AN office supplies firm says it will create 50 jobs after moving to a £7m industrial estate.

Complete Office Solutions (COS) has taken a unit at Portobello Trade Park, based off the A1(M), near Chester-le-Street.

The Yorkshire company has signed a 20-year lease on a 20,000sq ft base, which will become its North-East headquarters.

COS has taken on the new premises after the acquisition of three local businesses; Central Office Supplies, of Darlington, DDC UK, of Durham City, and Newcastle-based Alexander Office Supplies.

The company supplies stationery, IT service and support and business machines, and says its Portobello move is part of a five-year growth plan.

Richard Coulson, managing director, said: “Our aim is to cover all areas of the UK and more than double our turnover in the next five years.

“Portobello provides the ideal location for our new North-East headquarters, with close proximity to the A1 ensuring fast and efficient delivery to customers.”

COS’ arrival is the fourth letting at the trade park since it was completed in October, and brings occupancy levels to 40 per cent.

The Bathroom Cladding Shop, Excel RAC Limited and Polar Front have also moved in.

Sitting on more than six acres of land, bosses previously said Portobello will provide space for 15 light industrial units for small and medium-sized firms, creating about 200 jobs.

Developer Ravensworth Property Developments, based near Durham City, oversaw its construction, receiving a £982,000 loan from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership and £2.75m from the European Regional Development Fund to complete a £7m funding package.

Keith Stewart, head of industrial agency at Naylors, who secured the COS letting, added: “Demand remains strong and we are in discussions with a number of potential occupiers.”