted to run our own business was to retain the direct customer contact with we felt we were losing in a large company."

With support from Business Link Country Durham, the pair completed courses in business training and marketing with the development agency in Derwentside. They have received financial support through Enterprise Allowance and from two local councils