A FURNITURE restoration company has increased its turnover by 25 per cent and is planning to expand with £15,000-worth of equipment.

Since moving to Derwentside in 2003, Allandale French Polishers has seen its turnover rise from £220,000 to £275,000 in its first year and expects to reach £330,000 by the end of this financial year.

The company, which restores furniture and manufactures bespoke radiator cabinets, has secured an investment of £15,000 from UK Steel Enterprise Limited (UKSE), the Corus Group subsidiary that supports new and growing businesses in steelmaking areas.

Managing director Nick Allan said the money would pay for equipment to expand the company's manufacturing and specialist repair operations.

Allandale works with many of the UK's major disaster companies, insurance companies and loss adjusters, with 70 per cent of its work coming from insurance claims.

The company was introduced to UKSE by DIDA, Derwentside's development agency, three years ago when it was planning to move.

Investment from UKSE enabled the company to move from the Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead, to the Tanfield Lea South Industrial Estate.

Since the move, it has increased its workforce from three to five and is planning to recruit another two workers soon.