PROPERTY developer Rok will bring more jobs to the region as part of aggressive expansion plans.

Rok Property Solutions chief executive Garvis Snook said the number of tradesmen employed by the firm would increase six fold, while the number of branches across the UK is to more than double over the next five years.

"We currently employ 2,400 people - 1,000 of which are tradesmen. In the next five years we expect to increase the number of trades people to 6,500, while tripling the number of other staff," he said.

"What we want to do is rather than rely on subcontracting, we want to deliver directly through our own tradesmen. That will improve our margins and deliver more consistency in our work. A lot of this growth will be in the North of England. We have already been recruiting a lot of trades people in the North-East."

Rok, which employs about 200 people at its offices in Stockton and Newcastle, yesterday posted record results for the fifth consecutive year.

The Exeter-based building firm said pre-tax profits had risen 38 per cent to £16.1m in the year to December, while group revenue had increased 12 per cent to £555.8m.

Mr Snook said Rok had made strong progress in the social housing market in the region since its acquisition of Billingham-based Ballast two years ago.

Projects include a multi-million pound revamp of Your Homes Newcastle's housing stock, a new sports facility at Hetton School and the renovation of 800 homes in Middlesbrough on behalf of Erimus Housing.

Area leader Mitchell Smith said: "Rok has established itself as a leading player in the construction industry here in the North-East.

"Our partnerships are continuing to develop with the various associates involved and this will continue to strengthen Rok's reputation as the nation's local builder."

Rok has about 40 branches nationwide and intends to open another 60 in the next five years, which will include a number in the region