North East building services firm creates new jobs with expansion into Carlisle

HLA Services, the facilities management and building service specialist, is marking its 15th anniversary by establishing a permanent base in Carlisle.

The Tyne and Wear-based company is expected to create several jobs after establishing the base at Warwick Mill Business Centre.

HLA staff are already working on a multi-million pound overhaul of Rufus House in Carlisle, which is set to become the new Edinburgh Woollen Mill headquarters.

In the last 12 months, HLA Services has also secured heating, ventilation and air-conditioning contracts with Direct Rail Services, Cumbria Mechanicals, Lakes Catering, Croft Construction and several mechanical services companies in the region.

Paul Smith, contracts director at HLA Services, said: “The amount of work we have already secured demonstrates that North West clients welcome our expertise and the diversity and quality of our service range.”

Set up in 2003, HLA Services specialises in design, supply, installation and planned maintenance of 13 strands of commercial property services including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and mechanical services.

From its bases in Boldon and Middlesbrough, the company services a UK-wide client base including Nissan, Caterpillar UK, Akzo Nobel, Aldi, Greggs, Virgin Money and Unipress, as well as all four North East universities, most recently the addition of Durham University.

Mr Smith added: “It is very gratifying in our 15th year to be able to continue our growth plans and set up a new base that will create employment. Our Cumbria base will help us to consolidate our position in the North West and meet the needs of our growing client base in the area.

“Our long term plan has always been to establish a third UK office and over the last year we have picked up a lot of work in the region, both directly and through main contractors and partners, so this is the next logical step.

“Although we provide a wide range of building services in addition to heating, ventilation and air conditioning, we have developed strong partnerships with mechanical services providers within the Cumbria area, and we are working with them to provide those particular services.

“2018 is shaping up to be a busy year for us but part of our longevity in the market relies on keeping ahead of the curve so we are not resting on our laurels.”

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