A PROPERTY and construction consultancy has opened its first office in the North-East to cope with its expanding client base.

Haleys, which specialises in the mechanical and engineering elements of building projects, has set up on Buddle Road, in Newcastle.

The Surrey-based company employs more than 130 staff in its seven UK offices and said last night the move to Newcastle would create further positions, although it could not give an exact figure.

Steve Haley, managing director, said: "Newcastle was an obvious choice for our new office site.

"It is a vibrant region and I know Derek Smith, the newly-appointed local regional manager, is looking forward to developing the office and the company's profile in the area."

Haleys was established in 1989 and is a construction consultancy.

It operates in the fields of retail, residential, commercial, health, education, rail, industrial, IT and telecoms, as well as in the public sector.